The winter has come with a vengeance. Accompanying the cold is fog and a general greyness that depresses the spirit. Today, after a week of trial and tribulations, the day started with a burst of blue that immediately lifted the spirit. Oh, the blueness, it was pure joy. The fog has gone, and I can see the hills from the hotel verandah.
This weekend sees the start of the Christmas market at Bratislava. In the Old Town near the Main Square, stalls have been erected or are being erected, selling food, wine, and Christmas decorations. There was also a small skating rink, draped with banners of the Slovakians' most popular car - Škoda. People were milling around, with a drink in their hand, eating the Slovakian version of fast food such as chicken in a bun, pork escalope in a bun.
 |
| Ice Skating - the ice here is levelled by hand and shovel |
 |
| Food stalls not yet open. Background is National Theatre |
 |
| The Main Square |
 |
| One of the stalls selling traditional ginger bread |
