In winter it can get very depressing

Enjoy Bratislava! Deeper into Eastern Europe, the brutalist hand of Communism wreaked greater havoc. Regrettably, part of the Old Town, including most of the old Jewish Quarter, was demolished to make way for this bridge (and restaurant in the UFO section).

Nový Most

However, a modern-day renaissance (including accession to the EU) has seen many foreign companies set up shop here, and the economy is rapidly catching up to the Czech Republic.

Coat of Arms

Here too there is a Christmas Market in the old town square.

Christmas Market

It's a shame we have only a couple of hours to spend here. It's really quite beautiful, with far fewer crowds than Prague, a mere 290 km away. A return visit in the summer would be very nice.

St. Michael's Gate

Inside the gate is a compass, showing direction and distance to various world cities.

Toronto - 6981 km