1. There is a beautiful blend of old and new
Similar to many European towns and cities, Bratislava, the capital city, is a unique canvas in which the old and new world are varnished together in tasteful elegance. Because of its strategic location situated on the Danube River, Slovakia has been a thriving settlement for centuries and continues to be a financial hub in Eastern Europe; therefore, it is not uncommon to have striking contemporary buildings adjacent to far older and equally eye-catching, traditional structures. Although this style is fairly common within Europe, as someone who has seen many of the continent's fine cities, I must divulge that Slovakia's hodgepodge of styles is distinct and worth experiencing first hand.
2. English is not as widely understood as it is in Western Europe
Although it is somewhat ignorant to perceive that English is a universal language as a traveler, it is somewhat true in that many non-English speaking states have conformed to the language. However, Slovakia is somewhat of a mixed bag with English proficiency. In my short time here, I have found it somewhat difficult in restaurants and shops to communicate clearly with native Slovaks here in Bratislava and the more urban areas are said to be more proficient than the rural portions of the country. If you plan on traveling outside of the few major settlements in Slovakia to experience the allure of the nation's natural beauty, it is advised (but not necessary) to have an interpreter or a Slovak-English dictionary at the very least.
3. Castles are everywhere
This country could have been envisioned out of a wet-dream for anyone who fancies Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, or is into LARP-ing, as you will be hard pressed to travel anywhere in the country and not find breathtaking medieval architecture or an impressive castle. Almost immediately when you enter Slovakia by way of Austria you are greeted by an imposing fortification that watches over Bratislava and flanks the banks of the Danube and this is only one of many. There are over 300 castles in the nation of only 5.3 million, which is the world record (in case you were wondering). It is for this reason that many of these beautiful historical sites have been featured on the big screen in countless hit films and TV shows.
4. The service industry reflects the former USSR culture
In America, the service industry is held to stringent social standards that are easily taken for granted. I had no idea how expedient the service was in the US until coming to Slovakia. It is not to say that the hardworking Slovakian waiters and waitresses are not of high quality, but the "customer is always right" mentality that is so much of an expectation in the US is not the case in the former USSR state. It has not been uncommon for me to see my server for the first few moments and then wait for a half an hour or more with my drink order before seeing him or her again to order my food, and they are not always roaming around and tending to every wish as it is the case in the states. One guide has said it is due to the former communist mentality of productivity, whether it be laborious or stagnant, results in the same equality of outcome regardless of the quality of services provided. This in conjunction with a slower-paced, relaxed culture and tips included in checks all contribute to an overall service industry culture that differs from that seen in the US.
5. Homogeneous demographics
Unlike major cultural centers that I've been to such as London or New York, Bratislava has little diversity when it comes to race. I have been hard pressed to see anyone who is not white outside of several of my travel companions. Not that race is something a cultured person notices in everyday life, it is certainly noteworthy when the destination of your journey is clearly all-white. It is not purely institutionalized, for certain cultural and geographic factors play into why it is perhaps less diverse than more heterogeneous states.
6. Slovakia's government is less than 30 years old
Modern Slovakia's first elections were held in 1992, which may make the current state's government younger than most of the people reading this article. Just because the former soviet state is young in comparison to Western and Central Europe, it does not mean that its people are lacking in national pride. It is interesting to ponder upon the effects of history of the government and its correlation to nationalism and unity, but in Slovakia's case, the history is so abundant that it would be impossible for its inhabitants not to be a proud and unified people.
7. There is an abundance of natural beauty
I have been everywhere from the peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the Fjords of Norway and I have not seen a small state with such vast and diverse wildlife. The richness of the flora can be seen in depths of its mineral pools encapsulated in the craggy peaks, surrounded by steppes and forests as far as the eye can see. If you find yourself planning your next vacation and want affordable adventure coupled with rich history and refined elegance, then book that flight to Bratislava and make as much time as you can to roam the whole countryside if possible, for each piece of it is unique and offers something for every type of traveler.
