Slovakia used to be part of Czechoslovakia which broke up into Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993. This breakup is called a Velvet Divorce, referencing to a peaceful dissolution of the federation after a bloodless Velvet Revolution of 1989. This also represented their divorce from the communism and conversion to democratic government after the Soviet Union broke apart.
Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia. Slovakia has a population of 5.4 million and approximately 500,000 people live in Bratislava. Slovakia, a relatively new nation of 23 years of age, has successfully industrialized itself with a focus on automobile manufacturing. Reportedly, Slovakia has manufacturing plants for Kia, Jagua, Volkswagen, producing 1 million cars annually. That is quite significant in light of its total population.
We took an audio-guided tram tour to drive around the city. The highlight was the visit to the palace located on top of the mountain. The view of the city and the River Danube was spectacular from above. We found many old buildings that demonstrate the city's old history. Also I found a tiny truck that was designed to run a mobile coffee shop. Cute!
One of the city's attractions is a restaurant located above a suspension bridge, which looks like a UFO. It is indeed called a UFO Restaurant.
In our previous visit a few years ago, we walked around the city downtown and found many interesting sculptures, including Paparazzi. We did not get to see them this time. - Jeffrey
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