Bratislava,Slovakia--Day Four

Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia. It appeared to be a very poor city. "Old Town" was the part of the city we toured. The buildings had just recently been restored--for the first time since the end of Communism in '93. This was the city where Mozart performed his first concert when he was 6.
Every town had beautiful somewhat elaborate Christmas decorations--and they did not have problem calling it Christmas at all--no Holiday this or that.

The tour guide was so thrilled to tell us that we would ride downtown on the mini-train. It was bare bones but something they were very proud of having.

This was one of the example of graffiti that I thought was particularly indicitive of the desperation soneone felt.

This is a statue of Hans Christian Anderson. I guess I was talking,m taking pictures or not paying attention because I do not know how he relates to Bratislava--hmm have to look that one up. I tried to keep good notes but this one failed me. It is pretty and whimsical though.

Where this memorial stands was the synagogue of Bratislava. When the Nazi's came in they blew it up. On the wall beside it is a granite is a etching of the once vibrant synagogue and its community.

The buildings in Old Town have all been restored, but few of them are occupied. They are beautiful old buildings from the 19th century and for the most part are empty. it was a little on

the eerie side but there were some occupied by designer clothing shops like Gucci and Cartier.

For the most part the streets were just for walking but occasionally a car would come by. Every few blocks was a square usually adjoining a church. This is a statue of one of Napoleon's men, whimsical and a great photo op.

Jeff, Jim, Jan and Renie with Napoleon's soldier. Another of the squares in Bratislava.

There were numerous creches in every town we visited. This one was especially beautiful.

Another of the squares. We went to a little coffee house in this building.