We have pounds in our bank account (Andrew just got paid, hurrah!), so I was allowed to book our first weekend away. Where was our destination of choice? We're off to Bratislava in Slovakia on the first weekend in December. Why Bratislava? Well, to tell you the truth, we were invited to tag along on one of John and Leah's mini-breaks. I didn't know much about this central European country so I thought I'd investigate what the Slovak Republic had to offer. Here are the findings from my preliminary research:

• The Slovak Republic is located at the geographic centre of Europe. Apparently, this is why Slovakia is often referred to as the "Country at the Heart of Europe."
  
  
• Slovakia borders five other countries: Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Ukraine. (Andrew was able to answer this question off the top of his head. Clever boy!)
  
  
• Bratislava is the capital city and the largest city in Slovakia.
  
  
• Slovakia has a population of approximately 5 and a half million people. It has an area of 49,037 km² (making it smaller than Tasmania.)
  
  
• Slovakia is particularly noted for its numerous mountain ski resorts, historic cities, caves, wooden churches, national parks and other natural features.
  
  
• Slovakia is reputed to be one of the countries with the highest number of fortified castles per capita in the world. (Guess I'll be writing about Castles soon Matt!)
  
  
• Slovakia is also known for its high quality wines and popular beer brands. Hubert is a highly rated Slovak sparkling wine brand. Topvar is a common beer brand.
  
  
• Slovakia has 7 objects on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
  
  
• Slovakia is often confused with Slovenia. George Bush once told the Slovaks, that everything he knew about Slovakia he learned during a visit from the Slovakian foreign minister. However, he was actually thinking of a visit from the Slovenian Prime Minister.
  
  

Stay tuned for more information...

(Happy Birthday Ben, Simon, Karyn and Emma! November 15th is a popular birthday.)