Living in Bratislava (Part 3)

A couple of entries ago the first part of this "Living in..." series ended with a photo of the back end of a paparazzo, or what might have been one, or a performance artist, or something. We asked you to guess. Well, here's the front end, and it is indeed a sculpture! Do you feel shot?

If the temperature soars to 60 degrees in your area on October 24, do you think about shorts and a t-shirt? Well, Fahrenheit thermometers did get to about 60 today, and that led to an excursion (with the photographer properly attired in a jacket) to get some more photos of some of the outdoor art, mostly in the historical center of town amid the museums, shops, and restaurants. Of course, the restaurateurs in Bratislava prepare for the cool weather. Some restaurants roll up the sidewalk tables and chairs, while others just put blankets out on the chairs. Even 60 degrees, though did not tempt people to sit outside at the Irish pub. Some of outdoorsmanship has to do with the ordnance limiting smoking in restaurants. One pizza place we patronized has about three tables in the non-smoking section, but the pizza was good and we think their business consists mostly of carry-out.

But enough about food--on to art. Bratislava's fame comes in part from the sense of humor shown in the public sculpture. You can see pictures in guide books and on line. But only here on this blog can you see some of the rest of the story. You may have seen the Napoleonic soldier, but can you imagine what tourists do to him? Some sit right down without even asking permission. Others, like the guy in our photo, lean on him or cozy up. Or how about Schone Naci? He stays happy and tips his hat to the ladies even when tourists (or locals) are rude. Cumil, even if he acts like a letch by popping up from his manhole to look up ladies' dresses, still attracts performance artists (who are none too good if you ask me, even if the tourists tip them).

Bratislava has its fair share of serious outdoor art as well. For example, the Holocaust Memorial is right by the cathedral, as well it should be. It may be worth mentioning that the only active synagogue in Slovakia is right across the busy street from the cathedral, and both are connected by an underpass and an overpass. On the memorial, in Slovak and Hebrew, is the word for "remember." Tour guides take their charges to see it before they go into the cathedral. Most of those serious sculptures and monuments, however, will have to be a topic for another post.

Next week, Fall Break begins after a church service at about noon. We intend to take the train to Prague on Friday morning and prowl around, and that, likely, will be the subject of yet another entry.