In the summer of 2002 I was kicking my heels back in England after finishing up a one year teaching contract in Qatar. I was still very much in the process of cutting my teeth as an English teacher and keen to embark on another adventure abroad with a new position. Doha had been such a leftfield destination for my first taste of life in another country. But despite the challenges I’d really enjoyed it and felt a similarly offbeat choice somewhere in Europe could be an interesting move for my fledgling career in education. When I eventually boarded my plane to Bratislava a few months later, I had barely a clue as to what kind of city awaited me. Now, a solid sixteen years later, I look back on my time in Slovakia as one of the best years of my life.

To find out why, have a read through my short story series The Slovak Files, twelve narratives from my time in Bratislava and my action-packed trips around the country.

1. Up on the Hill

2. The Welcome Party 

3. Minxology 

4. Blood in the Lobby 

5. Bring Your Own Bog Roll

6. Road Trip Part I 

7. Road Trip Part II

8. The Last King Of Štúrovo

9. Party Hearty 

10. Me Fish Be Dead

11. Minx Manor

12. The Slovak Files

The Slovak Files is dedicated to Jon Crisp: best man, avid reader, enthusiastic co-director, dependable butler, champion of the bacon corn dog and all round partner in crime. I’ll never forget those Slovak days, nor indeed our subsequent reunions across the globe.