In the summer of 2002 I was kicking my heels back in England after finishing a one year teaching contract in Qatar. As an English teacher, I was still cutting my teeth and therefore very keen on another adventure abroad.

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! Moreover, I 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. Nor did I know much about the school I’d be working at or my new colleagues. 

Now, over eighteen years later, I look back on my time in Slovakia as one of the best years of my life. An enchanting period of brotherhood, romance, tragedy and cross-country travel. 

To find out about those old days in the Slovak capital, along with my adventures across the country, why not dive into my short story collection, The Slovak Files. 

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.

Check out the Leighton Travels interview on Ericotrips.