Yes, it is not a typo… I shall write it again, just so that you know it wasn’t a mistake…

This is according to an Insider Select report by travel company Expedia, which has named Bratislava’s Marrol’s Boutique Hotel as the world’s best hotel. The report compared a total of 650 hotels, across 295 cities, in 74 countries around the world, with an emphasis on customer service and staff professionalism.

According to the report, 2/5 of Marrol’s bookings were actually made by visitors from the United Kingdom and Andy Washington, who is Managing Director of Expedia UK, was quoted as saying:

“It’s great to see that the popularity of Eastern Europe hotels is on the rise, with eight of the world’s top hotels making the top 100 list. Marrol’s Boutique Hotel is clearly striking the right chord with holidaymakers – offering great benefits and a high level of customer service.”

If you want to find out for yourself if The Marrol’s really is as good as Expedia says it is, then click on this link for Super Saving At The Hotel Marrol’s and get a room for as little as £39 per person per night!!!

Here are some more news sources covering this story:

The Best Hotel in the World Is… – TravelersToday

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TravelersTodayThe Best Hotel in the World Is…TravelersTodayExpedia’s Insider Select report has named Marrol’s Boutique Hotel in Bratislava, Slovakia the world’s best hotel. The report compared 650 hotels across 295 cities in 74 countries around the …

The World’s Top 10 Best-Reviewed Hotels: Plan Your Summer Getaway – International Business Times

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CNNGo.comThe World’s Top 10 Best-Reviewed Hotels: Plan Your Summer GetawayInternational Business TimesMarrol’s, a member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World, has 51 luxurious guest rooms and three individually designed suites, with vi …

Marrol’s Boutique Hotel in Bratislava is beste hotel – NU.nl

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NU.nlMarrol’s Boutique Hotel in Bratislava is beste hotelNU.nlAMSTERDAM – De lijst van beste hotels wordt aangevoerd door Marrol’s Boutique Hotel in Bratislava, op de voet gevolgd door Hotel Al Codega in Venetië.Marrol’s Boutique Hotel in Bratislava …

The first Jewish museum in Slovakia has opened in the women’s gallery of Bratislava’s only synagogue.

With approximately 600 Jews currently living in Slovakia’s capital today, this is seen as part of an overall long-term strategy to preserve and maintain the synagogue.

Maros Borsky, the Jewish community’s vice president and the person responsible for curating the museum stated:

“It tells a story, our story, that dates back centuries.”

Exhibits at the new museum include photographs, paintings and documents related to Jewish life before, during and after the Holocaust; as well as Judaica items collected by Eugen Barkany, after the Second World War.

Image via Flickr

Meanwhile, a new coin has been issued by The National Bank of Slovakia, which marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Chatam Sofer (1762 – 1839), who was one of Europe’s most noted scholars of the Talmud.

He was also founder of the Bratislava Yeshiva, which was the primary institute of Hebrew education up until the Second World War.

More news sources covering these two stories:

Community opens Jewish museum in Bratislava synagogue – Jewish Telegraphic Agency

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The Times of IsraelCommunity opens Jewish museum in Bratislava synagogueJewish Telegraphic AgencyThe Jewish community in Bratislava has launched a community-run Jewish museum in the women’s gallery of the only synagogue in the Slovak capital.Jewish m …

Slovakia: Special coin honors Chatam Sofer – Ynetnews

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YnetnewsSlovakia: Special coin honors Chatam SoferYnetnewsJewish Scene: Rabbi Moshe Schreiber, one of 19th century’s most influential European rabbis, honored with commemorative coin.and moreﾠ» …

Slovak Coin Honors Rabbinical Scholar Chatam Sofer – Coin Update News

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Coin Update NewsSlovak Coin Honors Rabbinical Scholar Chatam SoferCoin Update NewsThe National Bank of Slovakia has issued (18th June) a new coin which marks the 250th anniversary of birth of Chatam Sofer (1762 – 1839) one of Europe’s most noted scho …

Cyril and Metod were Greek Christian missionaries who influenced the cultural development of the Slavs and are credited with bringing Christianity to Slovakia.

Image via Flickr

Cyril, who is also known under the name of Konstantin, invented a slav writing ‘hlaholica’ and translated evangelic readings and other books of worship for the Slavic people. Meanwhile, Method was a great painter, with a lot of his paintings having biblical motives.

Both Cyril and Metod were teachers of the gospel and spread God’s word all around Slovakia and in 869 both of the missionaries were appointed bishops by Pope Hadrian II.

Shortly having being made bishop, Cyril died, but Method was appointed archbishop and returned to Great Moravia, where he became the head of Slovak Christianity, until he died in the year 885.

Upon their deaths, the Orthodox Church venerated them as saints with the title of “equal-to-apostles”. Then in 1880, Pope Leo XIII introduced their feast into the calendar of the Roman Catholic Church. One hundred years later, in 1980, Pope John Paul II declared them as co-patron saints of Europe.

The Cyril and Methodius’ feast day is currently celebrated on the 14 February in the Roman Catholic Church (coinciding with the date of St Cyril’s death), however, in Slovakia, the two brothers are commemorated on July 5, which is also a national holiday.

Peter Sagan, has won his second stage in his debut Tour De France. The 22-year-old Slovak is the new kid on the block, who is even being compared to the legend, Lance Armstrong.

Image via Flickr

The Liquigas team rider, who also won the opening stage of the Tour, followed that up with an impressive win in the 122-mile ride from Orchies to the fishing port of Boulogne-sur-Mer. Sagan must have an excellent chance of winning the coveted Green Jersey, if he maintains his impressive start. Meanwhile, Tour De France favourite Bradley Wiggins of Great Britain currently lies second in the race, only 7 seconds behind leader, Fabian Cancellara.

We’ll certainly be keeping track of Sagan’s progress as the Tour De France develops.

More news sources on this story:

Peter Sagan wins 3rd stage of Tour de France, Hesjedal up to 8th – CBC.ca

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CBC.caPeter Sagan wins 3rd stage of Tour de France, Hesjedal up to 8thCBC.caPeter Sagan of Slovakia won a crash-marred third stage of the Tour de France which came home from Belgium along five small-scale climbs to an uphill finish. Victoria’s Ryder …

Peter Sagan wins 3rd stage of Tour de France – Globe and Mail

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Globe and MailPeter Sagan wins 3rd stage of Tour de FranceGlobe and MailVictoria’s Ryder Hesjedal moves up from 10th to eighth in the overall standings. …

Sagan’s saga continues at Tour de France as newcomer notches 2nd stage win – Washington Post

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USA TODAYSagan’s saga continues at Tour de France as newcomer notches 2nd stage winWashington PostBOULOGNE-SUR-MER, France — Slovak sensation Peter Sagan again showed why he is, at only 22, one of the most exciting riders in professional cycling.Saga …

Slovakia have minted a new silver 10 Euro coin in Honor of the Slovak sculpture Master Paul of Levoča, as part of the EUROPA Silver Star series for 2012 featuring European artists.

Image via Flickr

The coin has been designed by Mária Poldaufová and was created at Kremnica Mint, in the heart of Europe. Master Pavol features on one side of the coin and the image of the Madonna from his Levoča altar, which was also depicted in the former 100 SKK banknotes, before Slovakia adopted the Euro.

Master Paul of Levoča was a medieval carver and sculptor, who was active during the 15th and 16th centuries. Perhaps his most famous work is the wooden altar in St. James church, in Levoča, which he completed in 1517. The Gothic altar is carved in wood and decorated with gold and at 18.62m high is actually the highest in Europe.

Both Master Pavol of Levoča and the Kremnica Mint feature in my new book, Letters From Slovakia. Check out below how you can order a copy!

Here are some more news sources covering this story:

Master Pavol of Levoca Featured on Europa Series Commemorative …

news.coinupdate.com6/5/12

The National Bank of Slovakia have issued (25th May) a new silver coin to honor one of their most noted sculptors, Pavol of Levoca, a medieval carver and sculptor of the 15th and 16th century, active mostly in the town of Levoča – formerly in …

2012 Europa Coin Programme “European Artists” — World Mint …

world.mintnewsblog.com3/23/12

Slovakia – Master Pavol of Levoča. Spain – Juan Gris. I like the idea of all countries cooperating to focus on a common theme. The coins of the program also showcase the different styles and design conventions utilized by the …

15th-seed Dominika Cibulkova beat top-seeded Victoria Azarenka on Sunday, to set up a quarter-final clash against Samantha Stosur, who was actually runner up in the tournament back in 2010.

Image via Flickr

Cibulkova was delighted with her victory over Australian Open champion Azarenka and was quoted as saying:

“I have never been in the Top 10, but I find it easier to play against them,” Cibulkova said. “I’m showing all the time my game is good enough to be there and hopefully this year I’ll make it.”

The whole of Slovakia will cheering on Dominika in her match today and with seeds getting knocked out throughout the ladies tournament, Cibulkova must have a chance of progressing to the final.

Cibulkova vs. Azarenka final two points French Open 2012

Cibulkova beats Azarenka 6/3 7/6 in the fourth round of Roland Garros on June 3, 2012.

Here are some more news stories covering Cibulkova’s victory:

Cibulkova takes down Azarenka at French Open – Fox News

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Kansas City StarCibulkova takes down Azarenka at French OpenFox NewsParis, France – Dominika Cibulkova is through to the quarterfinals after taking down top-seeded Victoria Azarenka on Sunday at the French Open. The 15th-seeded Cibulkova defeated Aza …

Cibulkova takes down Azarenka at French Open – 9NEWS.com

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FRANCE 24Cibulkova takes down Azarenka at French Open9NEWS.comParis, France (Sports Network) – Dominika Cibulkova is through to the quarterfinals after taking down top-seeded Victoria Azarenka on Sunday at the French Open. The 15th-seeded Cibulkova d …

Preview of Tuesday’s Quarterfinal Matches – New York Times (blog)

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Live Tennis GuidePreview of Tuesday’s Quarterfinal MatchesNew York Times (blog)Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia (15) vs. Sam Stosur of Australia (6), first on Court Philippe Chatrier No one was happier to see Dominika Cibulkova clear Victoria Azarenka …

First up were the Euro 2012 hosts, with French-born Damien Perquis scoring the only goal of the game for the Poles, on the 30 minute mark. Then Slovakia faced the Dutch in Holland, where they lost out to an own goal and a strike from Tottenham star, Rafael Van der Vaart.

Poland 1-0 Slovakia 26/05/2012 (Friendly) GOALS AND HIGHLIGHTS.flv

Poland 1-0 Slovakia – FULL MATCH HIGHLIGHTS VIDEO – Internationals Friendly 26th May 2012 Goal : Damien Perquis scored Winning GOAL (30 min)

Although these matches were not as important to Slovakia as to their opponents, there is clearly a lot of work to do for the team before their World Cup qualification campaign begins against Lithuania and Liechtenstein in September.

Below we look at some more news stories covering these two friendlies:

Poland beat Slovakia in Euro 2012 warm-up but lose Fabianski – Chicago Tribune

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AFPPoland beat Slovakia in Euro 2012 warm-up but lose FabianskiChicago TribuneWARSAW (Reuters) – Euro 2012 co-hosts Poland beat Slovakia 1-0 on Saturday in their final friendly before coach Franciszek Smuda names his squad for next month’s tournament …

Third time lucky: Holland beat Slovakia 2-0 – Radio Netherlands

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Third time lucky: Holland beat Slovakia 2-0Radio NetherlandsDecibels as a way to drag the Dutch out of the doldrums. The Oranje’s recent track record looked bleak: six matches, one win. Wednesday’s friendly against Slovakia just had to be the turning …

Lentil soup is a very popular low cost meal in Slovakia, which also happens to be a rich source of fibre. Below we have a look at a recipe for Šošovicová polievka with sausage and potatoes.

Preparation time: 45 min (+ 3 hours to soak the lentils)

Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Then finely chop the peeled onions, put them in a saucepan with the lard, and brown them slightly. Then sprinkle in the flour and the paprika and pour in 750 ml of cold water. Stir the zápražka mixture (roux) well and cook for about 10 minutes.

When the potatoes are tender, add the chopped sausage and cook for about a minute. Add the salt and pepper according to taste, as well as the crushed garlic, and then finally add the marjoram.

Slovakia were totally outplayed by a rampant Russia in the final of the 2012 IIHF World Championships last night, but nonetheless they will go home with a silver medal and the knowledge that they were the neutral’s favourite team in this year’s tournament.

Russia dominated the game, despite Slovakia taking an early lead through captain, Zdeno Chara, who was not only named Slovakia’s Player of the Match, but also the tournament’s Best Defenseman. He also scored Slovakia’s second goal, but that was no more than a consolation, as the game finished with a 6-2 scoreline in Russia’s favour.

Chara also paid a beautiful tribute at the medal ceremony to former team-mate and captain, Pavol Demitra, who tragically died in the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl plane crash, on 7 September 2011. Chara wore Demitra’s famous 38 jersey.

If you can bear to watch the highlights of the game, then here they are.

Russia now top the IIHF’s rankings, while Slovakia move up four places into 6th. Unfortunately for Slovakia, they will now join hosts Russia in Group A, for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games.

By they way, if you would like to read about the time Slovakia DID beat Russia in the final of the IIHF World Championships, back in 2002, then you’ll need to buy my Letters From Slovakia (see below for more details).

If, like me, you are bringing your child up to be perfectly bi-lingual, it is always great when you come across new resources that will help your child to learn to read and write the language that is less often used, due to your geographic location. As we are living in Slovakia, my daughter naturally uses English less often than she does Slovak and so I was really pleased when a friend of mine introduced me to Reading Eggs.

Reading Eggs really is just awesome! When you suddenly have a situation where your five year old girl, who normally has an attention span of five minutes, is literally begging you to let her go on Reading Eggs again, you know you are onto a winner.

Basically, Reading Eggs teaches your child to read English through fun and colourful interactive games and stories, with a big emphasis on the FUN. My daughter loves it and is determined to “win” eggs, by successfully completing all the lessons, so that she can then use them to buy more fun games and puzzles as a reward.

Reading Eggs currently has a 14 day FREE trial which I highly recommend you try. After that they have a range of different subscriptions, depending upon how long you would like your children to use the program and how many of your children will be using it.

PTPA Winner : Reading Eggs {Review} | ptpamedia.com

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As a homeschooling mom, I’m always on the look out for new ways to introduce, review, reinforce, and refresh skills we’ve been learning…

the Kindergarten Chick: Have you discovered Reading Eggs yet???

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Once a week we experimented on Reading Eggs in whole group in front of the smartboard. This helps them see exactly what they are supposed to be doing. When our free trial was up they were very disappointed!!!

One Blessed Mamma: Reading Eggs Review

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I don’t want to be redundant in my praise, but Reading Eggs is another one of those products! Reading Eggs is an online reading program designed for 4-8 year olds. It was developed by teachers, educational writers …