Bratislava, the Polyglot Gathering

Despite the rather inclement weather, it was very pleasant to travel by train rather than plane, to enjoy the gorgeous, lush scenery between Zuerich and Bratislava. How lovely to arrive to such a warm welcome from Marc and to arrive at the appartment to be greeted just as warmly by Dennis. It was a great flat, in perfect location, and amazingly, next to the room I booked last year. I had not realised this when I reserved. It took us a while to get used to the very large painting on the wall! 

The Polyglot Gathering was even larger than last year, with over 700 participants from all over the world, and with so many languages. I don't think I spoke as many languages this year as last, but it was still a brilliant and exhausting experience. I love this poster!


Marc, Dennis and I had so much fun and thoroughly enjoyed our time outside the classrooms, as much as the talks and workshops. We were proud of the badges showing the languages we can speak - despite having far fewer flags than many others there.

What a pretty place Bratislava is, this street in particular, with these beautiful umbrellas combining perfectly with the blue skies, clouds and buildings around them. 


Our two evening tours to the castle, then around the city, were very interesting and our guides Michael, from last year, and Peter, new, were very humorous. We did do both tours at an incredible rate but luckily I spotted these two cuties on a street corner..

After the second tour we ended up on a 'party' boat with a fantastic group of Japanese, Portuguese and French-speaking polyglots. It was a really fabulous evening, making new friends, speaking different languages and most of all, admiring the spectacular Bratislava Castle on the hill beside us. So beautiful!

On the way to our flat we always passed this lovely corner pub, several hundred years old, with such a friendly barman it was hard to pass without popping in. The second time I passed on my own, he came tearing out, threw his arms around me and kissed me on both cheeks, 

So , of course, Dennis and I had to go in for a final drink on the last night. What a fantastic place.


What a memorable, enjoyable and inspiring weekend it was, made all the better by being with such great friends. Thanks Marc and Dennis.

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