Although the Czechoslovak Square Dance and Round will celebrate 20 years of existence in 2008, the 1st Slovak Convention is the first Convention in Slovakia. We would like to introduce Bratislava to you. Bratislava: A very pleasant city. Its oldest documented name is Istropolis (Istros - Danube, Polis - city). It is located on both sides of Danube, 60 kilometers from Wien, directly at the borders of Austria and Hungary. At the border of the city, the first hills of Malé Karpaty (a continuous stripe of hills that merges into Vysoké Tatry, the highest Slovak mountains, 250 kilometers to the north) go up. Things of interest: Maria Theresa, the empress of Austria, was crowned in Bratislava (not in Wien). There are many churches in Bratislava. The Dome of Martin is known for its glass windows made by the same company that produced glass windows for the Stephansdom in Vienna (moreover, the windows in the Dome of Martin are their oldest preserved work). The house "U dobreho pastiera" (At a good shepherd) is the most narrow house in the Central Europe and there is an exposition of historical clocks located in it. Apart from many other newer relics, a figure of a woman made of mammoth ivory (25000 years old) can be seen in the repository at the Bratislava Castle. -----

Devinska Nova Ves:
The 1st Slovak Convention takes place in the Devínska Nová Ves (part of Bratislava), about 15 km from the city center. Devínska Nová Ves is located on the Austrian border on the shore of the Morava river (Morava flows into Danube beneath the Devín Castle, which is a ruin worth a visit). The surroundings of Devínska Nová Ves are declared a protected territory (or a nature preserve). Many species of birds nest in the area of the Morava river; there is the Devínska Kobyla hill directly above Devínska Nová Ves. A 30-minutes walk from the dance halls will take you to Sandberg known for discoveries of fossil shells and ammonites.