Spirit

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03/2012

Bratislava – the overlooked capital Reaching the sky on the road With children

Dear guests and friends, Welcome to the third edition of Mamaison Spirit Magazine, which is this time focused on Bratislava in Slovakia.

I must admit that, prior to joining Mamaison, I had never been to the Slovak capital and hadn't heard much about it. But since then, of course, I've visited frequently.

Coming to Bratislava is for me, each time a journey into what one might call the “smiling city”. Not only for me, but also for many of the travellers I've spoken to who experienced this very noticeable difference compared to other European capitals. It might also, of course, have been the extreme friendliness of the team at Mamaison Residence Šulekova!

Our Residence Šulekova, much as other Mamaison residences and boutique hotels, excels by its extremely helpful and friendly team members, always exceeding guest expectations!

As I have just recently enjoyed one of those rare family holidays that, for a change, allowed me to stay at hotels not belonging to Mamaison, I was personally reminded of the differences between good and great. A great hotel delivers a personalized experience and its dedicated staff meets or exceeds every desire on the part of guests. It's not only about location, not only the care over décor and interior design, but I feel you may agree that it's people who make a difference in our lives.

We at Mamaison work to assure that each of our guests feels welcomed, as well as a little sad to finally leave us. Just as you may feel when you leave friends after a shared weekend or lovely dinner in their home. New technologies and mobile applications will never replace this special feeling of being welcomed and cared for.

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Enjoy your stay with us!

With kind personal regards,

03. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editorial 04. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hotel news

Christian Kettlitz Chief Executive Officer

06. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The only neighbouring capital Bratislava 09. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What's up in Bratislava

10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interview with Sean J. Clifton 14. . . . . A kilometre high building? Reality!

18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What's up in Prague 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What's up in Warsaw 21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What's up in Moscow 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What's up in Budapest 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What's up in Ostrava 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . On the road with children 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brain twisters 30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The best taste 32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 questions for Róbert Tóth 34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Competition

FOR Mamaison HotelS & Residences PUBLISHED BY: Boomerang Publishing, s. r. o., Nad Kazankou 37, 171 00 Praha 7 – Troja, Czech Republic tel.: +420 244 023 101, e-mail: info@bpublishing.cz, www.bpublishing.cz EDITORIAL BOARD: Gabriela Bergerová, Linda Nejezchlebová, Veronika Nováková, Zdeněk Kovařík TEXTS: Linda Nejezchlebová and Mamaison Hotels & Residences ADVERTISING: Zdeněk Kovařík, e-mail: sales@mamaison.com, tel.: +420 226 502 575 The publisher is not responsible for the content of advertisments.

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— The award-winning Mamaison All-Suites Spa Hotel Pokrovka has an eclectic interior composition

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New General Manager at Mamaison Residence Šulekova In July, Róbert Tóth took over the team leadership at the Mamaison Residence Šulekova Bratislava. His team thereby gained an experienced professional, who spent over a decade in one of the best hotels in Slovakia – Radisson Blu Carlton, where he held several management positions. Don't be surprised when Róbert, a graduate of the Constantine the Philosopher — Róbert Tóth, General Manager of Mamaison Residence Šulekova

University in Nitra, personally greets you upon your arrival in your mother tongue, as he is fluent in English, Czech, Hungarian, Russian, German, Polish and, of course, Slovak.

New Team Members The Mamaison Hotel Le Régina in Warsaw welcomed a new member to its team, Małgorzata Wach, who joins as a Group Reservation & Event Supervisor. Małgorzata came to us from the Hyatt Regency Warsaw and her experience and knowledge will improve the services of the Sales and Marketing team.

The Best Travellers Choice Mamaison Hotel Le Régina Warsaw and Mamaison All-Suites Spa Hotel Pokrovka Moscow, belong to a very special and exclusive group of hotels and accommodation providers chosen by TripAdvisor travellers as the best in the world. The 2012 Traveller's Choice Award by TripAdvisor certifies the excellent and outstanding service presented to guests during their stay. Additionally, all Mamaison hotels and residences received the Certificate of Excellence by

TripAdvisor – a testimonial of high standards awarded to businesses regularly ranking among the top accommodation providers scoring over 4,5 points. Congratulations!

Czech Hotel Awards

HOTEL OF THE YEAR

HOTEL ROKU

Mamaison Suite Hotel Pachtův ABSOLUTE Palác was awarded the WINNER Absolute winner in the Czech Republic as the Best Hotel CZECH REPUBLIC of 2012 by the Czech Hotel Awards 2012. Together with Mamaison Hotel Riverside Prague, Pachtův Palác was also the regional winner of the Czech Hotel Awards. The competition for the most popular hotel in the Czech Republic is based on a popular vote. Hotel of the Year Awards for 2012 are awarded for each Region of the Czech Republic in several categories. The Czech Hotel Awards competition – Hotel of the Year

Mamaison Hotels & Residences News 2012 – showcases those Czech hotels offering top quality services, with the object of mapping and promoting the best hotels throughout the Czech Republic.

Le Régina's Sommelier a Championship Winner Andrzej Strzelczyk, the renowned sommelier at Mamaison Hotel Le Régina, won the Polish Sommelier Championship. Andrzej showed his professional skill during a blind test, pairing wines with the menu, as well as skillfully pouring a magnum champagne bottle for 12 persons in 3 minutes. Andrzej was favoured by the audience, who awarded him a special prize for the first time in history. The new Champion of Poland said: “It seems number 5 is my lucky number, as this was the fifth final in my professional career. It is a wonderful experience to be a winner and I am very happy to have competed among such outstanding professionals. It was a great pleasure! I am also extremely happy to see such a significant interest in wines in Poland”.

festival – Colours of Ostrava. Imperial offered its best to biggest stars, such as Bobby McFerrin. In previous years, Mamaison Imperial hosted Sinéad O'Connor, the Gipsy Kings, Iggy Pop, Morcheeba and Robert Plant.

Summer Signs of Reconstruction The Mamaison Business & Conference Hotel Imperial Ostrava, made a number of reconstructions this summer within the hotel. The largest of these was the total transformation of the hotel basement, including new toilets. Next, it underwent a facelift of its convention centre, with a lovely new interior colour scheme.

artists: Gábor Visnyei, a graphic artist of Romanian origin, focusing on graphics and acrylics; Richárd Goda, a painter also profiling in wooden sculptures; Villő Kulánda Ann, marquetry works and László Csikos, photographer.

A Blood Donation at Izabella Mamaison Residence Izabella responded to the request of the Hungarian Red Cross and organized a blood donation event. On June 18th, twenty-seven brave donors gave the most valuable gift to those whose lives are in danger. Mamaison Izabella thanks its participating eight employees, as well as any donors who had the courage and were willing to share.

EURO 2012 in Le Régina For one month, Poland and Ukraine followed the daily results of the football scores during the UEFA EURO 2012. At Mamaison Le Régina, guests (and especially football fans) were able to watch the matches, as well as enjoy the special atmosphere created by the restaurant's executive chef and sommelier who, in cooperation with Moët Hennessy Polska, arranged a unique menu paired with champagne, wines, liqueurs and aperitifs from its portfolio. An eye catching decoration was a giant football by Adidas, located on the hotel's patio.

New Room Service Menu Hotel guests at Mamaison Hotel Riverside can choose from local and international delicacies in the privacy of their rooms. The new Room Service Menu offers appetisers, soups and salads, as well as the most favoured desserts, prepared with the finest fresh ingredients. Taste the Carpaccio with traditional Czech vegetables – beetroot with goat cheese and pine nuts, or sweet Czech Fruit Dumplings filled with strawberries and topped with sour cream.

The Best of Hungary Hungary is a land of warm hospitality, healing thermal springs, delicious food and superb Tokaj wines. All this and much more will be available at the Mamaison Business & Conference Hotel Imperial during Hungarian Days in Ostrava, prepared by the Hungarian Tourism Authority. The hotel's Legend and La Brasserie restaurants will offer a specially prepared menu “The Tastes of Hungary” as an essential part of the presentation for the citizens of Ostrava and the North Moravia region.

Imperial Hosts Stars of Colours of Ostrava Mamaison Business & Conference Hotel Imperial is a proud partner of the legendary music and art

— The Mamaison Hotel Riverside team, with the Czech Hotel Awards prize

The Gallery at Restaurant Legend The Legend restaurant, in collaboration with “Beseda”, a gallery in the centre of Ostrava, has been turned into an exhibition hall. The combination of its historic interior, along with contemporary fine art and outstanding cuisine, gives the entire concept a new dimension.

Alternation of the restaurant with its vernissage will take place several times a year. All the exhibited works are for sale and we cordially invite you to visit!

Exhibitions Throughout the Following Months Mamaison Residence Izabella in Budapest continues its presentation of Hungarian artists, as new exhibitions are prepared for the guests in the breakfast area. The following months will be dedicated to these

Keep Your Fingers Crossed!

A professional hospitality contest took place on the 9th of August, 2012, in Moscow. It was held by the Mediadom company's “Hotel Planet” magazine and “First Club for Hospitality Professionals”. Among the participants were such well known hotel chains as Marriott, Swissotel, Hilton, Renaissance, Holiday Inn and others from Moscow and other regions within Russia. In the “Best Maid” nomination, Mamaison All Suites Spa Hotel Pokrovka was represented by Ludmila Zadvorskaya, who has been working with the Mamaison team for more than three years. The winners among the different nominations will be chosen on the 28th of September, within the “PIR” international fair for hotel business professionals.

Nevertheless, Mamaison Pokrovka has already been awarded a diploma for the great professionalism of its employees. c

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PHOto: profimedia.cz , Mamaison HotelS & Residences

The only neighbouring capital

Bratislava A unique location of the Slovak capital – to the south of Hungary and the west of Austria, Vienna lies within just a half hour drive. These cities are the closest capitals in the world.

T

he Slovak capital, Bratislava, belongs among the youngest of world capitals. It is located on the banks of the Danube River in the southern edge of the country and extremely close to Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic. One of Europe's largest mountain ranges, the Carpathians, begin their ascent in the city.

The Slovak capital is a cosmopolitan city and the best starting point for your European travel. It is full of contrasts – historic buildings, large and bizarre concrete complexes, built during the communist era and modern architectural masterpieces, designed by world renowned architects.

Because of its close proximity to other “favourite” tourist city destinations, Bratislava is sometimes overlooked, even though it offers a wide range of historic and cultural attractions and traditions.

— The President's Palace was built in 1760s and is surrounded by an open park

Slovakia's Gems Slovakia is referred to as the “little big country”. Within a relatively small area you can discover true natural treasures – the Tatra mountains, the gem of the West Carpathian Arch, with their picturesque peaks and crystal blue glacial lakes. You find unique plants in the forests, as well as various thermal springs and refreshing mineral waters across the entire country in the lowlands stretching from the west through southern to south-eastern regions.

In Slovakia, several areas are listed in the UNESCO Cultural and Natural Heritage Lists; including the castle of Spiš, which covers an area of over 40,000 m2 and is the largest medieval castle complex in Central Europe. The Slovak karst boasts over 1,100 caves and the unique Ochtinská aragonitová jaskyňa (cave) belongs to the UNESCO World Natural Heritage. The only Andy Warhol Pop Art Museum can be visited in Medzilaborce, close to his parents' hometown. In Košice, the second largest city in Slovakia, you will find the Gothic St. Elisabeth Cathedral, the most easterly situated western-style cathedral in Europe.

From the Celts to the Germans The history of settlement in the Bratislava region dates back thousands of years.

Bratislava Gains Importance After the Ottoman victory in the Battle of Mohács in 1526, Bratislava became part of the Hungarian and Habsburg Empire as

The Romans brought to the region wine grapes and wine cultivating techniques. the Kingdom of Hungary was divided. The Hungarian nobility and clergy moved to Bratislava and the city gained its importance, in ten years was named the kingdom's capital. It was suddenly the seat of the king and the church, later the meeting place of the Hungarian Council, the seat of the Archbishop of Esztergom (1543–1820) and, between 1536 and 1830, 11 kings and 8 queens were crowned in St. Martin's Cathedral in Bratislava.

The 17th century brought turmoil to the city. Several anti-Habsburg uprisings caused an economic decline. The last of

top 5 TIPS for visitors

Archaeological research located the largest Celtic oppidum in middle Europe on the Bratislava castle hill stretching toward today's city centre. The Celts and their strategic defence base were later taken over by the Romans as part of the Limes Romanus and protected the trade routes and defended the empire against barbarian tribes. The Romans brought to the region wine grapes and cultivated wine.

Later the Slavs, led by the Frankish merchant Samo, settled around Bratislava, but left after his death. In the 9th century, the area (as part of Nitra Principality) formed the state of Great Moravia. At the end of the 10th century, after the Bavarians were defeated by the Magyars, the Kingdom of Hungary was formed and, under the rule of Stephen I (1001–1038), declared Bratislava as the key economic and administrative centre on the kingdom's frontier. The castle on the hill was fortified and survived frequent attacks. In the 13th century, Bratislava began to gain town privileges from the Hungarian kings. 200 hundred years later, in 1436, King Sigismund of Luxemburg allowed Bratislava to have its own coat of arms and be referred to as a free royal city.

In 1465, Hungarian King Matej Korvín (Mathias Corvinus) founded the first university in Slovakia. The Universitas Istropolitana soon lost the financial support of its founder and, in 1490, was closed down. Today, the seat of the Faculty of Musical Art is located there.

TOP 5 in bratislava The history of Bratislava Castle, overlooking the city, dates back to the Romans. Like an upside down table, there are museum collections located there with 3,500 paintings, statues, and prints by domestic and foreign artists.

Originally the Romanesque style St. Martin's Cathedral, with a crown on the steeple, was turned into a 3-nave Gothic Dome in the 14th century. Since the 16th century, it has been the coronation church of Hungarian kings and queens.

The current President's seat in the Grassalkovich Palace used to be the home and meeting place for several members of the Austro-Hungarian and Habsburg aristocracy. Built in the 1760s and surrounded by a huge open park with a Baroque garden, the palace is beautifully illuminated during the Christmas season.

One of the oldest castles in Slovakia – Devin – was built on the Celtic settlement above the Danube and Morava rivers. It served as a boundary fortress and was destroyed by Napoleon's army.

St. Michael's Street is lined with 18th century buildings and is a lively space with plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops. The 51 metre high tower at St. Michael's Gate hosts the Museum of Weapons and City Fortifications and offers spectacular view of the Old Town.

these uprisings, led by Hungarian national hero Prince Francis Rákóczi, found Bratislava protected by the French army, but the surroundings of the town were totally destroyed.

The Short Period of Prosperity The 18th century brought expansion to the largest and most important city of the kingdom. Its economic and cultural importance rose, new baroque buildings were constructed, as well as churches and monasteries and the first city theatre opened in 1776.

The population rose to approx. 33,000. The Hungarian Diet (parliament) held its meetings there and Maria Theresa of Austria was crowned Queen Regnant of Hungary at St. Martin's Cathedral in 1741. Her reign brought economic and social reforms to the monarchy. She was able to read the first German newspapers published in Hungary – Pressburger Zeitung and the first novel in the Slovak language.

The rule of Maria Theresa's son, Joseph II, began the decline of Bratislava.

The capital was relocated to Vienna, where

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he transferred the royal jewels in 1783. The central offices were partly moved to Buda (Hungary) and the nobility had no reason to remain in Bratislava.

Coronation Chapel For three hundred years St. Martin Cathedral was the coronation chapel of the Hungarian empire.

Mozart's concert The six-year old Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart gave a concert for Empress Maria Theresa in the Pálffy Palace in 1762.

The Wilson's city At the beginning of 1919, it was called Wilson, after American President Woodrow Wilson.

Modern Parachute Štefan Banič, from a town close to Bratislava, invented the first practical parachute, patenting it in 1914.

Search for Identity In 1787, A. Bernolák published the first Slovak language standard and the Czech-Slav Society member, Ľudovít Štúr, codified the presentday Slovak language standard.

The last session of the Hungarian Diet in 1848 abolished serfdom and moved the political seat of the Kingdom to Budapest. After the Napoleonic wars, the city experienced industrial and economic growth, beginning with steamship transport on the Danube River.

Railway connections were laid down and, in 1848, the first steam train arrived in Bratislava. During the second half of the century, gas, telephone and electric lighting systems were established, along with a permanent bridge over the Danube River and a tram system.

Contrasts of the 20th Century The end of the World War I changed In Nový Most (New Bridge) Tower the map of Europe and a new state – there is a restaurant, 80 metres Czechoslovakia was proclaimed. The idea above the Danube River. of an independent state for the Czechs and Slovaks was supported by American president Woodrow Wilson and Bratislava, called during its varied history Pressburg, Pozsony and bratislava Prešpork suddenly became “Wilson City”, but just for a few months.

Bratislava (German: Pressburg, World War II brought the separaHungarian: Pozsony), the capital city of tion of the new state. The First Slovakia, is located in Central Europe Slovak Republic was, until 1945, an in the most south-westerly part of the country, close to the Austrian independent state and this period is and Czech borders. Location: 17º7'E, very controversial and emotional to 48º9'N. The city covers a total area of the Slovaks. Bratislava was a capital 367.58 square kilometres. As well as the city again. As an ally of Hitler, the Danube, which crosses the city from city suffered bombing and was the west to the south-east, the city also finally liberated by the Soviet Army, encompasses parts of the Morava River, which predetermined its future. The forming the north-western border of the city and entering the Danube at Devín.

Slovak Republic was then part of The population is 430,000 inhabitants, Czechoslovakia, with Prague as its including minorities of Hungarians and capital.

Czechs. Up to 10 percent of Slovaks conIn the next forty-plus years, many sider Hungarian their first language. historic locations were destroyed When visiting Bratislava, expect hot and huge concrete structures raised. summers and cold winters. The climate During the last twenty years, the is mild continental, with four seasons, historic centre was refurbished but spring and autumn are becoming and new, modern urban developshorter. ment catches the visitor's attention. www.bratislava.sk Since 1993 Bratislava is once again a capital city. The quality of living in Bratislava improved and visitors now enjoy world class professional services and attitudes. c

Mamaison Residence Šulekova, Bratislava The midscale Mamaison Residence Šulekova Bratislava is located within an easy reach of the capital's business and tourist centres. The completely renovated residence, named after famous Slovak patriot L. J. Šulek, provides fresh, top-quality hotel accommodations in 32 spacious suites, exclusively designed by the well-known architect and design studio Jestico + Whiles. The careful renovation of the building (originally the first Jewish hospital in Bratislava, opened in 1710 and a place where most of the Bratislava population was born) was completed in 2004. Mamaison Residence Šulekova

basic info

Overlooking the Danube

is an ideal option for both short and extended stays, for leisure and business travellers as well as families.

The modern and comfortably designed apartments (35–110 m2) offer fully equipped kitchenettes, living room and dining area.

A stunning view of the Bratislava Castle and nearby parks creates a relaxing atmosphere.

In the residence, numerous facilities provide professional services to meet our guest's highest expectations – room service with freshly arranged local and international delicacies, flexible meeting space with a 80 m2 terrace for up to 20 persons (ideal for business and private meetings), sauna and fitness centre, 24-hour reception, concierge and business centre services, as well as free Wi-Fi and high speed internet. For families with children a specially equipped 90 m2 Family Suite offers separate bedrooms and bathrooms and children's amenities upon request. A children's corner is located in the residence as well.

Major cultural events Autumn 2012

The Human Body Exhibition

14th International Film Festival

This unusual exhibition takes visitors on a life-changing journey through their most important possession – the body. The full body and individual organ specimens demonstrate the bodily functional system.

The exhibition provides a three dimensional look deep inside those systems – skin to bones, head to toe – all with a focus on the improvement of individual healthcare and lifestyle. The exhibition includes detailed body photographs and educational videos.

IFF Bratislava has three competitive sections: The International Competition of First and Second Feature Films, the International Competition of Documentary Films, the International Competition of Short Films and the IFF Bratislava awards, as well as the IFF Bratislava Award for Artistic Excellence in World Cinematography. The Film New Europe Visegrad Prix is a prize awarded to recognize the artistic achievements of filmmakers in the Visegrad countries and to encourage cultural co-operation between partners within the Visegrad countries and other European countries of the European Union, as well as internationally.

Incheba Expo Aréna, Viedenska cesta 3, Bratislava Until Nov 25, 2012, www.thebexhibition.com

Bratislava Jazz Days This most traditional jazz event, BRATISLAVA JAZZ DAYS, belongs among the best jazz festivals in Europe. Since 1975, the audience heard outstanding live performances by Jean Luc Ponty, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin, Hiram Bullock, Al Jarreau, Maceo Parker, and many others. This year the programme includes shows by the Italian

Various cinemas across Bratislava Nov 9 – 15, 2012, www.iffbratislava.com

13th One World Film Festival The International Documentary Film Festival – One World – is a sister event of the One World Festival, Czech Republic. In Slovakia, One World has been organized by the People in Peril Association since 2000. The One World Festival is the biggest cultural and educational event in Slovakia dealing with human rights and global topics in a complex way. Annually, the festival presents approximately 60–70 documentaries, mainly of foreign origin, more than ten debates on current topics, photo exhibitions and concerts. Last year, more than 14,500 viewers in Bratislava participated in the screening of 70 documentaries, including 3,800 students of elementary and high schools. The festival reaches audiences in another 23 towns all over Slovakia.

Various cinemas across Bratislava Dec 3 – 9, 2012, www.jedensvet.sk — Maceo Parker overwhelmed the Bratislava jazz audience

Montserrat Caballé

For more than a decade British singer, actress, director and songwriter Jane Birkin was muse to the legendary French singer, songwriter and enfant terrible Serge Gainsbourg. Together they produced six albums and continued to collaborate professionally long after their relationship ended in 1980. In a powerful homage to her mentor, the style icon and darling of the French avant-garde presents a special concert of Gainsbourg's music to mark the 20th anniversary of his death.

The Spanish opera diva, Dame Montserrat Caballé, is considered one of the finest sopranos in the world.

She has sung a wide variety of roles, but is best known as an exponent of the bel canto repertoire, notably the works of Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti and Verdi.

Since her performance in 1965 in Carnegie Hall, she quickly became one of the world's leading bel canto sopranos. Montserrat debuted at opera houses and concert halls all over the world. In 1988 she made an excursion into pop music and recorded a duet with Queen's singer Freddie Mercury. “Barcelona” became the anthem of the 1992 Summer Olympics. Caballé is a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and has established a foundation for needy children in Barcelona. In 2003, she starred in her own documentary film, Caballé Beyond Music, which featured many well-known opera singers, including Plácido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, José Carreras, and Renée Fleming. In Bratislava she will perform various arias, accompanied by the Capella Istropolitana, with conductor José Collada.

Slovak National Theatre, Pribinova 17, Bratislava Oct 29, 2012, www.janebirkin.net

Incheba Expo Aréna, Viedenska cesta 3, Bratislava Dec 15, 2012, www.ticketportal.sk

singer, composer and soul music lover, Mario Biondi, American jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves, American jazz, R&B and funk band Kool and the Gang.

Incheba Expo Aréna, Viedenska cesta 3, Bratislava Oct 26 – 28, 2012, www.bjd.sk

Jane Birkin Sings “Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Via Japan”

GLORIA GAYNOR

This American disco era singer made history in 1973, as “Never Can Say Good-Bye” achieved #1 on the Billboard charts and became the first Dance Song to reach #1 status in dance music. In March of 2001, her single, “Just Keep Thinkin' About You,” topped the Billboard Dance/Club charts at #1.

Gloria Gaynor was the first to record an album especially for clubs, and the first to do a mega-extended dance medley party mix, releasing 12“ dance singles that are now high-end collector's items.

In September 2002, “I Wish You Love” was her first worldwide release in 15 years. It gave birth to 4 #1 dance singles on Billboards Dance Charts. In 2002, she was honoured at the World Music Awards in Monte Carlo with the coveted LEGEND award presented by long-time fan Prince Albert. She made a splash on Broadway in the longest running musical revue, “Smokey Joe's Café”.

Aegon Aréna, Príkopova 6, Bratislava Oct 27, 2012, www.gloriagaynor.com

SEAL A British soul and R&B singer-songwriter, Seal has won numerous music awards throughout his career, including three Brit Awards – winning Best British Male in 1992, four Grammy Awards, and an MTV Video Music Award. His award-winning hits include the Batman Forever soundtrack “Kiss from a Rose” or “Crazy”. He has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide. In his eighth

studio album “Soul 2”, Seal pays loving homage to American soul music coming out of Detroit, Memphis and especially Philadelphia, a sound that in England became known as Northern Soul.

Incheba Expo Aréna, Viedenska cesta 3, Bratislava Nov 29, 2012, www.xl.sk

WHAT'S UP

bratislava concerts

PHOto: Anton Oparin / Sergei Bachlakov / Shutterstock.com

What's up in

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PHOto: Jestico + Whiles, Mamaison HotelS & Residences 

Skyscraper design -

think twice Huge building sites are dominant in major European cities. Tall buildings are changing the city skylines. Are they going to survive in and beyond the next centuries?

Whether you are a local resident or a visiting tourist, you cannot overlook or ignore architecture. For centuries people have built churches and watch towers that shaped the town and city skylines.

Naturally, skyscrapers continue this tradition, but historically do not belong to European architecture. For further insight into the future of Central and Eastern European capital city urban developments, we talked to architect Sean Clifton, who is the Director of the Jestico + Whiles Prague office, designers of Mamaison hotels in Warsaw, Prague, Bratislava and Moscow.

Jestico + Whiles are well established in the Czech market. What is the story behind the Prague office?

Our founding studio is located in central London, and our thriving Prague studio has already existed for 22 years. If fact, we were the very first foreign architectural and interior design studio based in Prague after the Velvet Revolution in 1989. We were appointed to design a number of the British Council and British Embassy buildings across Eastern Europe, and we soon found we were working on reconstructions of many important local historic buildings.

As architects of several Mamaison hotels, what were your experiences with building and renovation in historic city centres?

While designing the Mamaison hotels, we had many wonderful and interesting experiences. In Bratislava, the building in Šulekova had a unique history. The original building was a hospital from the early 1930s and that gave us the idea of setting the hotel into a surrounding context, with a clean and simple design. The modernist building was carefully renovated and the approach was to retain and express the existing geometry and provide a simple contemporary interior design. The original building had been previously extended, however the new exterior lighting we installed illuminates only the original part, so at night you only see the historic facade expressed on the Bratislava skyline. Our approach is all about context. We always do our best to integrate our architecture into the context of the city, rather than create single iconic buildings that fail to relate to their neighbourhood in terms of materials and scale.

Mamaison Residence Diana in Warsaw presented a very different challenge.

The building was designed to mimic the historic baths existing on the site pre WWII. The task was to build a completely new building that looked like an historic one. The original building was razed to the ground during WWII and the result is an almost identical reconstruction of the historic building. However, the interior is much more contemporary and has all the luxury features of a Mamaison residence.

We used many warm and rich fabrics that reflect the wonderful styles of fabrics seen all around Warsaw in luxury residences.

In Moscow the Mamaison All-Suites Spa Hotel Pokrovka was slated to be a newbuild three star hotel, however, luckily, only the cellars and ground floor slab had been constructed. The building had a rich context of wonderful Russian merchant

Sean J. Clifton

The first decade of our Prague office operations mostly concerned historic building renovations and adaptations. For example, we renovated a group of houses from the 14th century on Malé Náměstí in Prague and uncovered original wall paintings of elephants, meaning the Czechs had an early knowledge of Far Eastern regions.

During the past decade we have also designed many new buildings and developments, especially in the new city centre located around Prague 5. Our Prague office is also building many projects across the whole of Europe, India and Asia and frequently participates in high profile international competitions.

Sean J. Clifton Associated Director Jestico + Whiles Sean Clifton, born in 1972, joined Jestico + Whiles in 2001, and since that time has been based in Prague where he is responsible for Jestico + Whiles' operations in the Czech Republic and across Central and Eastern Europe. Having completed many unique and award winning international architectural and interior design commissions for a variety of building types, Sean has particularly broad international skills and experience for projects up to £250 Million.

Sean recently led the design of the award winning Mamaison All-Suites Spa Hotel Pokrovka in Moscow.

The hotel has been described as the best 5 star hotel in Moscow, and was recently awarded the Best Hotel in Russia. Sean has a particular passion for both site specific and sustainable design, and is currently leading a ground breaking residential project in Prague which includes an 18 hole signature golf course. Having taken a leading role in the establishment of the Architecture Centre in Bristol, UK, Sean has also exhibited his own artworks in London, Bristol and Moscow. Sean is a visiting lecturer at the ARCHIP School of Architecture in Prague.

11 floor to ceiling black and white abstract documentary photographs, which were taken from around the city of Moscow, to enable hotel guests to experience a taste of the city from the comfort of their hotel.

The Presidential Suites and Chairman Suites have incredible panoramic views to Pokrovka Street and across the city of Moscow and are dressed with quirky elements, including full size horse lamps and pig sculptures carrying pewter tea trays.

The unique artwork in the hotel was also created by Jestico + Whiles from abstract imagery recorded in Moscow.

Do you think that a metropolis should have a city skyline framed by skyscrapers?

Historically, all cities had towers and the tower skyline was always there – churches, security watchtowers or walls. The issue is how you work with contemporary buildings, with new technologies and especially security. New York and many other

pokrovka's suites are dressed with quirky elements, including full size horse lamps.

American cities are about skyscrapers. In Europe however, skyscrapers are a relatively new phenomenon. The historic urban areas generally should not have them in my opinion, such as the historic city centre in Prague and Bratislava.

Warsaw however is a different case.

Prague and Bratislava have rich medieval city centres with narrow streets. Warsaw may struggle with the quality of skyscrapers, although I feel that within Central and Eastern Europe, this could be the location for a new metropolis with a skyscraper skyline.

houses, lining a main trading route into the heart of Moscow. The building was fronted by a park, allowing us to break somewhat away from the formality of the existing street frontage, while using the window proportions as a benchmark for a more contemporary building. Floor to ceiling windows were inserted to make the interiors feel more spacious, open, playful, colourful and allow guests to feel the streetscape from the warmth of their Mamaison suite.

The interiors are an eclectic composition of rich colours and sensuous, tactile details that highlight the warmth and comfort of each suite. A renowned Czech photographer was commissioned to create

In the Moscow and Warsaw city centres, some argue that skyscrapers have completely changed the view. Is there really potential for more?

I believe yes. Moscow is a huge metropolis, with over ten million inhabitants, hence the potential is there. This energetic and incredible cosmopolitan city has strong economic support, hence the opportunity for high quality buildings exists and will be encouraged from all who live there.

Certainly some neighbourhoods, including one of the biggest challenges is to protect the important and historic buildings that create a context and to develop new ways to integrate new and even high-rise buildings. In Warsaw, a number of new

INTERVIEW

— Rather than new developments, careful reconstructions suit Prague better, says Sean J. Clifton

INTERVIEW

12

— Floor to ceiling windows make the interior feel more open and spacious

buildings are about to be constructed and some are already reaching towards the sky, such as the Złota 44 building by Daniel Libeskind. Such buildings are having a major effect on the Warsaw skyline, however if the skyscrapers are truly innovative and appropriate consideration of the context and the surrounding human environments are well thought through, then Warsaw could very well be a city of the future.

And what about the old, existing tall buildings?

In Prague there is already a skyscraper skyline in the Pankrác district that has already existed for a number of years. The challenge now is to mediate these individual buildings to enable them to successfully integrate into their context. Their surroundings must be very carefully developed, with high quality buildings that enable this mediation to happen, but in general I feel that Prague does not need skyscrapers. Prague certainly has a lot of brownfields that should be redeveloped and there I see incredible potential for future development, while generally maintaining the existing Prague skyline. The Slovaks have always liked modern architecture. Bratislava has many unique examples, of varying success and I am aware of a futuristic development in Culenova New City by Zaha Hadid,

where seven new curved towers will reach 140 metres. I feel that Zaha's design is actually highly considered and, due to the existing a future context of similarly sized buildings in that particular part of the city, I feel it could be very successful. The buildings are carefully thought through to feel somewhat

Prague does not need skyscrapers. Prague certainly has a lot of brownfields that should be redeveloped. smaller and softer than a number of buildings planned in the locality. The old city centre is fortunately not really influenced by new skyscrapers projects, although they will be visible from higher parts of the city.

Warsaw is an interesting city with historical and modern areas. Warsaw is not yet really developed and, as planners and architects, we have to look far into the future to design how the city will look in say 300 years. What architects do has an almost indelible influence on the aesthetics of cities and the behaviour of its occupants, so we must tread both dynamically and very carefully. A major challenge is the recycling and adaptive reuse of buildings,

as the energy used to demolish a building is usually dramatically more than carrying out a reconstruction.

How do architects balance old and new?

Should historic sites remain deserted, as in Prague, or become vibrant as in Berlin?

Berlin is a good example of an on-going, successful urban redevelopment, comprising historic, contemporary, modern and vibrant buildings that are frequently well designed and made of high quality ecological materials. In Berlin, they are not afraid to refurbish old buildings and incorporate new modern elements. Prague is sometimes really tough. Some zones are rightly extremely protected, but others do not need to have such strict limitations. Parts of the city centre are being over protected and, as a result, a number of buildings remain empty for years. The historic buildings are frequently “protected” by law, however the unfortunate reality is that they are sometimes not protected or properly taken care of at all.

How much ecology should be integrated into designing business buildings?

An inherent part of any design should be sustainability. The perception of environmentally, as well as financially sustainable buildings, changed in 2008 as the

Where do you see the future of city centres? Are eco- and sustainable towers a solution?

There should be a holistic approach.

Plantings should be included in the design wherever possible and appropriate, not just for environmental reasons, but because they have a huge psychological

— Residence Diana was designed to mimic the pre- WW II historic baths

Jestico + Whiles was founded by Tom Jestico and John Whiles in 1977, and is an established practice of architects and interior designers based in London and Prague. Their office has completed major projects throughout Europe, the Middle East, India and China. The studio has a proven expertise for excellent and sustainable designs across a wide range of sectors, including universities, schools, hotels, housing, cultural facilities, offices, transport infrastructures and retail, many of them within schemes involving major urban regeneration, refurbishment of historic buildings or low energy designs.

Jestico + Whiles is a leader in the field of sustainable design with an international reputation for a holistic approach to low carbon, environmental buildings. Since the inception of the practice over 30 years ago, it has pioneered ecological issues in architecture and is consistently at the forefront of current thinking. Jestico + Whiles architects and interior designers have been awarded over 150 national and international awards for architecture and interior design, including a prestigious. MIPIM Award in 2010 and 2011 and a number of prized RIBA Awards.

impact on people working and living there. That said, rainwater should be used for irrigation and the use of chemicals must be eliminated, which is not as easy as one may wish. Plants are not always the optimum solution and self-cooling systems and energy efficient buildings should be the main concern. In Jestico + Whiles we try to design buildings with high levels of air-tightness and insulation, and have even completed large commercial buildings where the heating is provided just from the occupant's body heat and the computers they use.

What type of projects are the most challenging for you?

It is a good question. Every project is different and equally challenging. Probably the most difficult are green field projects, as you struggle with context and the local environment and, indeed, should we even be doing green field development. Adding extensions to historic buildings are also very challenging, however when the design works well, the results of mixing the old and new can be truly inspiring. We should always try to build as little as possible on green fields and instead redevelop the almost unending brown field areas that already exist. The challenge is always to work within the context.

13 A large current project close to Prague is located on the edge of an existing historic village and involves an extensive green field area that is zoned for housing.

The project includes 300 villas, 300 apartments, an 18hole golf course and refurbishment of a wonderful old chateau. We completely redesigned the urban plan and additionally incorporated a school, nursery, small offices, shopping areas, sports facilities and social clubs, all in small and potentially sustainable buildings of very high quality.

Which iconic city buildings provide your inspiration?

For me one of the most interesting is the Chrysler building in New York. It was very progressive in its time, I haven't met anybody who doesn't like it and I feel it is a beautifully detailed building. I also enjoy many buildings from the Baroque era up to current designs from architects such as Zaha Hadid. Zaha's Guangzhou Opera House in China is all about people and context. It is about the way she connects the building to people, the way they walk there, touch the walls.

Do you have a favourite building?

I have many favourite buildings. Baroque churches are amazing, but I also enjoy more brutal buildings such as the recently demolished hotel Rossiya in Moscow, which had 3,200 bedrooms for 4,000 guests. It was the largest hotel in the world, located right on the corner of Red Square.

It was a phenomenal building, not necessarily a fantastic piece of architecture, but a show piece of the mentality of the communist era. I particularly enjoy cubism, especially in the Czech Republic. The arts and crafts period in the UK is also similarly inspirational to cubism. They are similar in the terms of how they work.

Who is the architect or designer you admire?

It is not easy to pick just one, but the avant-garde Archigram from the 1960s with Peter Cook and his progressive designs of buildings floating in space or walking buildings. I also admire the incredible skills of Santiago Calatrava. He is an architect and engineer, a Master Builder, and I particularly enjoy many of his bridges and structures that have such incredible elegance. His work is something between art and architecture, well designed, and highly skilled. I also teach at ARCHIP in Prague and am always inspired by young architects as they experiment and challenge the way we work every day. They are full of new ideas. c

INTERVIEW

economic recession took hold, which I hope will change the types of buildings developed in the future. Nowadays banks are keen to lend on low energy and sustainable buildings, although only four years ago it was totally the opposite.

When we design, we try to minimize waste from the reconstruction, recycle and be as ecological as possible. Carbon zero and passive housing is already a reality, and in fact Jestico + Whiles designed a house of the future in Wales in 2000, where sheep wool was used as insulation and all materials needed for the construction were delivered from within a 50 mile radius of the building. Sustainability is, however, about much more than just materials, energy and finance. When we work on foreign projects, we prefer to work with local architects to do the administrative work such as permitting and engineering.

Communication within the community is also important. Projects should be discussed with inhabitants and the local community. At Jestico + Whiles we do exactly that whenever possible. We communicate ideas to people and genuinely try to understand the effect our projects will have on the local community as a whole.

Jestico + Whiles

Jestico + Whiles

PHOTO: profimedia.cz, Mamaison HotelS & Residences

A kilometre high building?

Reality!

Just looking at the numbers might make you dizzy. It seems no limits exist when architects plan skyscrapers.

And a city skyline is changed forever.

T

he architectural statistics are clear.

Skyscrapers and tall buildings over 200 m in height are reaching for those skies more often than expected.

Many experts predicted a decline due to the financial crisis, but new developments are welcoming guests, especially in the emerging market. Last year, 88 buildings over 200 metres were completed as mentioned in the CTBUH Review. Tall buildings change a locations appearance and directly and indirectly affect the lives of thousands of people. The city profile view – the skyline -- changed throughout history. These skylines might have a few iconic constructions, creating a picturesque city silhouette, or several tall buildings set close to one another, shaping unique views of the horizon.

Just to realize how the skyline looked centuries ago, think of the typical constructions of certain time periods. Pyramids in Egypt might be one of the oldest attempts to come close to the Gods; the Tower in Babylon, the fortress towers of the Romans and spires of the Baroque churches and Gothic cathedrals are just few examples of tall buildings that meant power, wealth and influence. The ideas behind the construction were always big, but material was the limitation. The industrial revolution, lack of space and the necessity of multi-storeyed buildings, the inventions of technically resistible materials and new building techniques led to a new development of construction and people no longer had to wait to admire the first skyscrapers.

— Hong Kong has one of the most memorable skylines of the world

Skyscrapers Heading East Skyscrapers are not only an American phenomenon, but interesting tall structures are being developed in Europe as well and Central and Eastern Europe are no exception. Most of the European skyscrapers are located in the financial zones of western cities, e.g. London (with the Shard tower – the tallest completed building in Europe with 309 m), Paris or Frankfurt. The Federation Tower in Moscow is under-construction, to be completed in 2013 and expected to be among the tallest buildings, with 509 metres.

Several high rise projects are underconstruction or projected in the Polish capital, Warsaw. Warsaw, due to historic circumstances is the only Central European city with wide boulevards. The historic city centre was largely destroyed during World War II and therefore the city

15

In the last decade, the record for tallest building was broken three times – the Petronas Towers reached 452 metres; Taipei 101 in 2004 overtook the supremacy with 508 metres and now the Burj Khalifa's peak is hardly visible at 828 metres. In January 2012, the foundation was laid for the Kingdom Tower in Saudi Arabia.

The central triangular shaped

tower of the Kingdom City in Jeddah was supposed to be a mile high but the geography of the area was unsuitable, so 1,000 metres height was the compromise. The design, created by architect Adrian Smith (designer of Burj Khalifa), incorporates many unique structural and aesthetic features, such as an outdoor sky terrace in 200 metres height and 59 elevators, including 5 double-decked. The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat estimates about 20 buildings (mostly in Asia and Middle East) will be taller than 500 metres by 2020. Several super-tall buildings are under construction or proposed to be completed in 2015 – the 700m India Tower in Mumbai, or in 2014 the Shangai Tower and the Federation Tower in Moscow, reaching 506 metres. A total of 45 skyscrapers (17 above 300m) are currently under-construction in China and India respectively.

offers unique opportunities for new, even high-rise projects. The Palace of Culture and Science, built in 1956 reminds of the Stalinist era Seven Sisters project in Moscow. The Palace's highest spire reaches to 237 metres and a terrace on the 30th floor, at 114 metres, offers a panoramic view. For the past twenty years the city has become a construction site. The Warsaw Trade Tower and Stock Exchange building, with total height of 208 metres was among the first tall structures changing Warsaw's modern skyline. Just recently an Orco Property Group Złota 44 skyscraper, designed by Daniel Libeskind, was completed. The 54 floor and nearly 200 metre high luxury apartment tower has a custommade triple-glazed facade of 4,000 panels bearing the Złota 44 signature. An elliptical shaped Warsaw Spire, a project designed

by Ghelamco, should be finished by 2014, rising to 220 metres and about other

ON THE ROAD

did you know?

No Limits The invention of a safe modern elevator allowed a new era to begin. American inventor Elisha Otis (Otis Elevator Company is today the world's largest manufacturer of vertical transport systems) installed the first passenger elevator on Broadway in New York in 1857 and in 23 years, the first electric elevator was built by Werner von Siemens. The most elevators, with over 900,000 installations, can be found in Italy, but the fastest ones and recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records are the two high-speed lifts in Taipei 101, the tallest building situated in Taipei, Taiwan. They have a maximum speed of 1,010 m/min (60.6 km/h). The lifts take just 40 seconds from ground level to the 89th floor, situated at 382 m (1,253 ft) and have atmospheric pressure regulatory systems to avoid discomfort for the occupants.

Because of the destructive fire in downtown Chicago in 1871, new buildings had to be raised within a small area. The first ten story building, designed by William Le Baron Jenney, was the predecessor of the skyscrapers. Later, steel beams, columns and concrete were used to support the tall constructions to carry the weight and resist weather conditions. In 1902, the “Flatiron” building was opened in New York and in 1930, the first spire type skyscraper, the Art Deco style Chrysler Building, designed by William Van Alen, gained the title the tallest in the world, with 319 metres. Just a year later, in 1931, the Empire State Building took over the first place and was the world's tallest building for forty years. After World War II, less concrete and more glass was used to allow more light and efficient tubular designs allowed taller structures. With the use of modern materials and technologies, there were no limits.

The Tallest in 2020

— The Flatiron building in New York was opened in 1902

ten projects are under development. In Warsaw, you can admire over 20 skyscrapers of more than 100 metres.

In modern Prague, modern architecture adjoins the historic. New architectural developments in the city centre cannot exceed the height of those existing and Prague's hilly location does not favour

daniel libeskind's zŁota 44 in Warsaw has a custom-made triple-glazed faÇade of 4,000 panels. tall buildings in general. Each building higher than the current roofs stands out and completely changes the skyline. This is the main reason why not so many new tall buildings are planned in Prague, but the reconstruction of the existing is more welcome. On the other hand, at least a few buildings exist that provoke emotional discussions even after 30 years. The Žižkov Tower, with a restaurant at a height of 66 metres, is number one. This television transmitter, located in the Žižkov district, was built between 1985 and 1992. The highest point at 216 metres makes it the highest construction in Prague. It is visible from any location in Prague. A new development of tall buildings is located on Pankrác hill, with business offices. The City Tower and City Empiria rise to over 100 metres.

on the road

16 Brief

history The Flatiron Building, designed by Daniel Hudson Burnham and standing 285 ft (87 m) high, was one of the tallest buildings in New York upon its completion in 1902, made possible by its steel skeleton.

The Woolworth Building, a neo-Gothic “Cathedral of Commerce” in New York overlooking City Hall, was designed by Cass Gilbert. At 792 feet (241 m), it became the world's tallest building upon its completion in 1913.

In 1930, the Chrysler Building took the lead as the tallest building in the world, scraping the sky at 1,046 feet (319 m). Designed by William Van Alen, an Art Deco style masterpiece with an exterior crafted of brick.

The Empire State Building, the first building to have more than 100 floors (it has 102), was completed in 1931. It was designed by Shreve, Lamb and Harmon in the contemporary Art Deco style. The tower takes its name from the

By the Danube The construction of the dominant vertical is always a responsible decision and in Bratislava, the city's urban architects are not afraid to take the risk. Thus will be formed a city skyline for coming centuries, like the castle atop the river. The Slovaks were not afraid to support sometimes controversial projects, especially in 70s and 80s, like the Nový Most (modern bridge over the Danube with a restaurant at the top), the upside down pyramid – the Slovak Radio building, or the Post Office – a massive concrete structure. Today, world-class architects are asked to design new developments; among them Zaha Hadid who projected a futuristic modernist Culenova New City in Bratislava. The project, just off the Slovak National Theatre, includes an office tower, residential and cultural spaces located in seven towers (five 27 floor towers and two 140 metre and 32 floor towers), each with a different curvy look.

nickname of New York State. Upon its completion in 1931 at 1,250 feet (381 m), it took the top spot as tallest building, and towered above all other buildings until 1972. The antenna mast added in 1951 brought its pinnacle height to 1,472 feet (449 m), lowered in 1984 to 1,454 feet (443 m).

The Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) in Chicago was completed in 1974, one year after the World Trade Center, and surpassed it as the world's tallest building. It was the first building to employ the “bundled tube” structural system, designed

by Fazlur Khan.

The building was not surpassed in height until the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur were constructed in 1998, and the Taipei 101 in Taipei, Taiwan in 2004 but remained the tallest in some categories until Burj Khalifa in Dubai surpassed it in all categories in 2010.

Source: www.wikipedia.org

the new Millennium City Centre complex along the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Danube waterfront. The building, with various concert halls, museum and galleries, equipped to host any kind of performance, won the FIABCI Prix d'Excellence in 2006 – “the Oscars of architecture and real estate development”.

Moscow – a Skyscraper City It seems that Moscow's potential for tall construction will never end. A decade ago you could count the skyscrapers reaching a maximum 260 metres with fingers on your hand and now the tallest building in Europe is about to be finished in Moscow.

Modern and newly emerging projects of tall buildings are almost constantly changing the city's skyline. In Moscow exist historic constructions, such as the Seven Sisters that have already changed the skyline. The neo-Gothic Stalin's landmark was finished in 1953 to impress the West.

— The Moscow-City project will have with 354 metres Federation Tower the tallest building in Europe

Over the past twenty years, the city centre of the Hungarian capital, Budapest, has gone through a large reconstruction of its historic heritage buildings. In Budapest, low-rise modern buildings create the city skyline; the castle, The Parliament on the Danube banks with a nearly 100 metre tower, the St. Stephen's Basilica, reaching 96 metres and a new bridge over the river. The longest cable-suspended bridge (length 1,862 m) in Budapest – Megyeri Bridge opened in 2008, connecting the Buda and Pest districts. But few exceptional projects of contemporary architecture were completed, among them the internationally recognized ING Headquarters. This office complex combines glass, steel, marble and granite. The Palace of Arts, the Budapest cultural hub finished in 2005, is a part of

The Moscow International Business Centre, also known as the Moscow-City project, will offer business, residence and entertainment for up to 300,000 people and cover an area of 60 hectares. The planned thirteen towers will reach from 90 to 354 metres. The multi-purpose Mercury City Tower, one the latest developments of the Moscow-City project should be finished by the end of 2012 and will have a 332 metre height with 70 floors.

In the last ten years Moscow has experienced an explosive construction boom without limitation or restriction and, especially, without any proper urban planning. Moscow wishes to become the main European business centre and since it has the financial sources, quality and safety should be the priority. c

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What's up in

prague

Major cultural events Autumn 2012 František Kupka: A Journey to Amorfa František Kupka (1871–1957), was a Czech painter and graphic artist. He was a pioneer and co-founder of the early phases of the abstract art movement and Orphic Cubism (Orphism). Kupka's abstract works arose from a base of realism, but later evolved into pure abstract art. He became the first artist in France to move from Jugendstil to Abstraction. Kupka exhibited his abstract pictures at the Paris autumn salon in 1912, which was associated with Orphism because of its proximity to music. In 1914 he voluntarily enrolled for front-line duty at the Somme. In 1931 he co-founded the group “Abstraction-Création” with Hans Arp, becoming a member of the group's board. This period was also marked by important exhibitions at the “Jeu de Paume” museum in Paris. A year after his death, a large-scale retrospective exhibition took place at the “Musée d'Art Moderne” in Paris, which dedicated an entire room to František Kupka.

Awards and received the 2008 Orphee D'Or by the Academie Du Disque Lyrique. “Beauty of the Baroque”, de Niese's latest Decca release of favourite arias from the English, German, and Italian traditions, accompanied by The English Concert under Harry Bicket, was released in summer of 2011 in the UK and in early 2012 in the US.

National Theatre, Ostrovní 225/1, Prague 1 Nov 3, 2012, www.narodni-divadlo.cz

Stomp!

STOMP has no words – everyone can understand it. It has little or no melody in the traditional sense. STOMP is a group of people, with very strong personalities, who work together using simple building blocks to create something complex, something everyone can identify with: everyone has, at some time, to engage in

Jennifer Lopez – World Tour 2012

concerts

PHOTO: PROFIMEDIA.CZ

what's up

18

The American multi-talented singer Jennifer Lopez has been called one of the most powerful and celebrated voices in entertainment. Lopez transformed the global music scene. She sold over 70 million records worldwide.

In 2001, her album “J.Lo,” was #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart. The MTV Music Video Awards nominated single, “Dance Again” proved to be yet another global hit for Lopez, featuring Cuban-American

National Gallery, Salmovský palác, Hradčanské nám., Prague 1 Nov 1, 2012 – March 1, 2013, www.ngprague.cz

Jan Jakub Kotík Although framed in a conceptual framework, the exhibition of Jan J. Kotík, an artist of American origin with Czech roots, is a unique cross-section of his work.

Besides a number of well known works, a series of domestic objects created during his studies at Cooper Union will be displayed for the very first time. The exhibition also includes a work by Hans Haacke, one of the most influential conceptual artists and founder of the institutional critique, whose influence on Kotík's practice, his approach to the subject and areas of interest would be both a mistake and pity to omit.

DOX, Poupětova 1, Prague 7 Oct 11, 2012 – Jan 7, 2013, www.dox.cz

Ildebrando D'Arcangelo The Italian bass-baritone opera singer is hailed by critics for his magnificent voice and stage presence.

D'Arcangelo established himself as one of the most exciting singers of his generation and is well-known to audiences throughout Europe as well as North America and regularly performs at La Scala di Milan, the Vienna State Opera, the Theatre an der Wien, Bayerische Staatsoper, the Liceu Barcelona, London's Royal Opera, the Opéra Bastille, as well as the Salzburg and Baden-Baden Festivals.

Rudolfinum, Náměstí Jana Palacha 79/1, Prague 1 Oct 23, 2012, www.ceskafilharmonie.cz

Danielle de Niese The Australian-born American singer who “looks like a pop diva but sings like a real one” (St. Louis Post Dispatch) regularly appears on the world's most prestigious opera and concert stages. For her debut solo album, Handel Arias, released in 2007, de Niese was named New Artist of the Year at the 2008 ECHO

rapper Pitbull. The album also includes a new single, “Goin' In,” featuring Flo Rida.

O2 Arena, Českomoravská 2 345/17, Prague 9 Oct 26, 2012, Www.jenniferlopez.com — Stomp is all about rhythm, a basic sense within everyone

group activity, whether they like or know the people they are working with. It's the little idiosyncrasies, the differences between people, and the games of one-upmanship that ensue, which define the group dynamic. The show is as much an expression of eight individuals with very strong personalities as it is a vision of rhythm.

Congress Centre, 5. května 65, Prague 4 Nov 20 – 25, 2012, www.stomp.co.uk

14th Czech Touches of Music The International Music Festival aims to offer high quality orchestral, chamber and recital works at Advent, Christmas, New Year and Epiphany concerts.

It includes thematic lines of Crossover, Old Music, Christmas Prague Music, The Gems of Russian Music and a cycle entitled 'Premature Passings' that presents the brilliant characters of Czech music and literature. The programme offers concerts of the Zuzana Lapčíková Quintet; Moravian Philharmonic Olomouc, with violinist Václav Hudeček; or the Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra, with Sophia Jaffé.

Various concert halls in Prague Dec 16, 2012 – Jan 6, 2013, www.ceskedotekyhudby.cz

Diana Krall Diana Jean Krall, is a Canadian jazz pianist and singer, known for her contralto vocals. She has sold over 15 million albums worldwide. She is the only jazz singer to have eight albums debuting at the top of the Billboard Jazz Albums. To date, she has won two Grammy Awards and eight Juno Awards. Her career exploded when “When I Look in Your Eyes” won a Grammy Award for best jazz vocal and became the first jazz disc to be nominated for Album of the Year in twenty–five years. In 2002, “The Look of Love” was a #1 bestseller in the US and a five–time platinum album in Canada.

Krall's latest album “Quiet Nights” uses Brazil as a musical point of reference.

“It's my love letter to my husband – just an intimate, romantic album.”

Congress Centre, 5. května 65, Prague 4 Nov 12, 2012, www.kcp.cz

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What's up in

warsaw

Major cultural events Autumn 2012 JVC Jazz Festival Warsaw

Formerly the JVC Jazz Jamboree, this event is one of the longest running jazz festivals in Europe and is a cherished Warsaw institution. For three days every October, the JVC Jazz Festival Warsaw showcases Polish, American and international jazz artists, side by side, for a truly global event. Held at the legendary Kongresowa Hall, this historic festival is a gem of the European jazz circuit. Past performers include Miles Davis, Keith Jarrett, Joe Zawinul, Thelonius Monk, Wayne Shorter, Dave Brubeck, Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles, Jan Garbarek, John Scofield, Bill Frisell, Pat Martino and many others.

Pałac Kultury i Nauki, Pl. Defilad 1, Warsaw Mid October 2012, www.pkin.pl

Tori Amos

28th Warsaw Film Festival The WFF differs from other festivals in its programme, just as Warsaw differs from other cities. Selecting the films, we always remember our audience - native Varsovians, those working or studying in Warsaw, and those in town for a short while, possibly only for the Festival. WFF audiences may discover American independent cinema, as well as Asian, Latin American, Iranian, Russian and Romanian cinema.

Various cinemas across Warsaw Oct 12 – 23, 2012, www.wff.pl

New London Consort – The Banquet of Music The New London Consort (NLC) is firmly established as one of the world's leading early music ensembles with a uniquely wide and colourful repertoire of Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque music, much of it unpublished. Directed by Philip Pickett, the NLC has an enviable reputation for the flair, versatility and virtuosity of its members and for consistently presenting interesting and carefully planned programmes that combine the very best in scholarship and entertainment. The performance includes Henry Purcell, William Croft, William Williams, Thomas Baltzar, John Blow – Songs, Suites, Sonatas, Arias and tunes from London's theatres, concert rooms and taverns.

Warsaw Philharmonic, Sienkiewicza St, Warsaw Nov 6, 2012, www.filharmonia.pl

Black & White – The Poznań Teatr Wielki Ballet “Black & White” is a production featuring three choreographic colours by choreographers Jacek Przybyłowicz, Itzik Galili and Rami Be'er. An evening by three different creators who work with Israel's Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company, one of the best contemporary dance companies in the world.

Rami Be'er, author of the duet “Butterflies”, is the KCDC's artistic director and choreographer. Itzik Galili, an Israeli, is the director and choreographer

— Tori Amos' charting singles include Crucify, 1000 Oceans or A Sorta Fairytale

of Dansgroep Amsterdam, and Jacek Przybyłowicz, a long-time dancer with the KCDC today runs the ballet company at Poznań's Teatr Wielki.

Teatr Wielki, Plac Teatralny 1, Warsaw Nov 10, 2012, www.teatrwielki.pl

Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club Featuring Omara Portuondo The release of the album Buena Vista Social Club in 1997 meant a “Cuban revolution” in music. No one expected over 8 million copies of this unique experiment in world music to be sold. The musicians weren't a standard band, but rather a veteran collective with Cuban-African roots and a passion about music. Many of the original members of the band are not among us anymore, but performing in Warsaw, Omara Portuondo is still the leading lady of the band.

Pałac Kultury i Nauki, Pl. Defilad 1,Warsaw Nov 13, 2012, www.buenavistasocialclub.com

Echoes of Time A premiére ballet evening in three parts – Echoes of Time, with works by the British artist Ashley Page (Century Rolls), Krzysztof Pastor (Moving Rooms) and the American choreographer William Forsythe (Artifact Suite). The works of the three choreographers are created for energetic contemporary music.

All three pieces decompose the traditional order of classical dance, delineating new paths for modern ballet.

Teatr Wielki, Plac Teatralny 1, Warsaw Nov 17, 2012, www.teatrwielki.pl

concerts

PHOTO: PROFIMEDIA.CZ

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Tori Amos is an American pianist, singer-songwriter and composer, among the most influential artists of her generation. She sold over 12 million albums, won numerous awards and she was the first major artist to offer a single for a download. Since the release of her debut album “Little Earthquakes”, 20 years ago, Amos belongs among the most innovative and evocative performers. Her latest album “Gold Dust” is about celebrating over 20 years of all the conversations that occurred and inspired many of these songs and it's a collection of new recordings tracing where they are now and who they have become.

Pałac Kultury i Nauki, Pl. Defilad 1, Warsaw Oct 13, 2012, www.toriamos.com

Katie Melua Katie Melua is a young Georgian-born British singer, songwriter and musician.

Cooperation with composer Mike Batt led to her musical debut in 2003. In 2006, she was the United Kingdom's best-selling female artist and Europe's highest selling European female artist.

Her best-selling albums include the “Pictures”, or “the House”. The release of Katie's fifth and the latest studio album “Secret Symphony” introduces an exquisite collection of songs that perfectly showcase her unique, instantly recognizable voice.

Pałac Kultury i Nauki, Pl. Defilad 1, Warsaw Nov 12, 2012, www.katiemelua.com

Major cultural events Autumn 2012 Russian Drawings and Watercolours of the Second Half of the 19th and 20th Century From the Museum's Collection Within the core of the current exhibition, lies littleknown Russian graphic works of the second half of the 19th – beginning of the 20th century. Visitors will see drawings and watercolours of the academic masters, Peredvizhniki and the members of the Abramtsevo art circle. The exhibition features the works of V. Vasnetsov, N. Ge, M. Vrubel, I. Repin, I. Shishkin and V. Serov. This display demonstrates the variety of Russian graphics of those times, with all their differences in style and technique.

The State Tretyakov Gallery, Lavrushinsky Lane 10, Nov 23, 2012 – Feb 24, 2013, www.tretyakovgallery.ru

Still-life. Metamorphosis. A dialogue between classic and contemporary art The exhibition is devoted to various types of still-lifes in Russian painting and graphic art of the 18th–19th centuries and in the new trends in art at the end of the 20th – beginning of the 21st centuries. About 200 paintings, drawings, pieces of decorative and applied arts, as well as subjects of everyday life constitute the exposition. The exhibits arrived from the State Hermitage, the State Russian museum, the State Historical museum, memorial estates “Kuskovo” and “Ostankino”, regional Russian museums and Minsk museums. A substantial quantity of art works from the museums' archives will be exhibited for the first time.

1997-2001. In 2011, Janko Tipsarevic defeated Viktor Troicki in the first-ever all-Serbian final on the ATP World Tour.

Olympic Stadium, Olympiyskiy Prospect 16, Moscow Oct 13 – 21, 2012, www.kremlicup.ru

Vanessa-Mae A British instrumentalist, known for violin technoacoustic fusion. She became a world star with her pop album “The Violin Player” at the age of 16. Previously she had already released 3 Classical CD's at the ages of 12 & 13 – According to Guinness World Records, she is the youngest soloist to record both the Ludwig van Beethoven and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky violin concertos, a feat she accomplished at the age of thirteen.

She toured with orchestras and participated in many TV appearances. Her performances are a blend of classical, pop and jazz music. Her Guadagnini violin was made in 1761 and is worth over $500,000.

One of their greatest hits is “How You Remind Me”. The world-wide tour “Here and Now” promotes their latest album of the same name.

Olympic Stadium, Olympiyskiy Prospect 16, Moscow Oct 25, 2012, www.nickelback.com

STATUS QUO – 45th Anniversary Tour

Joseph Beuys: Appeal for an Alternative

State Museum of Modern Art of the Russian Academy of Arts, Gogolevsky Boulevard 10, Moscow Until Nov 14, 2012, www.mmoma.ru

Kremlin Cup An ATP tournament played indoors in Russia's bustling and chilly capital, the Kremlin Cup became the country's first pro international tennis tournament when it was founded in 1990. Russian players dominated the event, winning 14 of 21 titles, with Yevgeny Kafelnikov winning a record five consecutive titles between

Nickelback is a Canadian rock band whose music is classified as hard rock, post-grunge, and alternative rock.

Nickelback is one of the most commercially successful Canadian groups, having sold more than 50 million albums worldwide, ranking as the 11th best-selling music act of the 2000s and is the 2nd best-selling foreign act in the U.S. (behind The Beatles for the 2000s).

Crocus City Hall, 65-66 km Moscow Ring Road, Moscow Dec 9, 2012, www.vanessa-mae.com

The State Tretyakov Gallery, Krymsky Val 10, Moscow Nov 2, 2012 – Feb 24, 2013, www.tretyakovgallery.ru

The exhibition is one of the key events of the Year of Germany in Russia 2012/13. The exhibition aims to show Beuys' universal worldview through his seminal works. The title – Appeal for an Alternative – alludes to the socio-political manifesto by Beuys, published in 1978 in Frankfurter Rundschau. The first full-scale exhibition features installations, including seminal Beuys' works “The End of the Twentieth Century” and “Tramstop”, multiples, graphic works, and video documentations of Beuys' performances. The “Appeal for an Alternative” exhibition is conceived as a retrospective of Joseph Beuys' ideas and is meant to test how relevant the suggested alternatives are for today and tomorrow.

Nickelback - Here And Now Tour

— Vanessa-Mae is famous for classic, pop and jazz violin concerts

Prince Igor The Bolshoi Theatre, in its 237th theatre season, presents six opera premieres, including the opera in four acts – “Prince Igor”, composed by Alexander Borodin. The composer adapted the libretto from the East Slavic medieval epic recounting the campaign of Russian Prince Igor Svyatoslavich against the invading Polovtsian tribes in 1185. The opera depicts colourful Russian scenes and includes famous Polovtsian dances. In Prince Igor, Borodin's only opera in the Golden Treasury of Russian operatic classics (and which does not have a canonic version), director Lyubimov will emphasize the dramatic element, playing up the conflict between the Russian people and the Polovtsians.

The production is designed by well-known Russian artist and scenographer Zinovy Margolin. Vassily Sinaisky, the Bolshoi Theatre Music Director and Chief Conductor, is a recognized expert on Russian 19th century music and will conduct.

The Bolshoi Theatre, Teatralnaya sq. 1, Moscow Dec 16 – 23, 2012, www.bolshoi.ru

The English boogie rock band Status Quo is an essential part of rock history.

They recorded over 60 UK chart hits and sold more than 128 million albums.

Their best albums include the 1977 “Quo Live”– recorded at Glasgow Apollo, “Rockin All Over The World” and “Down Down”. In 1981 the band was awarded the coveted Music Therapy Silver Clef Award for services to British Music. In 1985 Quo reformed to open Live Aid with 'Rockin' All Over The World', the song which was to become the anthem for the biggest live event in music history. Quo's latest studio album (number 29) “Quid Pro Quo” has 14 brand new tracks plus the 2010 version of “In The Army Now” and is packaged with a second disc, the “Official Bootleg – Greatest Hits Live”.

Crocus City Hall, 65-66 km Moscow Ring Road, Moscow Nov 5, 2012, www.statusquo.co.uk

WHAT'S UP

moscow concerts

PHOto: Profimedia

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What's up in

budapest Major cultural events Autumn 2012

Faster, Higher, Stronger!

Organised jointly by the Hungarian National Gallery and the Hungarian Museum of Sports on the occasion of the 2012 London Olympics, the exhibition displays artworks and relics that help us understand the objectives and characteristics of various sports, including some that are not part of the Olympics. The works selected for the show were arranged according to their relationship to the notions in the slogan “Faster, higher, stronger!”, and also of efficiency and the cult of the body. Presenting objects and artworks from this rich intellectual and spiritual heritage can be seen as a display of art history and the history of sports at the same time.

Hungarian National Gallery, Szent György tér 2, Budapest until Oct 21, 2012, www.mng.hu

The Freedom of Sound. John Cage behind the Iron Curtain John Cage (1912–1992) was one of the major figures of avant-garde music, a versatile artist who was also a performer, lecturer, author, and visual artist.

Throughout his career, Cage performed and lectured all over the world. With his visits to the countries that were once behind the so-called Iron Curtain and with his live performances (as at the Zagreb Music Bienniale in 1963, or the Warsaw Autumn Festival in 1964) Cage had a huge impact on composers as well as many young artists in Central and Eastern Europe.

Besides concerts and performances and presenting his visual artworks and scores, the exhibition explores John Cage's Eastern European travels and connections with the local art scenes and, through the works of contemporary artists from Central and Eastern Europe, his remaining influence on this region.

Revolutionnaire et Romantique and the Monteverdi Choir

Ludwig Museum, Komor Marcell U. 1, Budapest Nov 23, 2012 – Feb 17, 2013, www.lumu.hu

A performance of Ludwig van Beethoven's “Missa solemnis, op.123” with soprano Lucy Crowe, tenor James Gilchrist, bass Vuyani Mlinde and Sir John Eliot Gardiner conducting. “With devotion”, answered Sir John Eliot Gardiner, when asked how he would approach Beethoven's Missa solemnis, a work regarded as the Mount Everest of European music. He was saying nothing original in responding this way, given that the composer himself affixed the same performance instruction to the opening of his masterpiece, which he composed over a period of four years when already completely deaf. And yet, with this concise answer, the British conductor also reveals his personal approach to the music.

Ramón Vargas

Palace of Arts, Komor Marcell U. 1, Budapest Oct 15, 2012, www.mupa.hu

A Mexican, Ramón Vargas, is one of the leading tenors of our time and most sought-after worldwide. The award-winning Vargas is in Budapest, accompanied by Mariachi Los Caballeros ensemble and the Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by the Serbian, Srboljub Dinić, who is much sought after for Italian operas. Vargas will be joined on stage for a number of surprise numbers by a Croatian group specialising in traditional Mexican mariachi music, with which he shares a long collaboration. Vargas will perform Mozart, Boito, Massenet, Verdi and Donizetti.

Lionel Richie

concerts

PHOTO: PROFIMEDIA.CZ

what's up

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The American singer is currently promoting his latest album, “Tuskegee”.

“Tuskegee” was released on March 26 and debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the country albums chart. “Tuskegee” became an immediate worldwide hit, debuting at No. 1 on Canada's Top Albums chart and reaching the Top 20 albums charts in 10 countries. The album features duets of 13 of his timeless hits, with Jason Aldean, Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, Billy Currington, Little Big Town, or Shania Twain. Lionel Richie sold more than 100 million albums, had 22 Top 10 hits and won five Grammys, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe and a host of other awards.

Papp László Sportaréna, Budapest Nov 21, 2012, www.lionelrichie.com

Muse A young English alternative rock band, whose song “Survival” has been selected by the London Olympic committee to be the official song for the London 2012 Olympic Games, is promoting

Palace of Arts, Komor Marcell U. 1, Budapest Nov 28, 2012, www.mupa.hu

their latest album – The 2nd Law. The Grammy award-winning band has already released 6 studio albums. The band is well known for extravaganza performances. Their frontman, Matthew Bellamy, describes their music style as a mix of U2, Radiohead and a pinch of David Bowie.

— Award-winning tenor Ramón Vargas performs Mozart, Verdi or Donizetti

Papp László Sportaréna, Budapest Nov 20, 2012, www.muse.mu

PHOto: Profimedia, Randy Miramontez / Shutterstock.com

— Sting's show, the former leader of The Police, ensures a memorable experience

ostrava

Major cultural events Autumn 2012 October, this unique international festival offers varied and inspiring concerts performed by world-class artists and ensembles.

Various churches across Ostrava region Sep 28 – Oct 28, 2012, www.shs.cz

Sting – Back to Bass Tour The British world-renowned and multi-instrumentalist, musician, actor, songwriter, activist and philanthropist, is known as the former leader of The Police. During his solo career he gained numerous prestigious awards.

Sting continues his world tour, joined by a band featuring Dominic Miller (guitar), Vinnie Colaiuta (drums), David Sancious (keyboards), Peter Tickell (electric fiddle), and Jo Lawry (vocals), performing many of his greatest hits, stripped down.

— Olympic and World Champion Plushenko invites to an ice skating gala

9th St. Wenceslas Music Festival The St. Wenceslas Music Festival is an annual celebration of sacred music that takes place in churches throughout the Moravian-Silesian region. Every year, 31 days in a row, from 28th September to 28th

ČEZ Arena, Ruská 3077/135, Ostrava Nov 19, 2012, www.sting.com

Evgeni Plushenko – Master of the Ice A Russian figure-skating super star and three time World Champion – Evgeni Plushenko is also the 2006 Winter Olympics gold medalist and 2002 Winter Olympics silver medalist. He skated at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, Canada, and received a score of 90.85 for his short program performance,

breaking the Olympic record and leading all competitors, but winning the silver. He is also a nine-time Russian national champion. In 2008, Plushenko, together with violinist Edvin Marton, accompanied Dima Bilan on stage as part of the winning Eurovision Song Contest performance “Believe” in Belgrade, Serbia. Plushenko skated on stage as part of the performance. World class figure skaters Stephan Lambiel, Brian Joubert, and Laura Lepisto will accompany him on the ice.

Sareza Arena, Čkalovova 20, Ostrava Dec 12, 2012, www.ostravainfo.cz

Stella Jones & The Christmas Singers Stella Jones, born in Germany and living in Austria, is a multi-talented artist starting her musical career in the age of seven, performing as a singer with her mother in Jazz clubs. Stella has regularly been on Tour for the last 9 years with her own Gospel Formation AMERICAN CHRISTMAS GOSPEL and to date played countless concerts with renowned bands and artists all over the world. She also performed in several Musicals, such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Jesus Christ Superstar, Mozartmania and RENT.

Evangelical Church, Husovo náměstí 4, Moravská Ostrava Dec 21, 2012, www.ostravainfo.cz

WHAT'S UP

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ON THE ROAD PHOTO: Mamaison HotelS & Residences

with children

A decision to travel with children means planning details several months ahead.

To avoid possible obstacles, check these essential and timetested tips for easier holidays!

T

ravelling with children, in the worst scenario, might become a nightmare. Luckily for you, if you prepare well ahead, you'll realize travelling with children is, on one hand exhausting, but on the other, means a lot of fun and new discoveries that emerge naturally. When youngsters are with you, things are different from adult travelling, especially in the preparation period and the travel pace.

With children, everything simply takes time.

Planning When you plan the first trip with a baby, try to gather as much information about your destination as possible. For inspiration, click to family vacations ideas on

KidsCanTravel.com. Focus on children friendly hotels, restaurants, shops or even public toilets and rooms for feeding. If possible, check all the local emergency numbers and paediatrician and pharmacy contacts. Save the numbers to your mobile phone. Ask your doctor if any special vaccination is required and for a list of medicines to take along. Check the visa requirements at your destinations and laws affecting child travel. When planning sightseeing, make sure you know places to stop to refresh or where your child can stretch on a blanket and take a nap. If you travel with another family, discuss ahead together your plans and ways to spend time together. You'll avoid future misunderstandings. Search for outdoor, but also indoor

— Children need stops every three hours to actively stretch and play

Reservations Before you book your flight, check several airlines for options. The cheapest is not always suitable for youngsters. Make sure when your flight leaves and consider your child's day regime (during night flights, children mostly sleep and you can rest too). You cannot avoid delays, but with regular airlines the chances are less.

If you plan a longer stay and you are trying to keep costs down, check a home exchange or rent a house or apartment (useful links: Homelidays.com, MatchingHouses.com). Don't forget to check out references. With hotels, ask for special family deals. Usually the offers include a larger suite, free meals for children, toys, an extra bed, high chair, etc.

Packing Pack as lightly as possible. Don't forget you only have two hands. Even though it might sound crazy, let your older kids pack with you. They should be able to fill their back-packs with toys, books or drawings with crayons. For infants or toddlers, you don't need to pack everything (diapers, wipes, formulas, food, chairs, beds, seats, monitors, etc.), but check a delivery service at your destination (request an offer from BabiesTravelLite.com). When packing, think about the option to wash clothes during your stay away. Baby travel gear gets heavy, so be sure to ask your airline for restrictions on overweight baggage. Think what kind of baby pram is necessary for the terrain you walk and consider a baby carrier.

Don't Forget The golden rule is: passport and money.

The rest you can buy. If it's necessary, bring your own medicines with you. You know their proper usage and possible reactions.

Helpful are those for fever, allergy, cough, and diarrhoea. Baby wipes help you not only to stay clean, but to stay refreshed and cool down. Hand sanitizer in spray or gel form is useful. Pack a surprise for your children – a new toy can do miracles and keep them entertained for a while.

Airplane Travel Airports usually offer special assisting services for families and often arrange priority check-in. Remember this when you book

Don't forget passports!

As identification requirements recently changed within the European Union member states, make sure all children travelling with you have their own valid identification documents and passports. The same rule applies in the rest of the world, but check your destination's travel laws, regulations and visa requirements affecting children. Extra supporting documentation may be required, such as a birth certificate showing the names of the child's legal

parent(s), and/or a parental consent letter when children are travelling alone or with only one parent.

In case youngsters travel alone (especially by airplane), make sure the person meeting them on arrival has appropriate identification and authorization.

Getting There by Car When driving, safety is the main issue. Even though child safety car seats take a lot of space, always use them. Make sure you pay attention to the conditions on the road – detours, traffic jams or accidents and identify possible stops for a snack, stretch and restrooms. Best is to stop at a rest stop with a playground area, because after about three hours drive, children need an “active” rest. Plan your departure for the time of a regular nap. If possible, leave enough space for kids to move their legs and arms and be able to put toys next to them. Before you start off, prepare an extra supply of fresh water, hot tea (when you get stuck in a snow storm), blankets and light meals such as biscuits, breads, vegetables, fresh and dried fruits. For storage, use Ziplock bags rather than boxes.

Youngsters should have their favourite toys, play dough, travel games, books, drawing sets and entertaining portable electronic devices, including headphones for them.

Over a hundred travel games can be found at MomsMinivan.com and activities for school children at GreatSchool.org.

At Your Destination You might have a detailed plan, but suddenly things change. Ask at the information centre or concierge at the hotel for family suggestions for what to do and family friendly attractions. Many destinations offer special family bonus cards with discounts. Be prepared for several variations of things to do of different lengths of time each day that are suitable for any weather condition. Don't be surprised at a closed sign on a museum and check in advance for opening hours wherever you go.

Fun for Everyone Make sure entertainment is always part of your activities. Older children might be able to take their own pictures, write postcards to friends from points of interest or keep a travel journal. Suggest items children might collect – stamps, stones, badges. Kids get easily bored, so let them suggest activities for the day from time to time. They should explore new things and be able to play at the same time. The best combinations are playgrounds with educational themes (water, nature, space, science, etc.). Don't forget that vacation is a time to relax too, so ask your adult companions to take care of your children while you pamper yourself for a time – and return the favour... c

travelling

your flight as well as to reserve special meal options for children (they usually come with a small toy), extra leg room and seats close to other families, so kids can entertain themselves together. SeatGuru.com will help you identify the seat position, nearest toilets, etc. Consider the extra expense of lounge use (if you are not a frequent-flyer member). It may be worth it, especially if your flight gets delayed. Check the latest restrictions on hand luggage and exceptions for liquid supplies for children under two. If you have plenty of luggage, ask for a day-ahead check-in or consider the option of sending the luggage ahead of you (FirstLuggage.com). Add a layer of clothes for little ones in your handbag, as it is usually cooler in the airplane. Once on the plane, don't forget a regular water supply for your children, as the air tends to dehydrate and remember that chewing gum or gummy sweets may help avoid ear pressure discomforts.

Don't forget

activities, as the weather might turn bad.

Make travel for older children adventurous and before leaving explore together the maps, pictures, local fairy-tale characters, watch a movie about the area or prepare a traditional local meal. You can find hints on TravelForKids.com.

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time for

Family

Mamaison’s Family Getaway in one of our family-friendly hotels, puts you in the heart of New Europe’s popular cities with activities to please the young and young at heart.

This special hotel offer, valid throughout the year, is ideal for families wanting to explore all the hidden treasures of Europe’s finest destinations. It includes special amenities that the whole family will enjoy. Don’t hesitate and surprise your children with an enjoyable family break!

This year-round special offer includes: � Family Accommodation � Daily breakfast � A Welcome Amenity in your room � Complimentary extra beds for children (max 2.) � Gift and amenities for children including a special registration card � Free Internet Book today at mamaison.com or scan the code below.

PrAGuE

MosCoW

WArsAW

BuDAPEst

BrAtIslAvA

ostrAvA

Entertainment for days and nights

Not only your body, but also your brain needs regular training. Enjoy brain twisters which will practise your brain after a busy day and, at the same time, check your logic, imagination and sense of humour.

Moms and daughters At a family gathering afternoon tea with cakes was served. Two moms and two daughters all had tea and cakes but only three cups and three plates were used?

Why?

Killer Sudoku The rules for Killer Sudoku have one additional rule to the regular sudoku. The sum of the cells in a cage must equal the total given for the cage. Each digit in the cage must be unique.

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Find the way Diana did not pay attention at the Budapest airport and lost her suitcases. Help little Diana find her luggage. Do not cross the lines.

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Kids Sudoku The object of the game is to get each of the pictures in every row and column so that the same picture is not repeated in the same row or column.

Matching socks If you have 6 black socks, 4 blue socks, 8 brown socks, and 2 red socks in your sock drawer, what is the minimum number of socks that you need to pull out in the dark to be sure you had a matching pair?

brain twisters

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PHOTO: Mamaison HotelS & Residences

the best taste T Dining, for the Slovaks, means meeting family, friends and enjoying what the land provides. Typical Slovak food is rich in meat, potatoes, dumplings and cheese. And all this takes time to eat...

raditional Slovak food reflects the country's history and especially the landscape. Because of its historic background, the cuisine is influenced by neighbouring countries: Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic. The cuisine varies from region to region. All across Slovakia, you will find dishes with pork and poultry, cheese (try the rich in taste and smell “bryndza” – sheep cheese), variations of cabbage, thick soups and sauces, onions and garlic. The most typical and popular meal is “halušky” – easy to prepare potato dumplings similar to gnocchi. Halušky can be called part of Slovak culture, especially in Liptov and Orava. The best comes with soft cream sheep cheese and fried bacon or sour cabbage and is served with a glass

of sour milk, rather than beer or wine – “žinčica”. It is a traditional shepherds' drink from sheep's milk and the best refreshment on hot summer days. The best of all is “urda” that's denser than normal salty or sour žinčica.

Slovak eating habits are similar to other Central European countries. Various types of bread are the favourite breakfast option, served with butter, jam, or eggs, bacon, cheese and ham. Lunch is the main meal of the day. A typical Slovak lunch consists of soup and a main course. Soups are very popular and typical are sour cabbage and sausage soup “kapustnica” (also served on Christmas Day), bean and lentil soups, goulash soup and cream soup. Often a main course comes as a sweet option. Don't be

What to Drink The Slovaks have a wide range of locally produced beers and the most popular Pilsner-style lagers are Šariš, Zlatý Bažant (Golden Pheasant), Corgoň, Smädny Mnich (Thirsty Monk) or Topvar. A lot of microbreweries are also spread across the country. Wine is a very popular drink in Slovakia and wine making dates back to 700 BC. The Romans later introduced advanced wine-growing techniques, the grapes which grow now in the southern areas of the country. White wines (Sauvignon, Chardonnay) have better growing conditions, while in the production of red wines (St. Laurent, Blue Frankovka), quality varies with the weather conditions.

Well known from Hungary – Tokaj wine is probably the best-known label in Slovakia. Tokaj is a sweet, after-dinner wine, made with grapes that produce a fungus called “noble rot”, giving the wine a typical after-taste and distinctive rich flavour.

The Slovak wine has the same quality and reputation. Aperitifs from fruits like “slivovica” (made from plums) and “borovička” (made from juniper berries) are traditional alcoholic drinks, always popular in Slovakia and usually offered to guests of households. Another Slovak specialty is

Aperitifs from fruits are usually served as welcome drinks.

Vinea – a traditional carbonated soft drink made from grape juice, with no aromatic or synthetic colouring additives and only stabilized by pasteurization. Vinea was invented in 1973 and exported to the USA in the 1980s, where it gained popularity.

Nowadays, Vinea is produced white or red, carbonated or still.

Dining to Remember The Bratislava city centre is packed with restaurants, cafés and bars offering delicacies from local and regional tastes to trendy international fusion cuisine. When the weather permits, many restaurants have tables and chairs in front, heated even in winter, so people enjoy their meals and drinks in the fresh air. In Bratislava, cuisine

Don't miss goose feast

surprised by “rezance” – pasta with sweet poppy seeds or quark, sweet dumplings filled with seasonal fruits, “žemlovka” – a white bread soaked in milk and eggs and baked with apples or quark or pancakes of various types. To taste and prepare Slovak cuisine at home go to www.slovakcooking.com to discover other delicious meals.

traditional November's feast If you are planning to visit Bratislava in November, make sure to be there on the 11th. The St. Martin's Day celebration brings a traditional feast of goose and local specialties.

The Goose Feasts, or “husiace hody”, are prepared in many restaurants.

The real Mecca of goose feast lies a 20 minute drive from Bratislava in a town called Slovenský Grob.

You can get there either by bus or taxi. There the restaurants and local families serve a traditional menu with soup, goose liver pâté, roast goose, red and white cabbage and dumplings. On the table you'll also find “lokše” – thin potato pancakes and young wine, as November 11th marks the start of the new vintage.

“Burčiak” is also popular, a drink from wine grapes just at the beginning of their fermentation (known as “Sturm” in German). Make sure you reserve a table in advance. For more information go to: www.bratislavaguide.com/ goose-feast-locations

is usually a mix of the historical influences of Austrian, Hungarian and Jewish communities. Around Bratislava are located hills with a lot of sunshine and many vineyards produce regional specialties there. Typical wines of the region include red “Frankovka” and white Rieslings and Veltliners, or the cross-variety Devín, with a spicy aroma and scent of lemon balm and grapefruit.

The Old Town has the widest selection of restaurants and, in Bratislava, many places are recognized for tasty cuisine, as well as respect for local and fresh ingredients or their professional attitude and outstanding service. Recently a Thai restaurant, LemonTree, with Spicy Cocktail Bar was awarded with a Thai Select Award granted to restaurants outside Thailand by the Kingdom of Thailand's Department of Export Promotion for the use of authentic Thai ingredients. This award recognizes

31 Original

recipe Original Slovak Recipe – Bryndzové halušky Recipe for 2 persons Preparation time: 30 minutes Ingredients: Potatoes – 3 medium pieces All-purpose flour – 5 tablespoons Large egg – 1 piece Bacon Bryndza (Slovak Sheep Cream Cheese) or any cheese you prefer Salt First, peel potatoes and shred them on a fine grater. Drain water from the potatoes, add egg, flour, a little salt and mix well. If the dough is watery, add another spoon of flour.

In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add two teaspoons of salt. Place the dough on a cutting board and, with a knife, cut pieces of the dough to max. 2 cm. Cook the “halušky” for few minutes until they float to the top and immediately take them out. Mix the warm “halušky” with cheese. Have pan fried bacon ready, cut into small cubes. Serve the “halušky” topped with bacon.

food preparation processes, the presence of Thai culture and standards of service.

One of the most respected Italian restaurants in Bratislava – Antica Toscana, was certified with the “Ospitalitá Italiana” award

by Unioncamere, a Chamber of Commerce Union and FIPE, a service industries association for meeting the standards of Italian dishes. These awards celebrate the use of certified olive oil, at least 20% of the wines certified PDO (protected geographical status), and an Italian-qualified person on kitchen staff, along with Italian-speaking staff.

Restaurant Leberfinger is located on the right side of the Danube, in a 250 year old building once visited by Napoleon. It is well established in the market and known for its up to date, yet uniquely traditional Hungarian and Pressburg (German for Bratislava) specialties. A very unusual combination is offered by Bakchus restaurant – Slovak and Indian cuisine. It is located in a historic wine cellar built in the 17th century that produced still wines, as well as 100,000 litres of sparkling wines annually. Today though, the wine making has ceased, although a fine selection of traditional Slovak cuisine, complemented with authentic treasures from the Indian subcontinent, is on the menu. c

The best taste

— Typical Slovak meal with sheep cheese “halušky” varies from region to region

20 questions for PHOTO: Mamaison HotelS & Residences

Róbert Tóth

Which world destinations would you enjoy living in?

I do not know for how long, but Istanbul.

I love the spirit of this city, I could absolutely reset my mind by sitting in the small, old, dirty local buses called “dolmus”, having coffee on the busy Bosporus riverside or just walking through the shopping malls.

Simply, I enjoy places where you see many “faces”.

Which world class hotel do you like the most?

For me, world class hotels are every hotel with great personalised service. No need to have gold or silver on the table...

Where would you prefer to stay, a city hotel or seaside complex?

Once a year a seaside complex and then many times a year city hotels :o) Who is the most interesting person you met in your career?

It was a nice, brunette, young lady whom I met 4 years ago, organising a company party in my previous hotel. She was known for being strict, efficient & very well organized. You must understand that I could not let her go. I married her in the same hotel and every year we have our anniversary dinner in that same hotel restaurant.

Who influenced your decision to become a hotelier?

A coincidence, I was looking for my 1st job after university and there was an ad in the newspaper, that a new, unknown to me

hotel was looking for line & management staff. After I was hired I realised that this hotel was one of the most famous hotels in the country.

Your favourite place in a hotel?

Clearly, the lobby. It's a place of warm greetings welcoming guests, shaking hands, telling jokes, beginning and ending a guest's stay...

What was your worst day at work?

The worst workdays are the days when your favourite colleagues are leaving.

What makes you laugh at work?

I like when my employees share funny stories from their daily hotel life. Those are the ones that keep you in “happy mode”.

— Lobby is a place of warm greetings, welcoming guests, telling jokes and beginning and ending of a guest's stay

Your favourite writer and book?

Arthur Hailey – Hotel. This book is a great back office Safety & Security training manual. But I prefer real figures from real life, so I am a big fan of the local and international daily press.

Historical personality you admire?

Probably the most famous European traveller to make it to the Far East – Marco Polo.

His admirable courage to discover new lands inspired many other fellow travellers.

With whom you would like to be on stage and perform?

My wife always says: “You can manage alone”. Maybe she is right :o) Or only people who are enthusiastic, proactive and ready to share the good mood can join me on the stage.

Róbert Tóth General Manager, Mamaison Residence Šulekova

1

Life in numbers

daughter

— Mamaison Residence Šulekova has proven its excellence in hospitality over the past 8 years

And my employees can always count on my stories including role plays.

The most unusual meal you were served?

A French toast with sugar – how can people eat eggs with sugar? No thank you.

What drink would you offer to a special guest?

I am not a specialist in drinks. I rather ask the guest what can I offer that will make him happy, for sure.

2

employers in my life

3

years married

11

job descriptions signed in my life

3,977

days employed in my life before joined Mamaison (all in one company)

13,163

days old when joined Mamaison

What sport do you prefer to relax?

Golf... but it has to be sunny, +30 °C outside with a restaurant next to the Club House, or in-line skating... but again, it must be sunny, +30 °C outside, and again a restaurant along the route, tennis... actually whatever sport but it has to be sunny, +30 °C outside and a restaurant nearby.

What is your dream vacation?

My dream vacation will be my first vacation with my 6 month old daughter and wife, most probably not this year but it will happen soon.

With whom would you like to be on a deserted island?

Deserted island, no thank you. I really need faces, many faces around me.

When was the last time you fought your fear?

No time for fear.

What was the last thing you bought just for the joy of it?

A Nespresso coffee machine – I could hear soft whispers in the shop: “Róbert buy me, please.” So what could I do? I could not resist and I bought it. No matter that I cannot purchase capsules in Slovakia, so I have to travel to Vienna to buy them.

Your favourite joke?

When Alexander Bell invented the telephone he had 3 missed calls from Chuck Norris.

Your motto?

Man is a genius when he is dreaming. c

20 questions

33

contest

34

Photo contest Win a Weekend Stay and Have Your Photo Published in the Next MM Spirit!

Send us your best shot from our hotels or destinations and not only win a weekend stay for two at any hotel or residence of your choice, but also have your photo published in the next issue of MM Spirit!

All you need to do is scan the QR code or go to www.facebook.com/mamaisonhotels and paste your photo there. If you prefer to send us your photo via email, please do so at sales@mamaison.com.

The winner will be announced by the end of December 2012.

Solutions of brain twisters from page 29 Find the way

Moms and daughters 1st person: grandmother and mother 2nd person: mother and daughter 3rd person: daughter

Matching socks At least 5, so each colour has a matching pair.

Kids Sudoku

Killer Sudoku 24

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from

119*

€

Mamaison Hotel Riverside Prague

from

299

€

*

Mamaison All-Suites Spa Hotel Pokrovka Moscow

89*

from

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Mamaison Hotel Andrássy Budapest

from

159

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79*

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from

*

Mamaison Business & Conference Hotel Imperial Ostrava

Mamaison Hotel Le Régina Warsaw

Mamaison Hotels & Residences Where Momentous Meetings Happen!

• Complimentary welcome refreshment upon arrival • High speed Wi-Fi available free of charge in all hotel areas • Standard AV equipment, pens and notepads included in the package • Fully dedicated Meeting coordinator on site for you • Daily Delegate Rate starting from €49** ConTaCT DeTails: Leonardo Buzov-Vulas | tel: +420 226 502 574 | email: lbuzov@mamaison.com Terms & Conditions: *The above rates are per room per night, breakfast and VAT inclusive, based on single occupancy and subject to availability. The offer is valid from 01.09.2012 until 31.12.2012 for group bookings (minimum 10 people). ** The above stated Daily Delegate Rate is the lowest available and not guaranteed for all properties.

www.mamaison.com

Christ mas and New Years’s Eve

Enjoy the last days of the year at Mamaison at very special rates!

Come to explore the beauty of the festive cities with their traditional Christmas markets and see the beauty of fireworks illuminating the nights.

Mamaison’s hotels and residences are the perfect base for your unforgettable end-of-year delights.

Dont miss the opportunity to get your Christmas or New Year’s Eve stay with a discount starting at 15% and an advantage of enhancing your stay with extra amenities bringing your stay to absolute perfection.

For more information or to book your experience visit mamaison.com