Travellers, unlike mere tourists, often want to immerse themselves in the culture they are visiting, and want to learn about it on its own terms. Gary Cox can give such travellers what they want -- he does not lecture, he entertains his guests with engaging talks about the cultures of central Europe, sometimes enriched with songs. (Talks may be in English, Russian, or German, soon in Slovak.)
Here are some of the topics he is prepared to present:

The Slavic Peoples. Bratislava, just an hour east of Vienna, lies on the edge of the Slavic world, part of Europe, but still so unique. Historian Gary Cox has taught Slavic cultures for decades and gives an engaging talk on their formation and development, their trials and successes, their current status and prospects. How have west Slavs (Slovakians, Czechs, Poles) struggled to throw off domination by their neighbors to emerge as economic forces in today's world? How have the south Slavic lands (Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Makedonia, Bulgaria), tormented for centuries by religious strife and foreign control, reached a platform that enables peaceful development? What was the contribution of Slavic subjects to the unique ethos of the empire ruled from Vienna? How have the east Slavic powers (Russia, Ukraine, Belarus), once masters of a powerful Russian empire, informed world culture more by their dissident underground creations than by political mastery? How have yearnings for Slavic unity been torn asunder by local nationalisms and imperialism? Gary Cox lays out the issues in a lively way and presents various answers for your consideration.
	Russians in Central Europe.Russian culture has shaped Europe in two ways. On the surface it has ruled an empire that encompassed a quarter of the world, powerful yet inept in its overweening control. But the more important impact of Russia has been through its cultural creators, often underground, often fleeing their homeland to havens in the nearby central European cities. How has their culture been a unique and productive element in central European and world culture?
Capital between Capitals.Bratislava, Pozsony, Pressburg -- this central city has been dominated by its neighbors for centuries, and used by them to administer neighboring lands. All the while it has been gathering its forces to emerge as a capital in its own right. Historian Gary Cox outlines the development of his adopted city.
	The (non-)permanent exhibit of Slovak painting, graphic arts, and theatrical design (1918-1939, 1960-1979) in the Slovak National Gallery gives a fascinating picture of interwar culture in Europe's most central capital-to-be. Steeped in the culture of central Europe, Bratislava's artists were defining themselves in the language of the avant garde that was sweeping through Europe in the interwar years. Gary Cox opens up this stimulating exhibit for all.
Talks with Song.