I've just returned from a really lovely holiday in Austria. We decided to fly into Bratislava as we managed to get a cheap flight and because there was suppose to be a regular and easy route into Vienna. It turned out to be not so regularly, we had to get a taxi to the train station which involved meeting a taxi driver and a few people from the town but although they weren't particularly friendly and the taxi driver charged quite a sum, we didn't much bother.

Austria was so beautiful and we were lucky to have ten gloriously sunny, warm days. Our mission was exclusively 'horsey' and our first stop was the Spanish Riding School where Europe's oldest breed of horses, the Lipizzan performed outstandingly and in perfect synchronicity. While we were in Vienna we had a tour around the city, visited in a Van Gogh exhibition and experienced the hot chocolate treat - ours had a drop of rum - and it was delicious.

We later took a train to the alps and rode Haflinger horses in Austria's highest mountain, Grossglockner (3,797 m/12,457 ft) the height presented a little problem and was disturbing in part but we had western saddles so sat deep and at times were forced to hang on to a handful of mane to balanced as we negotiated the steep climbs. Salzburg was the next stop and as much as I hate to admit it, we joined the Sound of Music tour which was incredibly cheesy but it took us to some amazing countryside.

Austria has spectacular cathedrals and churches and so rich in culture that it was a bit fairytale-ish, every place we visited was vibrant, alive and the people so friendly and willing so when we arrived back in Slovakia it was a bit like having a bucket of cold water thrown over us.

The contrast was so significant that I couldn't believe it was such a close neighbouring country and while I'm not one to be judgmental or one to make a sweeping generalisation about a whole nation, I feel compelled to make a comment at least!

Sour I think aptly describes the natives - unhelpful, rude and grabbing follows as a few well-earned extras.

Our taxi drivers were rude and charged well over the fare. The barstaff were just plain rude and resentful and the waitresses conveniently forgot to give us change, our hotel was dire with plumbing that creaked and cranked throughout the night and our bathroom smelt of sewer and urine.

Having made these remarks, I feel compelled to back it up with the opinions of the other hotel guest who all had the same experience - and more. Two separate parties were robbed and another party attacked. Prostitutes roamed the hotel at breakfast time and were chased out by the waitress but sneaked back in again (actually thought this was quite entertaining and after all it was they city's conference hotel).

The one redeeming feature was the old part of town but although this had loads of character and style it lacked personality and it suddenly occurred to me that it reflected the people of the country. They were inexpressive, unresponsive and almost had no soul which made me think of oppression and years of not being allowed to air an opinion. But, how sad that it seems to have extinguished the light from inside and for a nation looking to tourism to improve economy it can only be a death toll.

Now having formed a negative view and then found an excuse for it do I feel any different. No! there are plenty of people who still show respect, have dignity and spirit who have suffered greatly in this world. And as final as that sounds, it's my opinion but I am open to challenge.