Thanks to all you good folk who replied to this thread.
By "thriving" I meant to ask if the city has been hit by closures of factories etc as some others, that I have read about and seen pictures of, have.
However you have painted a more interesting picture by far and I am beginning to look forward to a trip over there.
You are very kind , Old dude, to make your offer to guide us around (I sense in you, a certain pride in your hometown which I like very much) but I would not be game to impose my self and family on you. Thank you very much, I haven't made any arrangements yet in any case..