REFLECTIONS FROM GERI:
As we leave eastern Slovakia, we are struck with the beauty of the area, the generosity of the Rotarians, and the special memories and mementoes we have from our four days and five nights in Spišská Nová Ves (SNV), a city of 40,000 residents who love their country, religion, families, music, good food, nice vino and delicious pivo. This is where the snow-capped Tatra Mountains hold court over the horizon and the Slovenský raj National Park hides hiking trails that follow rushing streams to magnificent waterfalls. This is where few American tourists come, and it’s where we experienced history five times the age of our own country.
Our first day's schedule listed, "A meeting with the mayor." Little did we know that the tall doors of historic Town Hall would swing open on our behalf and that we would be escorted one by one down the red-carpeted center aisle to our seats of honor in the front, as a pianist gave a gorgeous rendition of “Let It Be.” The royal treatment continued with a private serenade of Slovakian songs, a beautiful version of "Memories," a speech by the mayor, and the opportunity to sign the city’s enormous guest book. A tour of the seven clock bell tower after the formal welcome had us walking up 155 narrow steps, which is not easy in a pencil skirt and nylons! Lunch in the lower level of the courthouse reminded us of the value of freedom, as the place where we sat had been a prison during the Communist occupation. Finally, our visits to the theatre and national television studios were a fascinating end to a spectacular day.
Our adventure here in SNV continued with opportunities to be part of so many different things. From castles to churches, from traditional food and dance, to sharing our story with students in a bi-lingual college prep school – we were exposed to so much, and we loved it all! We have danced and laughed and learned and hugged. The small but mighty Rotary Club in Spišská Nová Ves is an amazing group of generous people who have enriched our lives.
Once again, it is tough to say goodbye.
[Ed. Note: While Geri enjoyed some well-deserved R&R in SNV one day, the 'fab four' - Alanna, Shannon, Ed, and Justin - set off to explore the forested wonders of Slovenský raj, which literally translates to Slovak Paradise. I have a feeling that being out in the woods really gave them much joy and soul-restoration. My hunch is founded upon the fact that they were so delighted by the natural world they found themselves in that they called me before it was even 6am my time to share their joy with my sleepy self. And with views like the one on the right, I don't blame them! Truly, they must have found a piece of paradise in Slovakia.]
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