Today, March 10, 2008 is Justin's 8th birthday. We have had a good day celebrating with him. The school allows parents to bring in a party during the afternoon, so we took full advantage of that! Justin was happy to bring our American traditions to the Slovak children (and one Korean). The Betty Crocker cake mix turned out good enough and the Ready-to-spread frosting made my job easier by far. Five bags of microwave popcorn and some Coca-cola made for enough snacks - and we brought treat bags - something that is not a party tradition here. Those were a hit. We also played musical chairs and a ring toss game.
Here's a little clip of Justin's classmates singing Happy Birthday - I wasn't able to get the entire song 'cuz they started before I was ready!
10 March 2008
05 March 2008
Six months and some reflection
We passed our 6-month mark of living in Slovakia during a visit from my parents. The past six months have been many things: interesting, frustrating, exhausting and at times, pretty fun.
My own adjustment has been difficult in many ways that I was not expecting. From the outset, I didn't expect the Slovaks to be like the Palestinians. I knew the people kept to themselves and are a reserved population. I also knew that folks would be just like every other person around the world once you get to know them. But knowing all that just couldn't bring me through the daily void of eye contact, smiles, waves, greetings, that are a part of American culture and an even greater part of Palestinian culture. What's so bad about that?
My question exactly. I know I'm not tough. I don't want to be tough, but I have a need to be acknowledged as a person. Earlier in this blog I talked about being conspicuous or ignored, what would you prefer? I was speaking about standing out racially in Ramallah and what that felt like. From this new perspective, I hate being ignored. I know there are some historical issues about that, so I'll sign up for some good therapy when I get back to the US if I'm not cured through this experience. But for now, I feel that most of the contact I have with the local folks is, at best, with indifference and, at worst, getting bawled out. Just today I was returning from the Posta (post office) and a lady was walking her dog. I have no idea what I did wrong, but she stopped me, and I don't think she was giving me a compliment about my hat as she talked and waved her arms. Something about her dog and me? I've been bawled out for leaving a garbage bag in the hallway by a neighbor. We regularly get the pipes clanged on when our kids' stocking feet make noise on the floor. Anya got a good scolding from someone after she, in frustration, threw a sport bottle of juice on the ground. A bus driver hollered at Doug for bringing the stroller in the wrong door of the bus. While Justin was reading aloud on a train a lady yelled "SHUT-up". That word we understand - all the rest of our scolding/getting bawled out is in Slovak. We don't understand a word. Really, not one word! But an attitude and tone can be communicated clearly without language.
So, dear friends, this has all taken a toll on my feeling of well-being and a little bit of my dignity. I always felt good in Ramallah when I could share a smile with someone. Even though I spoke just a tiny little bit of Arabic, much can be communicated with a smile. Touch was common in Palestine - where language failed, you could touch a small child, give a double kiss to an old woman.
I have some new friends here who are helping me understand this new challenge. In particular, having come from the Palestinian culture to the Slovak culture. These may be the two most difficult cultures to have back to back and adjust to. They are helping me by telling me I'm not crazy needy (who wants to be that??) and that it isn't me, it's the culture. And these are people who have lived with or worked with Palestinians! Isn't that amazing that we are here in Bratislava together?
I'll post some photos of my parents' visit shortly. We had a good time together, getting caught up, seeing some of the region. I finally got to Vienna, Austria to look around and got more experience on the train and metro systems w/o the guys. I'm getting more adventurous each day.
My own adjustment has been difficult in many ways that I was not expecting. From the outset, I didn't expect the Slovaks to be like the Palestinians. I knew the people kept to themselves and are a reserved population. I also knew that folks would be just like every other person around the world once you get to know them. But knowing all that just couldn't bring me through the daily void of eye contact, smiles, waves, greetings, that are a part of American culture and an even greater part of Palestinian culture. What's so bad about that?
My question exactly. I know I'm not tough. I don't want to be tough, but I have a need to be acknowledged as a person. Earlier in this blog I talked about being conspicuous or ignored, what would you prefer? I was speaking about standing out racially in Ramallah and what that felt like. From this new perspective, I hate being ignored. I know there are some historical issues about that, so I'll sign up for some good therapy when I get back to the US if I'm not cured through this experience. But for now, I feel that most of the contact I have with the local folks is, at best, with indifference and, at worst, getting bawled out. Just today I was returning from the Posta (post office) and a lady was walking her dog. I have no idea what I did wrong, but she stopped me, and I don't think she was giving me a compliment about my hat as she talked and waved her arms. Something about her dog and me? I've been bawled out for leaving a garbage bag in the hallway by a neighbor. We regularly get the pipes clanged on when our kids' stocking feet make noise on the floor. Anya got a good scolding from someone after she, in frustration, threw a sport bottle of juice on the ground. A bus driver hollered at Doug for bringing the stroller in the wrong door of the bus. While Justin was reading aloud on a train a lady yelled "SHUT-up". That word we understand - all the rest of our scolding/getting bawled out is in Slovak. We don't understand a word. Really, not one word! But an attitude and tone can be communicated clearly without language.
So, dear friends, this has all taken a toll on my feeling of well-being and a little bit of my dignity. I always felt good in Ramallah when I could share a smile with someone. Even though I spoke just a tiny little bit of Arabic, much can be communicated with a smile. Touch was common in Palestine - where language failed, you could touch a small child, give a double kiss to an old woman.
I have some new friends here who are helping me understand this new challenge. In particular, having come from the Palestinian culture to the Slovak culture. These may be the two most difficult cultures to have back to back and adjust to. They are helping me by telling me I'm not crazy needy (who wants to be that??) and that it isn't me, it's the culture. And these are people who have lived with or worked with Palestinians! Isn't that amazing that we are here in Bratislava together?
I'll post some photos of my parents' visit shortly. We had a good time together, getting caught up, seeing some of the region. I finally got to Vienna, Austria to look around and got more experience on the train and metro systems w/o the guys. I'm getting more adventurous each day.
12 February 2008
Ryanair - discount air carrier
Several weeks ago Anya and I flew to Barcelona, Spain. Our mission was to visit a friend from Ramallah who brought the video and audio equipment that was used in the Romeo & Juliet student film production. Our friend was generous to bring the equipment out of Tel Aviv, as it can be a difficult process of questioning by the security at the airport. Thankfully the equipment was not inspected and it arrived in Spain with our friend as we had hoped.
Anya and I flew on Ryanair, one of Europe's discount air carriers. Our flight left Bratislava, so we were able to take the public transport to the airport! We also flew into a smaller airport north of Barcelona, so we needed to pay transport to get to the Barcelona bus station. Our Ryanair tickets totaled €78 (about $110). Here are a few differences that I noticed flying with the discount carrier:
Anya and I flew on Ryanair, one of Europe's discount air carriers. Our flight left Bratislava, so we were able to take the public transport to the airport! We also flew into a smaller airport north of Barcelona, so we needed to pay transport to get to the Barcelona bus station. Our Ryanair tickets totaled €78 (about $110). Here are a few differences that I noticed flying with the discount carrier:
- no air sick bag
- no seat pocket
- seats didn't recline
- advertising banners for their airline on overhead bins
- safety instructions laminated onto the seat in front of you - eye level (I didn't enjoy looking at it the entire flight)
- no reserved seating
- flight magazines passed out and collected at the end (I kept mine to sell on ebay)
- no complimentary beverages/snacks
- pre-recorded advertising messages for Ryanair during flight
- flight attendants sold scratch off tickets for prizes - proceeds went to charity
We did have a pilot, co-pilot and an adequate flight crew. That must be regulated. Bright yellow and royal blue was the color scheme. It was a bit loud for my taste, but fun at the same time. The plane was nice and clean and seemed new. Luggage is an additional fee (we paid for one checked bag) and the weight limit is 15kg. Carry-on bags are carefully checked for size. Overall, a great experience! I would fly with them again provided I did not have much luggage.
What the Slovaks do well....
Other parts of the world could learn a few things from the Slovak culture....... some of the my observations include: 
Mass-transit: run frequently, on-time, all over the city. You can get almost anywhere you need by bus, trolley-bus or tram line. The fare system is easy - buy one ticket for the length of your trip, validate it on the bus, trolley bus or tram. It's good for your ride on all three modes of transport! The best part is that you can figure out the times and your transfers by looking on their website. After you know a few of the destination stops around the city, you can request a time and a route will pop up for you. Print it out and you're on your way. The website is http://www.imhd.sk/ and for English you press the British flag at the top. (Just in case anyone wants to pretend to be me).
Recycling: in my "how to look like a local" file, I noticed most folks had a reusable grocery bag that they were carrying around. I know most homes in the US have a place that is overflowing with plastic bags from every store and every purchase made in the last year. Many stores here charge you for bags, so if you bring your own, you can save some cash. Plus, the heavier plastic bags are more comfortable to carry if you have to walk further than just your car. Now I carry my own reusable bag so not only do I look like a local, I'm being green........
I will hold on posting my opinions of bothersome Slovak cultural norms. My cultural bias is unavoidable and it doesn't seem fair to report on societal ills (exceptions may occur). Someday I'll enjoy having a cup of coffee with those who are interested and I can report on some of the cultural oddities through my eyes.
Mass-transit: run frequently, on-time, all over the city. You can get almost anywhere you need by bus, trolley-bus or tram line. The fare system is easy - buy one ticket for the length of your trip, validate it on the bus, trolley bus or tram. It's good for your ride on all three modes of transport! The best part is that you can figure out the times and your transfers by looking on their website. After you know a few of the destination stops around the city, you can request a time and a route will pop up for you. Print it out and you're on your way. The website is http://www.imhd.sk/ and for English you press the British flag at the top. (Just in case anyone wants to pretend to be me).
Recycling: in my "how to look like a local" file, I noticed most folks had a reusable grocery bag that they were carrying around. I know most homes in the US have a place that is overflowing with plastic bags from every store and every purchase made in the last year. Many stores here charge you for bags, so if you bring your own, you can save some cash. Plus, the heavier plastic bags are more comfortable to carry if you have to walk further than just your car. Now I carry my own reusable bag so not only do I look like a local, I'm being green........
I will hold on posting my opinions of bothersome Slovak cultural norms. My cultural bias is unavoidable and it doesn't seem fair to report on societal ills (exceptions may occur). Someday I'll enjoy having a cup of coffee with those who are interested and I can report on some of the cultural oddities through my eyes.
09 February 2008
The Posta
I've now had lots of experience with "The Posta", the Slovakian mail service. The Posta is much more than the mail service, however. You can pay bills here, using a voucher that contains the account number of the receiving party - we pay Justin's choir bill this way. Every other month he gets a slip with the amount and the Boys' Choir account info. I have successfully paid his bill twice now - you give them your cash and get a paid receipt.
Some of our friends and family have sent care packages and all have come through well EXCEPT the kids Christmas presents from Grandma & Grandpa........ Wouldn't you know it? Their box even got returned to sender from Bratislava. So, after the gifts made three trips across the ocean, our kids got to have Christmas in February!
I just had to share this photo of Justin.........a picture is worth a thousand words, right?
Some of our friends and family have sent care packages and all have come through well EXCEPT the kids Christmas presents from Grandma & Grandpa........ Wouldn't you know it? Their box even got returned to sender from Bratislava. So, after the gifts made three trips across the ocean, our kids got to have Christmas in February!
I just had to share this photo of Justin.........a picture is worth a thousand words, right?
05 February 2008
Weekend in Prague
A school holiday in February for the whole of Slovakia represents "Report Day". Children bring home their reports from school and there is a day off on Friday.
For us, we decided to take the train to Prague, Czech Republic. From Bratislava this is about a 4-hour train ride. The trains are comfortable, reliable and inexpensive. We took the express train, which stops at only a few cities along the way.
Finding our bearings once we arrive in a new city is the biggest challenge. We generally have reserved a hotel on-line before we venture and then figure the rest out upon arrival! I have noticed that our experience with mass-transit in Bratislava has helped tremendously in other cities here. We found Prague to be fascinating. With extensive walking areas and beautiful old, old buildings and towers, our time passed quickly. There are museums of all kinds, souvenir shops galore and marionette shows and blacklight shows to take in. There is much more for us to do in Prague, so we will need another trip in the future. We found ourselves, however, being drawn to TGI Fridays for a meal rather than any traditional Czech cuisine.
For us, we decided to take the train to Prague, Czech Republic. From Bratislava this is about a 4-hour train ride. The trains are comfortable, reliable and inexpensive. We took the express train, which stops at only a few cities along the way.
Finding our bearings once we arrive in a new city is the biggest challenge. We generally have reserved a hotel on-line before we venture and then figure the rest out upon arrival! I have noticed that our experience with mass-transit in Bratislava has helped tremendously in other cities here. We found Prague to be fascinating. With extensive walking areas and beautiful old, old buildings and towers, our time passed quickly. There are museums of all kinds, souvenir shops galore and marionette shows and blacklight shows to take in. There is much more for us to do in Prague, so we will need another trip in the future. We found ourselves, however, being drawn to TGI Fridays for a meal rather than any traditional Czech cuisine.
I've randomly chosen photos for a slide show, but perhaps you can gain a feel for this Central European city through them. This has been described by many I asked as their favorite city in Europe.
01 February 2008
Cub Scouts
Justin has joined the Transatlantic Cub Scout Wolf Pack #200 here in Bratislava. He
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