Where is Slovakia anyway?

When I found out I was going to moving to Slovakia I have to admit I wasn't really sure exactly where Slovakia is located. I had traveled to Prague a few years ago so I knew Slovakia was southeast of the Czech Republic. I put on my journalism cap and started researching.

I found out most people think Slovakia is in Eastern Europe.  It is actually the heart of Central Europe, with a dynamic economy and a wealth of natural resources; the Tatras Mountain range, lakes and valleys plus spectacular ice caves and national parks.  Slovakia is made up of three regions; west, central and east all with their own unique and beautiful attractions and rich folk culture.

Tatras Mountain Range

For nine centuries Slovakia was a province of the Kingdom of Hungary and for 70 years during the 20th century, part of Czechoslovakia, gaining its independence in 1993 called the "Velvet Divorce." In 2004 Slovakia became a member of the EU and NATO.

Bratislava (originally known as Pressburg) is the capital of Slovakia and was the capital of the Hungarian Kingdom forming much of the culture and architecture of the country. For centuries churches, particularly Gothic and Baroque monasteries, dominated the landscape until the 19th and 20th centuries when development of urban architecture took hold.

Bratislava straddles the River Danube at the southern end of the Small Carpathian Mountains, approximately 1 mile to the border with Austria and is only 6 miles to the border with Hungary. Both countries can be seen from the Bratislava Castle.  

I'll be staying a few days in Bratislava in the old town centre. Bratislava is a walking city (my favorite)! I didn't realize until my research Slovakia has quite an extensive wine-growing region. Fortunately there are day trips. Trencin is only an hour from Bratislava so I'm hoping to enjoy several wine tours.

Having already traveled to the Czech Republic I know pork is a Slovak staple. Unfortunately I don't eat pork so I'll be looking for several other types of recipes. Fortunately Slovak vegetables and fruits are plentiful. Halazsle, a spicy fish soup will be top of the list. AND pivo (beer) is exceptional in the region.

Clockwise from top of left: View of Novy Bridge, Danube River and Old Bratislava from Castle of Bratislava, St.Michael Gate, View of sunset in Danube River, Slovak Parliament and Bratislava Castle, Statue of Tof Slavin, Peace Earth sculpture fountain in Hodzovo Square, Bratislava Castle and fortification.

While I'm not wine touring or drinking amazing beers, I'll be hiking off the pounds in many of the walking trails. There are various types from fairly easy to difficult hikes from the Vihorlat ranges to the High Tatras. Obviously with these types of mountains skiing and snowboarding Slovakia is ideal for winter sports. I'll probably stick to cross-country skiing in the lower ranges.

Slovakia is famed for its mineral spring spas. There is a health resort in Piest'any (not too far from Trencin) I plan on trying out. Climate ranges from cool summers to cold, rainy winters. Sounds like the mineral waters will be a welcome relief in the winters. 

I'm told there isn't much of a nightlife or entertainment in Trencin, but Bratislava is an active city around the clock. During the summer there are beer, wine and music in outdoor areas throughout the town. Some music clubs are even housed in post-Communist nuclear shelters. Being a film enthusiast I'm not sure I will be able to go to an English theater but I understand many of the films are subtitled. However, it might be fun to see a film in Slovak. It would be a good way to learn the language.

One of the teachers sent me several links to Slovak online magazines and newspapers. I'm reviewing them now for tips. I've added them into my favorite links for those interested.

Trencin Castle

My next blog will concentrate on Vienna, my first stop on the journey. If you want to follow my blog, please subscribe or follow me on Twitter @steelbird323.

Great Websites for Expats or Those Who Would Like to Be

A good friend of mine, who has traveled extensively, told me about an expat website when she found out I was moving to Europe.  InterNations offers great information for expats including city groups, forums, and guides.

InterNations provides the Who, What, Where, When and How to moving and living abroad. Some of the information is easily accessible for free. The more detailed guides and content is offered at a membership level and is fairly inexpensive at 3.95 Euros ($4.91 US $) a month.

Living Arrangements and Community

One of the articles in the InterNations magazine, "Make Yourself At Home," was an especially good read for me. This is something I can't wait to put into practice. I have no idea what my apartment in Slovakia looks like or if it has any, if at all, amenities. I know it is about 20 minutes from the school but other than that, who knows? I'm only taking two medium suitcases so my personal belongings are few. Exploration around town will be key to find those small and inexpensive items to help make the apartment my home.   

Getting to know the community will be really important for me to feel at home.  Volunteering is one of the ways to keep connected. I’ve joined the InterNations Bratislava expat group but Bratislava is about 80 miles from Trencin so I’m not really sure how many activities I will be able to participate in the city. I'll need to get connected in Trencin to be comfortable.

Visa

The Canadian Language School is taking care of the process for my Visa and I’ve applied for the FBI check, but there are other items I needed to have prepared prior to leaving the States.  One of which is taxes.

Taxes

I know the Slovakian government will take their 19 percent from my pay, however, I have other questions regarding taxes; tax filings, and pensions. I met with a tax account and I'm so glad I met with him prior to leaving the US to understand all my options. He really gave me good advice and we talked how my taxes should be filed for 2012. I strongly suggest everyone meeting with an accountant prior to any moves abroad.

My accountant asked me if I was "scared" to move abroad.  Actually I'm really not scared at all, if anything, I'm a little anxious but mostly extremely excited about this opportunity to live and experience another culture and people.

No expectations, no disappointments is the way I'm looking at it. The main thing is to keep an open mind and be flexible.  At least that's what I'm telling myself. Just all part of the Great Adventure!

I've added the InterNations link and a new link for teaching abroad website, GoAbroad in the Favorite Links section.  If you want to Subscribe to my blog, please click the "subscribe" button in the right nav bar.