Every week The Slovak Spectator brings you a selection of three short stories from across Slovakia in which pessimism and negativity are absent.
1) "Doom"
"Doom" by Marián Kuric from Lučenec. (source: CEWE)
Marián Kuric, a photographer from Lučenec, achieved significant recognition by capturing a volcanic eruption in Iceland during the COVID-19 pandemic. His photograph, titled "Doom," earned him a place among the top ten of the prestigious CEWE Photo Award 2023 competition.
With more than 54,000 photographers from 147 countries participating and over 509,000 photos evaluated by the jury, this competition is one of the largest in the world.
Read more in Slovak.
2) Local stars
Tourists like to take pictures with Macko and Árči. (source: Romana Šínová)
Branislav Šipec from Liptovská Lúžna has chosen an unconventional pair of pets: two male alpacas named Macko and Árči. These exotic creatures are not only clean but also attention-grabbing. They have already become well-known in the Liptov region, with many people sharing photos of them on social media.
Šipec takes them for daily walks.
The Slovak bought the two alpacas for his daughter, who is into fashion and intended to process the high quality wool that the alpaca has. Alpacas were bought from a breeder from Germany.
Read more in Slovak.
3) Cycle route to connect two towns
The first part of the cycle road leads from Hrnčiarska Ves to Poltár. (source: SME)
In southern Slovakia, the towns of Poltár and Rimavská Sobota will be connected by a nearly 30-kilometre cycle route this year. The idea to build the route first appeared over a decade ago. After years of discussions and preparations, construction finally began last October.
The first stage of the route, which meets international standards, has already been opened to the public. The second part will follow soon.
Read more in Slovak.
Here's more good news published by The Slovak Spectator:
The Slovak mother helping children in America read Slovak books;
A Slovak returns after 50 years in Canada, fascinated by what many overlook;
This High Tatras monument honours a Hungarian minister;
A Slovak aims to shatter a world record with his childhood hobby;
Comic legends call on Slovaks to vote;
A short story about the first educated European who visited western and central Asia.
FUNNY MEME FOR THIS WEEK
If you have, give. If you lack, seek.
Translation: "Little me, on my birthday, when I generously gifted the whole class with lollipops bought by mom." (source: emefka.sk)
In many schools in eastern Europe, there is a widespread tradition of giving sweets to classmates on behalf of the birthday kid. Some people believe it helps kids share from a young age, but wasting an entire bag of candy on other people can only cause stress.
You can send me your tips on positive news stories about Slovakia or funny memes at: yehor.zhukov@spectator.sk. Thank you!
