Every week The Slovak Spectator brings you a selection of three short stories from across Slovakia from which pessimism and negativity are absent.
Bratislava Zoo thanks volunteers for giving it a makeover
Bratislava Zoo is looking better than ever – thanks to 120 dedicated volunteers from five companies who joined the Naše Mesto initiative, organised by the Nadácia Pontis foundation.
Volunteers from Kaufland Slovakia, Tatra Banka, Nestlé, PwC Slovakia and Takeda Innovations rolled up their sleeves to clean forest paths, beautify animal enclosures, tidy the former riding arena, and refresh the area around the giraffe house.
Their combined efforts achieved in just one morning what zoo staff estimated would have taken them at least six full days.
Zvolen Arboretum is in full bloom with thousands of roses
Among the 700 varieties and thousands of blooming bushes at the arboretum in Zvolen, central Slovakia, roses are currently stealing the show. (source: TV Noviny )
The Borová Hora Arboretum in Zvolen, central Slovakia, is now in its most spectacular season, showcasing over 700 varieties of blooming roses. From climbing to miniature types, the collection includes roses named after women like Roxana and Zorka, or inspired by historical events.
“This collection is unique in Europe,” says the arboretum’s director. “Since the 1970s, we’ve focused on roses bred in the former Czechoslovakia and the Austro-Hungarian region.”
Founded by rose enthusiast Jozef Svoboda, the garden is now cared for by a dedicated team, most of them women. Around 100 visitors arrive daily to admire the vibrant, fragrant display – which is now at its annual peak.
New wooden rainbow shines in Slovenský Raj
In Spiš, you’ll find a wooden rainbow by artist Jozef Pilát that you can walk through. (source: TV Noviny )
A unique wooden rainbow by artist Jozef Pilát now stands at the edge of the Slovenský Raj (Slovak Paradise) National Park, near Smižany. The installation, titled Dúha Vodu Pije (The Rainbow Drinks Water), was built from recycled iron and wood from the artist’s grandmother’s old cottage, TV Noviny reports.
Visitors can walk inside the ten-ton rainbow and take in its peaceful atmosphere. Pilát designed and built the piece himself over three months as part of a regional arts initiative.
This is his largest work to date, comprising a beautiful symbol of renewal, memory and creativity.
Some feel-good stories published by The Slovak Spectator for you to enjoy:
Discover Humenné’s charm.
An ancient Maya city has been unearthed in the jungle by Slovak and Guatemalan archaeologists.
Bratislava, a blessing or a curse? Listen to the Spectacular Slovakia podcast to find out.
Bratislava’s V-klub will host Irish singer-songwriter Jack Lukeman on 20 June. After performing for US Senator Bernie Sanders, he’s now bringing his show to Bratislava.
Slovakia is hosting a major football tournament for the first time in decades.
Bratislava’s water fun season is open.
Croatia’s answer to healthy fast food arrives in Bratislava. Koykan will soon launch two new restaurants.
A remote cave known as ‘Hell’ may soon open to visitors.
Transformational volunteering drives personal growth and builds empathy.
Meme of the week
Caption: American filmmakers have found locations for the third series of The Last of Us. "Slovak hospitals are perfect, nothing needs to be changed," they added.
This week's meme, courtesy of Zomri, highlights the notoriously dilapidated appearance of many hospitals in Slovakia by suggesting that they would not look out of place if used as sets for the post-apocalyptic TV series The Last of Us.
You can send me your tips for good news stories about Slovakia or funny memes at: kseniia.husieva@spectator.sk. Thank you!
