(source: Hej, ty!)
Welcome back Slovak Roots fans!
This is the latest edition of our Slovak Roots newsletter, dedicated to the community of people with ties to Slovakia.
This time around, our colleague Jozef Ryník has once again ventured to the eastern part of Slovakia, specifically the area to which Andy Warhol, an acclaimed pop art artist from the US, is tied to. During his travels, he noticed that the beauty of temples in the region is mixed with bunkers and tanks. There is also a watchtower shaped like a bullet casing.
In addition, you'll meet Myra Grignon who will tell you about how her pastime keeps her connected to her Slovak heritage, and learn that the famous co-creator of Spider-Man had Slovak roots as well.
Cooking Slovak meals
Bryndzové halušky is one of those Slovak dishes that are described as an acquired taste, mainly due to the taste of bryndza, a special soft crumbly cheese made from sheep milk.
But Myra Grignon, a third generation Slovak by descent, very much enjoyed the dish when she tasted it in Slovakia. Unfortunately for her, back home in St. Paul, Minnesota, there is no bryndza cheese to be had so when she cooks bryndzové halušky herself, she has to make do with what she has.
Cooking traditional Slovak meals is one of her pastimes and helps keep her connected to her heritage. Also, it was not long ago that she found out she still has distant relatives in Slovakia.
Myra Grignon with her Slovak citizenship certificate. (source: Archive of M. G.)
Andy Warhol's second home
The town of Medzilaborce is not renowned for its historical monuments. The centre mainly features buildings from the socialist era and churches. Its primary attraction is the Andy Warhol Museum of Modern Art located, you guessed it, on Andy Warhol Street.
One of the leading figures of the pop art movement, the American visual artist was born to parents from the nearby village of Miková.
The museum is now undergoing a renovation; after it is done, Medzilaborce may experience a surge of tourists. The question is, will the town with two hotels be able to handle it?
During both world wars, northeastern Slovakia saw intensive fighting. Now, the area offers a lot to discover for any military buff. For example, there are numerous military cemeteries, with one serving as the final resting place for nearly 3,100 German Wehrmacht soldiers who died during the Carpathian-Dukla operation in 1944.
Also, did you know that Slovakia has a Death Valley too? This one, however, is an open-air museum showcasing military equipment scattered across the meadows. Find out more what to see in the region here.
The Andy Warhol Museum in Medzilaborce is undergoing a complete reconstruction. (source: SME-Jozef Ryník)
Comic artist with Slovak roots
There are several public figures known world-wide that have Slovak roots. While some wear them on their sleeve, like American singer Jon Bon Jovi, there are others about whom this is not widely known.
You could say that in case of Steve Ditko, legendary American comics artist best known for being the co-creator of Spider-Man, he almost hid this fact behind a mask, just like the famous web-slinging superhero.
There are very few details about his personal life; but his niece said that he used to make bobaľky, a traditional Slovak Christmas dish, for them.
Spider-Man. (source: WIKIMEDIA CC)
A selection of feature stories published by The Slovak Spectator that we recommend reading:
The art of appreciating life's little moments—a lesson from Edward Monovich's Slovak ancestors. "Making koláče was not a secular tradition. At the heart of this whirl of walnuts and sweet dough lived prayers," he says.
How a Slovak travel agency wowed German-speaking travellers. Peter Kresánek had to go the extra mile to ensure everything, including the toilets, was in order.
German Jörn Kaufhold originally planned to stay in Slovakia for a year; 17 years later, he's still here. He fell in love with Slovakia's nature and now shows its beauties to foreigners.
Today, life is not a stroll through a rose garden. But for the purpose of a reality check, it is worth contrasting our current challenges with those of our ancestors who chose to pursue a brighter future in the New World just over a century ago.
One of the most well-known pieces of weather lore in Slovakia is about St Medard, which goes like this: Medard's drop will be dropping for 40 days. Is it still valid though? A hydrologist decided to investigate.
Irish teacher, comedy promoter and bar owner reflects on his attending peaceful protests not only in his homeland but Slovakia as well, and notices similarities.
The activity taking place in a bottle of burčiak can cause internal September storms, writes a Canadian journalist. Learn more about the popular drink you can taste at many grape harvest festivities.The activity taking place in a bottle of burčiak can cause internal September storms, writes a Canadian journalist. Learn more about the popular drink you can taste at many grape harvest festivities .
Would you like to share your story with us? Did you enjoy the newsletter? I would love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: matus.beno@spectator.sk or spectator@spectator.sk.
