The happy recipient of a newly discovered knitted rabbit. (source: Facebook - Našiel sa úsmev.)
Every week The Slovak Spectator brings you a selection of three short stories from across Slovakia from which pessimism and negativity are absent.
A handmade surprise could be waiting for you today
A gift found in Bachledka. (source: Facebook - Našiel sa úsmev)
You are walking through city when you spot a small clear bag. Inside? A crocheted octopus. Or a turtle. Maybe a tiny bracelet or a keychain made with care. There is also a note that says: "Hi. Don’t worry, I’m not lost. I’m waiting for you. Did I make you smile? Take me home. You can write about it in the Facebook group Našiel sa úsmev."
Welcome to Slovakia’s newest trend – an act of kindness as a handmade gift, left for strangers to find. Stanislava found a crocheted octopus at the swimming pool in Kalná nad Hronom. Robert discovered a turtle made of yarn in Šurany. Viktória stumbled upon a mystery bag full of goodies in Nitra. “It really made my day,” she said in her post. And Zuzana? She came across a carefully knitted keychain near a mill in Nové Zámky.
So if you happen to find a tiny crocheted animal or a handmade bracelet on your next walk, don’t overthink it. Pick it up, smile and know that someone, somewhere, made it just for the pleasure of making you happy.
Scoops of joy for kids who need them most
At a little ice cream shop called Kudi in Selce, near Banská Bystrica, kindness is always in stock. Owner Jozef has made it his mission to bring joy, especially to kids with disabilities, who get their ice cream completely free. "Children are the most precious," he adds. "If we can make their day a bit brighter, that’s enough for me."
Locals love the place not just for the delicious flavours, but for the warm, welcoming vibe that makes everyone feel at home. "I just want people to leave with a smile," he says, and it’s clear he means it.
The shop’s friendly service and simple acts of generosity have turned it into a community favourite. So if you are in the area, drop by Kudi – you will find more than just great ice cream.
All it takes is a map, a mission – and an invincible Škoda
Two adventurous Slovaks are turning heads across North America with their bold mission: to drive over 30,000 kilometres all the way to the northernmost tip of Alaska. Their ride? A humble Škoda Felicia from the 90s.
Most recently, they put their trusty old car to the ultimate test – crossing Death Valley, California, one of the hottest places on Earth. With temperatures soaring past 50°C, even modern vehicles struggle. Their Felicia? It made it through. Sure, the air conditioning understandably gave up, but the car did not.
Some feel-good stories published by The Slovak Spectator for you to enjoy:
A Slovak-born US professor is helping bridge the English-language gap in Slovak literature.
Wishing on a shooting star? The Perseids are back, so grab a blanket and head out early to catch the show.
Thousands of endangered sterlets were released into the Danube.
Komárno’s Courtyard of Europe might surprise you, but the real charm and tasty food await just a few steps away.
A simple wooden tower offers panoramic views reaching all the way to Hungary.
A revitalisation project is already bringing life back to the Danube arm, with conservationists seeing the first positive results.
Meme of the week
A meme featuring Health Minister Kamil Šaško and the caption "Love me tender", a reference to Elvis Presley’s classic love song, has gone viral across Slovak social media. But the joke is more political than romantic.
The word "tender" here is not about affection, but the controversial €2-billion ambulance services procurement tender that Šaško is being pressured to defend. After Prime Minister Robert Fico issued what he called a "diplomatic but firm" warning to the minister, many now see Šaško’s political future hanging by a thread.
The meme cleverly mocks the tension: a minister facing tough questions from the public, the opposition, and his own coalition, all while Fico demands he take personal responsibility or face the consequences. With Šaško set to hold a press conference on August 11, the internet has already passed judgment – with irony and dark humour.
You can send me your tips on good news stories about Slovakia or funny memes at: elizaveta.blahodarova@spectator.sk. Thank you.
