Iryna Zinchenko. (source: Courtesy of I. Z.)
The first impression is usually formed when meeting and greeting each other. It’s the same for people and the countries we visit.My first experience with Slovakia dates to the mid-1990s.
I accompanied a Ukrainian group of children on their trip to the picturesque Tatras during the winter holidays. I fell in love with Slovakia’s impressive nature, majestic landscapes, and a snowy winter in the mountains. Then, I saw Slovakia through the eyes of a tourist who was welcomed with delicious national food, hospitality and smiles.
In 2010, I saw the country from a different side. At that time I was a manager at a tour operator and was lucky enough to take part in the promotional tour "Slovakia - Little Big Country" organised by a Slovak ministry responsible for tourism. The main goal of the tour was to show foreigners what an incredible country Slovakia was. And it was really great: lots of palaces, mostly restored, magnificent caves, rivers and mountains, and many spa resorts with thermal waters and a wide range of procedures. I also enjoyed the time I spent in small and elegant towns: Košice, Bojnice, Piešťany, and Poprad. I returned from the trip convinced Slovakia was a country with great potential not only for tourism, but for life. It was open to new people and possibilities, telling them to come back. Back then, real estate prices were quite good and I even thought about moving to Slovakia.
Years passed by, Russia's war in Ukraine started, and many Ukrainians had to leave their motherland in 2022. Our family was among those who fled: myself, my daughter, Tamara, and our dog, Pablo.
At first, we ended up in Albania because my daughter got a job offer there. But after a year and a half, we decided to move to Slovakia. Tamara had to change her job because of health problems and her cousin lived in Slovakia. He told us a lot about how life in Slovakia was peaceful and comfortable . Moreover, we missed home a lot and Slovakia neighbours Ukraine. So, in September, I found myself in Slovakia once again, but in a completely different situation.
My daughter and I were refugees. We were granted temporary refuge status. We arrived in the country where no one, no furnished accommodation, nor things necessary for a comfortable life, waiting for us. Confronted with a different perception of Slovakia, a different feeling of reality, I had to adjust my life and learn to live in a new environment. From the very beginning, we had no illusions. We knew that it would not be easy, and we focused on solving our problems to speed up our integration into life in Bratislava.
I can't say that this time Slovakia was shining in bright colours. When I told someone that I was Ukrainian, people often changed their attitude and tried to finish our conversation, or even refused to communicate with me. For example, when I tried to open a bank account, the manager didn't want to speak English, he insisted I had to speak Slovak. It didn't matter that I had arrived in Slovakia two weeks ago and that it would have been impossible to learn the language so fast. At times, I felt depressed.
Since our arrival, every day has been either joyful and hopeful, or disappointing. But difficulties and troubles always disappear, as life provides opportunities. Uncertainty is replaced by concrete decisions. And fate often intervenes - unexpected meetings happen, acquaintances turn into friends. I believe that accidents don't happen, there are only missed opportunities.
One such meeting happened a couple of weeks ago. We were looking for a flat, and we came across a Ukrainian, Dmytro, a manager from a real estate agency. With great determination to help us, he told my daughter to reach out to The Slovak Spectator. Now, you can sometimes read her articles on this website.
Another time, one evening the lights went out in the house where we were temporarily staying (We moved to a new place in December!). And who do you think came to help us? A group of Ukrainian guys who were working on a new building on our street. Five minutes later, a miracle happened. The lights were back on.
When I'm depressed, I usually take Pablo and we go for a walk to a beautiful place. We often return to Vrakúnsky Lesík (Vrakuňa Forest Park), which was close to our previous home. It's a big park. It was there that I once got to know an old Slovak couple. They love Pablo, he loves them and our small, kindly chats makes me feel better.
Our adventures continue. Day by day our life in Slovakia becomes more organised, and we feel happier.
May pleasant coincidences fill you with joy and inspiration!
