Summer reflections: A season of connection and exploration

As the sun reaches its zenith and the days stretch lazily into the evening, summer unfolds as a canvas painted with the hues of warmth, laughter, and discovery. For many of us, it is a time to step back from the hustle of daily routines, to reconnect with loved ones, and to explore new horizons. Join me and fellow members of the International Women’s Club of Bratislava (IWCB) as we share our unique summer experiences and reflections.

Summer has always been a time of reflection for me. The longer days offer more than just daylight; they provide the space for introspection and personal growth. I usually spend a large portion of my summers with family by the ocean, watching its ebb and flow, listening to the symphony of the crashing waves. It’s in these quiet moments that I ponder the past year – its challenges, triumphs, and the lessons learned. Reflection is a powerful tool, one that allows us to understand our journey and plan for the future.

Summer is also a cherished time for family. With school holidays in full swing, it becomes easier to gather everyone together and simply enjoy each other’s company without the distractions of modern life. These moments are invaluable, and they remind us of the importance of nurturing our familial bonds.

For many, summer is synonymous with travel. It’s a time to explore new places, cultures, and cuisines. Travel broadens our horizons and enriches our understanding of the world. I had the pleasure of further exploring the atolls of Indian Ocean and its fauna&flora. Those stunning turquoise waters full of marine life. The exotic cultures, indigenous people, and the scrumptious local dishes left a lasting impression on me. Each journey, no matter how near or far, brings new experiences and memories that become part of our personal kaleidoscope.

Voices from IWCB

Curious about how others experience summer, I reached out to fellow board members of the IWCB to hear their thoughts.

Viera Buchtova, our President, shared:

“Since I lived abroad for much of my life, I like to spend the summer at home, in Slovakia. I don’t have to go far from Bratislava to be in beautiful surroundings, in the south, by the Danube and its branches. The area around Šamorín offers marvelous morning views like the most beautiful paintings – quietly rippling water with waterfowl, ducks, swans, and cormorants on it. The banks are colorful, overgrown with blooming yellow, purple, and red flowers. The nearby fields, after the harvest, are patiently waiting for autumn.

My days here are peaceful, with occasional garden work, conversations with neighbors, good food, and evening gatherings with friends. Summer is great!”

Zlatina Petkova, our Vice President, offered a different perspective:

“Summer is my time for creativity. I use the longer days to work on my art projects. The vibrant colors of summer inspire me, and I find myself more productive and imaginative.

I often travel back to my home country – Bulgaria to rest at the Black Sea coastal line, visit my family and friends, spend time filled with laughter, wholesome food, and great vibes. I love spending time by the sea in other countries, as well. It fills me with energy and rejuvenates me for the year ahead.”

Christine Vaags - IWCB Treasurer and the peaceful summer moments at her Slovak home. (source: Courtesy of the International Women's Club of Bratislava)

Christien Vaags, our Treasurer, reflected:

“My favorite way to spend summer is in Slovakia, my adopted home country, after living and working abroad for many years. I enjoy attending the Tuesday Coffee Mornings at IWCB’s headquarters in Crowne Plaza. During the summer, our group is smaller, and conversations run deeper.

As a new board member, I relish meeting others on a more personal level. It warms my heart to know that we share common experiences – spending years abroad and working to improve others’ lives. Now, we appreciate being back home and continuing our good deeds, helping IWCB support those in Slovakia who are in-need of a brighter future. Helping others is rewarding, wherever you are in the world.

Being part of IWCB gives me satisfaction and hope that we can make the world a better place.”

Edite Enkuzena, our Marketing&IT Coordinator, wrote:

“For me, this summer is about reconnecting with people at all my homes. Whether that looks like visiting someone for a couple of days or catching up with a friend just for an hour. This summer has brought me back to my first home country – Latvia. With that, I get to enjoy all my favourite places and things – the seaside, the smell of a pine forest, evening walks with friends, and rediscovering my city of Riga. This summer is a time for me to gather all the feelings that I leave behind when I go back to my second home in Bratislava.”

Sea vibes by Edite Enkuzena - IWCB Marketing&IT Coordinator. (source: Courtesy of the International Women's Club of Bratislava)

These insights highlight the diverse ways we can embrace summer, each finding our own balance of reflection, family, and travel.

As we immerse ourselves in the joys of summer, let us remember to savor each moment. Connect deeply – with ourselves, with our loved ones, and with the world around us.

Eva Staronova is a founder of a non-profit cultural and educational exchange organization in New York, NY, and an entrepreneur in the natural product industry with her company based in Los Angeles, CA. She is also a board member and Fundraising Coordinator of the International Women’s Club of Bratislava.