Laundry in Liptovsky!!

Saturday morning started out great because we finally got to sleep in without an alarm clock for the first time since we arrived.  :-)  We slept much better than in Bratislava because of the much cooler night air here in the mountains.  We decided to go out for breakfast even though we had picked up most of the essentials last night at the store, but we had forgotten to get tea bags!!  So we ended up finding a restaurant and ordering scrambled eggs, plus we had some really nice dark bread and butter with our hot tea.  On the way back home, we stopped again at HyperNova since we had made a list of a few more needed items.  We also found a store where we purchased a mattress pad, since the bed is kind of a pull-out studio couch with about 7 cushions making up the mattress --- not the most comfortable with all the joints between cushions.  

The morning view out our kitchen window!  

The hills are alive.........       :-)

Walking through the park on the way back from HyperNova

For the rest of the day, we spent time "nesting" - cleaning, rearranging, inventorying, and unpacking.  The landlady and her daughter are both very sweet, and they had done a great job of cleaning the apartment already, which was nice!  I also did a bunch of laundry, since we brought all our dirty clothes from the past week in one of our allotted carry-on bags.  The washer is really small, but it works well.  No dryer, but the racks extending from our balcony made it fun to hang out the wash to dry!  For lunch we had some delicious cheese and hard rolls, plus one of the gigantic apples left over from the seminary.  Then we skyped with my folks for a little too.

This is our awesome set of lines for drying laundry!!  (And the bright ORANGE flat across from us!!)

Feeling better about getting more settled in, we headed out for supper again --- we will definitely start cooking our own meals soon, but today we were really busy and kept working until we were starving!!  On the way, we heard live music coming from the square, so headed over to check it out.  There were several groups of young people all dressed in traditional Slovak costumes and performing folk music and dance.  What a treat to enjoy this cultural entertainment!!  As we walked by another square later, there was a competition between fire departments involving racing to fire hoses, hauling them somewhere, and shooting water.  We didn't stay a long time, but there were many enthusiastic spectators!  After supper we FaceTimed with Beth, and it was strange being here, talking to her while she was walking around our house!!  Paul and Alana had company over, but we got to talk to them a little also.  Hopefully we'll connect with Lute sometime soon too, once he gets internet in his apartment in Fairbank!!  :-)  

The Slovak instrumentalists, singers, and dancers.

Slovak traditional costumes

There was a string bass, with three violinists

This dance was about courtship as far as I could tell!!

We understood the first word of every verse of their last song...  dakujem (thank you!!)

Tomorrow morning we'll be setting the alarm again, this time to meet the land-lady and her daughter who will walk us to church.  There we'll meet several people from the school who have invited us out for lunch after the service.  We are looking forward to the day, starting out the week in worship and praise, even if it's all in Slovak!!  

Liptosky Mikulas at Last!

Friday morning began bright and early at one last breakfast with the other new teachers and Arden and Claudia (in charge of our training all week.)  We helped everyone move their things downstairs and said our goodbyes as each group departed, some to the train station and some to their new places in Bratislava.  We were the last ones to leave around 9:00, in the same vehicle with two gals headed to Tisovec (one new and one returning teacher), which is in the same general part of the country as Liptovsky Mikulas.  The "van" transporting us turned out to be similar in size to a Ford Focus wagon, hence the baggage limit.  We were "cozy", with the driver and 4 passengers, but we had lively conversation!!  We stopped for lunch at a roadside restaurant in a tiny town, and had a Slovak dish with potato noodles and melted goat cheese or sauerkraut - both were very yummy!  We dropped off Courtney and Katherine, and we were charmed by the views of Tisovec that looked like something straight from a movie about 17th or 18th century Europe!  Tim, Daniel (the driver who was the Slovakian bishop's translator), and I proceeded on through the mountains and finally reached our city around 4:00.  The mountain views were amazing all the way, going from the Low Tatras to the High Tatras.  Many of the roads were winding S-curves (which on Slovak signs look like "N"-curves!)  

We had to take this picture to re-enact our first personal contact upon our arrival in Vienna.  Katie from Ohio was holding up the ELCA sign for us to see at the airport, and her smile welcomed us immediately!!  She was the first one to leave Friday morning,  and we can't wait to hear all about her excellent teaching in Bratislava!  

Lunch on the way to the mountain towns!  We said farewell to Courtney and Katherine in Tisovec, and we know they'll have an awesome year teaching there too!!

The Deputy Headmistress met us at our apartment, took us in to meet the land-lady, and then we all went up to the apartment on the 5th floor.  (Those of you who have been to Europe know that the ground floor doesn't have a number -- floor 1 is what we would call floor 2, etc. -- so we are really on the 6th floor off the ground!)  Thankfully, there is an elevator!!  YAY!!  It's actually a "lift" which is very old-fashioned, like out of the 40's or something, and it only fits 3 people.  But it saves lots of stairs, that's for sure!  Our apartment building is one of 4 similar flats in a row, with green space, trees, and flowers in between each.  They are all very brightly colored -- ours is a two-toned lime green!!  LOL!!  Our flat is nice - old but nicely maintained - with some interesting features and conveniences.  I'll have to do a blog post later on the flat itself.  :-)  

Tim in front our our flat!!    Hello neon Lime Green!!

We then walked with Patchka (I don't know the spelling, but it's short for Patricia) the 2 blocks to our school, which we can see from our bedroom window.  She gave us a tour of the building with a lot of explanation of how things will be.  We sat in her office a while and looked through some materials she had prepared for us, and had a great conversation about what we can expect at school.  More on that in another post as well!!  

After saying dovidenia (good-bye) and returning to our apartment, Tim and I headed to find a grocery store with directions from Patchka.  It was a HyperNova - a lot like a Wal-Mart or Target, but not quite so big.  We were able to pick up many basic supplies like items for breakfast, toilet paper and paper towels, laundry detergent, etc.  We remembered to bring our re-usable shopping bags, since they aren't provided here.  We walked back with the groceries, then went out again to find a restaurant for supper and explore the central part of town.  It has become apparent that there is far less English spoken here than in Bratislava, but we managed by pointing, sign language, and the little Slovak we know.  After supper, we had a lovely walk through the old city center which has an old church and other buildings, as well as many very modern fountains and sculptures in the square.  It's a very touristy area with lots of shops, cafe's, ice cream stores, and restaurants.  So that was the end of our first day in Liptovsky Mikulas!!  

We found HyperNova to be a fun first shopping experience!

This one is for Joe Crawford..... Orange 2 found a store for you!!  :-)

Our first dinner in Liptovsky Mikulas included palacinky, which are sort of Slovakian dessert crepes.

This is the view from our flat.  Worth more than 1000 words, right?!?

The church on the square at night.

Bratislava Blessings!

Well, today we finished the first segment of our time in Slovakia.  It has truly been a whirlwind time here - we have learned so much already, but we are keenly aware of being such neophytes in this country!!  Tonight our overwhelming sense is that of thankfulness.  We have been blessed in so many ways - by all of our family and friends back home who are supporting us in prayer and staying in contact - by our fellow new teachers here as we've shared this journey's beginning together - and by the wonderful training staff here who have led us, challenged us, and lifted us up as fellow believers in mission for Christ.  Each morning we began our day with devotions in a morning service including hymns sung a cappella (by amazing singers!), scripture, a message, and prayer.  That has been an important part of the cement that is building up our strength as mission workers.  And tonight we had our formal service of commissioning, which was incredibly meaningful.  Our little group of 8 new teachers was joined by other returning teachers, pastors, 2 bishops, and others who all celebrated the Lord's Supper together before we were commissioned.  We have always felt a strong call to this mission opportunity, and this week has only affirmed our commitment and peace about our upcoming year.  Thanks for your love and prayers from back in the USA!!  

This is from our trip last night back up to Hrad Castle

Our band of brothers and sisters in Christ being trained as new teachers

Breakfast always includes coffee, hot tea, bread rolls, and rye bread slices

Tim's breakfast of chocolate cereal with milk, and the hot dogs with ketchup and mustard!

This morning was again spent in our un-airconditioned classroom, all sweating together after another night in our un-airconditioned dorm rooms.  Tim and I are glad we'll be headed to the mountains tomorrow where it gets cooler at night.  :-)   After lunch, several of us took a bus ride across the Danube to the Lyceum (high school) here in Bratislava, where Aunt Ruth taught.  We especially wanted to see it, to envision where she spent her year here.  Then we all spit up and went our separate ways home, now that we can all get around independently.  (We are all so proud of ourselves that we don't need help any more to get back to the seminary......of course that skill competency will be of no value for us starting tomorrow in Liptovsky Mikulas!!  LOL!!)  Tim and I stopped at a post office and successfully purchased stamps for postcards, then headed back.  We wanted to shower and change for dinner, since it was a dress-up affair prior to the service tonight.  

Lunch always starts with soup - this was pea soup.  We also had a nice tomato salad, and there is always bottled bubbly mineral water.

Second course - pork schnitzel with boiled, diced potatoes

Dessert - a bread-like bun, filled with preserves, topped with cocoa powder and drizzled in melted butter.  No calories at all, thankfully!!  HAHAHA!

This is looking out from the seminary doors, as we leave each day.

At the doors to the Lyceum in Bratislava, where Aunt Ruth taught English

After all the formal events tonight, just the small group plus a few of the returning teachers, all gathered for the "Talent/No Talent" show they always have at the end of training.  Tim and I did a variation of the Smothers Brothers skit that Tim and Dave Swenson did for Augie's Diner many years ago, but with me being the dumb wife instead of Dave as the dumb brother!!  :-)   We also found out tonight that there will be 5 people in the van tomorrow, going to 2 towns, so there won't be room for all the luggage.  We each get to take one small suitcase, and the other bags will be fetched sometime by Monday hopefully.  Oh well, it's no different than when we first arrived - HA!!  So tonight we repacked suitcases again, making sure we have what we need for this weekend and the first day or two at our school.  

The new teachers with bishops and representatives from their offices

All the teachers with the bishops and dignitaries

Talent/No Talent Show - Claudia telling us a ghost story!!  

Breakfast is earlier than usual tomorrow - 7:30 - and we are to leave at 9:00.  We aren't certain if we'll have internet at our apartment immediately, but hopefully we'll figure out a way to stay in touch.  Thanks again for your prayers!!  Good night from Bratislava!!

Enjoying Bratislava and the Seminary

This was another full day in the classroom, but I decided to capture some images of our meals and surroundings here at the seminary during the training and orientation activities.  We had our third and final hour of Slovak language training, yet we still feel quite inadequate in communicating.  We know a few phrases, but there is a long way to go!!  

Typical breakfast - cold meat, cheese, tomatoes and cucumbers, with rolls/bread and butter, and hot tea!

Claudia teaching our class about English Language Learners

More ELL training

Our table in the dining hall, all set for lunch - complete with bottles of sparkling mineral water and fresh gladiolas

Slices of steamed bread with meatballs and a sauce (like tomato soup)

Eating lunch

In the afternoon, Arden Haug gave a session on expectations of us as missionaries.  There were a few other interesting topics such as our plan for emergency evacuation from the country if necessary!!  We also received some orientation on culture differences in central Europe.  After classes, we had a practical training session at the apartment of the same teachers who had us over for supper earlier in the week.  This time it was concerning Slovak alcohol consumption.  First, we had a history lesson......

Slovakia is known for its fine vineyards and wines, but in earlier centuries wine was reserved for the nobility.  Slovakia is also known for its fine grains and beers, but likewise, the beer was reserved for the German barons.  So the Slovak peasants had to make do with the only resource left - the fruits that grow in the area, such as plums and apricots.  They made a mash out of the fruit, fermented it, then distilled it into potent and flavorful spirits.  So this evening, we tasted a collection of slivovitz's and learned the socially correct ways to "just say no" in Slovakia!!  

With Dave Swenson's classmate from Austin, MN - Arden Haug (the head of the ELCA in Europe)

After the slivovitz session, we were given 10 euros each and sent out for dinner on our own.   The 8 new teachers all decided to stay together, and we went to a highly recommended Slovak pub which served native food.  Tim and I had fried cheese, and zucchini boats baked with veggies and cheese - delicious!!  Then we all walked down through old town to the Danube, where we walked along a wide stone pathway along the river.  Afterwards, we walked up past the castle again to show the others the views at night, then continued back up the hill to the seminary.  
Tomorrow is our last day of training - we don't feel ready, so it's a good thing there is another week of training at our own schools!!  :-)   

Work Day!

Today was our most intense day.  Solid training all day long in large blocks of time.  5 1/2 hours of ELL training, another hour of Slovak, and a couple of other lectures about Slovak history. Let's just say it was difficult to stay awake at times, but we are learning a lot, that's for sure.     We didn't take a single photo today, since we were stuck inside in our HOT and stuffy classroom all day long.  Our breaks and meals were fun as we continue bonding in our little group of 8.  We are already anticipating separating to our different schools in far-off locations in Slovakia and Poland, while some will stay here in Bratislava.  Tim and I are going out for a short walk before bedtime now.  

Monday - Orientation Begins!

I decided to do two posts today to get caught up - there are so many new things going on these first few days, and I hate to get behind. Right now there are lots of things to tell about and show, but once we travel to our school in Liptovsky Mikulas, there won't be as much new all the time, so posts will spread out more.  I have to admit, we are pretty tired tonight - but sleep should come easy!!

Well, today was the first official day of our orientation and training.  Breakfast was at 8:00, and we had a plate of sliced cold meat and cheese, bread or rolls and butter/jam, hot tea (or coffee for others), and there was a chocolate cereal for Tim to try.  We had devotions after, with plenty of a cappella singing.  I don't think I've mentioned that we've sung grace several times, and these folks can SING!!  :-)  Nice harmonization too!

Then the work began.  Our first presentation was by some teachers who have been here a couple of years, describing who our students will be and what to expect at school.  Then we had three hours of ELL training (English Language Learners), with group and class activities and plenty of note-taking.  It was hot in the room (no A.C. there either!) but we kept the windows open for a little breeze to help us stay attentive.  :-)  Lunch followed - wiener schnitzel, boiled potato cubes, and bread.  Then we had an hour of Slovak language training from a native speaker.  It was fast and furious, and a lot of folks struggled to follow her, but we learned a lot.  Wish we had more time to practice before our next session tomorrow!  

We got out of training early this afternoon to go on a 2-hour walking tour of downtown Bratislava with a native guide.  She spoke English well with a beautiful accent, and she kept us fascinated with stories about her city and country's history.  It was a HOT afternoon, so our facilitator had the group stop at an ice cream shop where he treated us all to a cone - delicious and refreshing!  

Katie at our bus stop near the seminary --- holding a plum.    :-)

We started our Bratislava tour at the church again -- this is the back, with the organ

The church sign

The Bratislava Opera House

St. Michael's Cathedral

Street lamp in front of house built into the fortified city walls

This shows the double walls of the fortress.

This is a tower on St. Michael's.  It was used as a battlement in wars, so the soldiers built a stone "outhouse" into the side of the tower!

One of the scenic side alleyways in the old town

Church steeple in old town

Palace 

The New Bridge across the Danube - with the UFO Restaurant on top!  

After the tour, we walked to the apartment of the two teachers who presented this morning, who hosted us for a lovely dinner.  It was nice to have an American style meal that wasn't so heavy on starches and included salads.  They served maid-rites, a tossed salad, fruit salad, potato salad, and cookies.  We also had lessons on Slovak culture imbedded in the dinner experience --- removing shoes at the door of the house, bringing a gift to the host, etc.  They also served some typical Slovak wines, beers, and soft drinks, as Slovakia is well known for high quality wine and beer in this region.  One of the other gals and I helped clean up and wash dishes after dinner, and Tim waited and left later with us.  We decided to walk up the hill (BIG hill!!) back to the seminary, which might not have been too smart considering all the walking we had already done and the heat.  But we walked up past the castle, which was all lit up at night, and which has beautiful views of the city and the Danube below.  So it was another adventure!  But now we're worn out, hot, and need some sleep, so I'll wrap up another post.  Hope you enjoy the pictures!  

The castle at night

Our first Slovak Sabbath

Sabbath in Slovakia - Sunday, July 19, 2012
We set the alarm to be sure to get up in time for church.  We were really looking forward to it because this may be our last opportunity to attend worship in English for a while.  Because we arrived a day early for training, there was no breakfast served, so I had cold pizza left over from last night - and it was delicious!!  (Brings back Clarke memories!)  Our little group learned how to take the bus down to the central part of the city, where we first stopped at a coffee shop where we all sat outdoors on wicker furniture.  (Tim and I had hot tea, of course, and it came with a darling little one-bite cream puff!)  

View of outlying areas from our dorm room balcony at the seminary.

Another view from our balcony

And the other direction looking off the balcony

At the coffee shop before church - Cafe Dias - which is Slovak for Cafe Diem like in Ankeny!!  :-)

Menu, napkin, and bus ticket from Sunday morning.

The front of the church

A church window

We walked to the small Lutheran church where services are held in English for an international population in Bratislava.  The interior of the church was gorgeous, the organ was amazing, we had a great sermon on the Lord's Supper, and we were incredibly blessed by the whole experience.  Afterwards we went next door to another coffee shop where they evidently have Lutheran fellowship hour after church every week - we went into the interior courtyard - very old and picturesque.  Then we went to a restaurant adjacent to the ancient fortified part of the city, where we actually ate lunch on a back basement stone patio that was on the bottom of the former moat around the fortress!!  The weather was gorgeous for all the al fresco eating and drinking too.  :-)

St. Michael's Gate - leading into the old city

Eating on the patio where the moat used to be

The steeple on the Seminary, on our walk back from the bus stop

After church - in front of the entrance to the seminary dormitory and classrooms.  (Our room is on the left, looking over the hillside down behind to the left)

After taking the bus back to the seminary, most everyone was tired from jet lag and wanted to take a nap.  Katie, our friend from Ohio, agreed that we should go off to explore on our own for the afternoon instead!  So the three of us tried to find a short-cut to walk back down to the old part of town.  We took several really steep streets and staircases, happened onto several embassies accidentally, and walked through a cemetery dating from the 1700's along the way.  Then we just wandered around seeing the sights, such as the old gate into the city, the narrow cobblestone streets, the main square with a big fountain in the middle and government buildings on the perimeter, and the presidential palace.  We had some lemonade and mineral water at, you guessed it, a little outdoor patio tea shop, off in a tiny alleyway we discovered.  We made it back in plenty of time to clean up and join everyone else for our welcome dinner at the seminary dining hall.  The food has been mostly meat and rice or potatoes, mineral water to drink, and different cakes for dessert.  But there is always a big bowl of fresh fruit when we leave, so we pick up a peach or an apple for later.  Yum!  We met the rest of the new teachers who arrived Sunday as well, and everyone is getting along well.  We were all pretty tired, so turned in pretty early, though it is very hot so not so easy to sleep comfortably without air conditioning.  We do see delightful sunsets from the balcony of our room!  

The fountain in front of the Presidential Palace

Ornate gates in front of the Presidential Palace

The tower above St. Michael's Gate - from the 1300's

My Knight!

Shops along the narrow cobblestone street leading to St. Michael's Gate

The old town square - with the parliament building on the far side

With Katie on our afternoon adventure!

Sunset from our balcony

Just before sunset