SLOVAKIA

Most people know little about Slovakia. I used to think of it simply as the eastern part of Czechoslovakia. I learned better when, during the communist period, we drove west after attending a seminar in Romania. Going from Hungary to Poland, we entered eastern Slovakia at Kosice. The passport official was stupid and unpleasant. I could not tell what was wrong. The more I insisted "I have a Czech" visa!", the angrier he got. Someone whispered to me "You must say you have a Czechoslovak visa!" I did, and the fellow calmed down. Conclusion one: there is a difference between Czechs and Slovaks. From Kosice we headed north to Presov, where there is a splendid collection of religious sculptures. Then on to lunch at Poprad, where at luncheon in the hotel around a large table a group of faithful sat respectfully listening to a glossy-dressed priest. Conclusion two. Slovaks are more Catholic than Czechs. A Slovak nationalist, implicitly anti-American, gave us this quote of the week: "Children of murderers and slave traders are teaching us democracy. Nobody has ever assassinated our president." Deputy Chairman of the Slovak National Party, Vitazoslav Moric.

Ronald Hilton - 4/25/01