I have been in Slovakia for about 2 months now. I am getting some pretty big bouts of homesickness for San Francisco. It is such a great city - to me, it is nearly impossible not to miss. I have enjoyed being here in Slovakia - mostly I have chosen to see the good here wherever I can find it. Also, ever curious to explore new terrain, getting to know this culture and the environment has been entertaining. However, all it took was one look at a photo of San Francisco's skyline for me to feel a deep thirst for home.
San Francisco has some of the best food in the world. I can't even find darker lettuce here, it's cabbage or romaine mostly. I have been living on a pretty steady diet mostly of fried potatoes with onions and paprika, roasted bell peppers, and oatmeal. At the store it's either hit or miss to find ground beef. Don't get me wrong, if you get creative here in Slovakia you can make a pretty decent meal. The most regularly eaten and favorite dish here in Slovakia is Halushki. I haven't made it yet but one of my lovely students has invited me over on Sunday so that we can make it together. I've included the recipe below. Teraz! (enjoy in Slovak)
I've taken up knitting here and have just finished my first scarf. I've already started two more. Friends and family members might be getting them for Christmas since I am on such a roll with my new hobby. It's really quite addictive!! My Slovak students tease me - one student said that I am like an old lady during Communism. I keep hearing that all of the clothes, houses and cars were the same during that time so it was nice to have something knitted that was unique. I love hearing about these Communist stories. One student told me how everything felt safer as though they were sheltered from anything bad or negative. Everyone had a home and a job - in fact it was not legal to not work. Overall though, the consensus is that people are mostly happy to be free. If someone spoke against the government in any way, you might find trouble with your work somehow... or worse, could be sent to prison and/or Siberia.
I am learning how to survive in other ways as well. When our freezer broke we had to keep our food out side of our window. When it was snowy it was as good as any freezer. We don't have a washer and dryer either so we have to wash our clothes old-school style in the bath tub. I don't mind as it's toning my arm muscles. ;)
There is lots more to tell and I will add more to my blog when I have more time. I've been busy with teaching English as I keep getting more and more classes. I am pleasantly surprised at how much fun it has been to teach. There are times I almost laugh all the way to the bank since it doesn't feel like work. I am just sharing a skill I have naturally. However, it's not all easy as I do have to prepare and grammar isn't always a breeze to teach.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. If you make Halushki, please let me know what you think.
Ton lásky z Slovensko! (Tons of love from Slovakia!)
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