Some Thoughts from the 2018 Tour

     2018 YOUNGSTOWN/SNV SISTER CITIES TOUR

      LASTING FRIENDSHIPS, MEMORIES AND BUMPER CARS

     Despite a direct flight from Newark to Vienna, Austria, it is still a relatively long trip.  As such, it is always comforting to board our waiting 49 passenger, air-conditioned bus complete with restroom, for the short trip to Bratislava.   Upon crossing the border to enter Slovakia, Arnie Mesaros, the best bus driver in Slovakia, safely parked the bus to allow the traditional toast to Slovakia, and the beginning of the land tour.  The bus was stocked with a variety of beverages including red and white wine, Borovica, Hruskavica and a few others, certainly ample to toast our arrival.  Those familiar with Borovica will recognize it as a gin like liquor made from Juniper berries, while Hruskavica uses pears as its base.  Many Slovaks claim that Borovica has medicinal qualities that will be of benefit to those suffering bodily ailments particularly the digestive system.  The initial experience will leave little doubt as to its potency.

     Prior to the toast, super guide, Viera Marecova announced that she had a video to play on the large screen at the front of the bus.  Expecting to see a video of a folk group toasting or something similar, a huge surprise surfaced on the screen in the person of Andrei Kiska, President of Slovakia welcoming the tour to Slovakia, and wishing for a safe, memorable, and enjoyable trip.  He specifically noted his awareness of the many assistive projects in which the Youngstown-Spisska Nova Ves Sister Cities Program has engaged and extended his personal gratitude.  It was a huge surprise, and a most thoughtful gesture considering the demands on his time.  What an auspicious beginning to a memorable tour.

     Staying at the newly renovated Park Hotel, formerly the Danube, was quite comfortable and the four star rating completely justified.  The restaurant in particular was restored to its former excellence which we had enjoyed years ago.  A visit to Petrzalka, and Sad Janka Krala were welcome additions to the other interesting  sites in Bratislava, and environs such as Devin Castle, St. Martins Cathedral, the Blue Church, as well as the old town.  The welcome dinner at the Garden Spot was a huge hit consisting of fine food, unlimited drinks (the wine flowed), great entertainment, and private accommodations exclusive to our group.  In addition to the fine performance by the musicians, singers and dancers, a session involved volunteers from the group  joining the performers. What followed was highly enjoyable and hilarious, as the volunteers struggled with the demands of the dance steps in a rapidly increasing musical tempo.  The finale featured a competitive hat dance exchange while dancing to musical instruction concluded with Mary Wagner as the winner.  However, all of the participants in actuality were winners given the total enjoyment of all the spectators.  Thus, the group bonding was established early and gave evidence of a very special group.

     Sastin was a worthy addition to the 2018 tour.  A young newly ordained priest related the history of The Basilica of the Sorrows of The Blessed Virgin Mary, and was an excellent host admitting his nervousness as it was his initial assignment relative to tour groups.  Highly inspirational can best summarize the visit.

     Most Slovak Americans are not familiar with the Slovak delicacy Trdelnik, which originated in Skalica and arrangements were made for a first hand view of the baking process.  Our visit to Skalicky Trdelnik od Haviliku was informative not only in disclosing the entire baking procedure, but also allowing select members of the group to participate in the procedure.  We were treated to unlimited portions and once again seemingly unlimited servings of wine.  We look forward to revisiting this delightful Slovak gem in the 2019 tour.

    Smolenice is one of the many castles that may be visited in this country of historic castles.  We were able to enjoy a traditional Slovak lunch while there in addition to the castle tour.  Not far from the castle is the cemetery where Stefan Banic is buried.  Slovak Americans should recognize Banic as the inventor of  the modern parachute.  Banic from Greenville, Pa., returned to his native Smolenice in his later years and a parachute is engraved on his tombstone.  His story is interesting and readily available to all.

     Aah! ----Trencin and Jozef Duraci.   Our very good friend of many years, the highly personable and talented former singer/dancer greeted us as always with a welcome and program that exceeds an adequate description.  The festive evening included a delightful folk performance, goulash in unlimited portions, an endless supply of wine, Borovica, Hrushkavica, and others.  Joe delights when he is credited with making the best goulash in all of Slovakia, which of course is served with bread, and pastries in ample portions.  In keeping with past receptions, the tour group was invited to join the folk group and “learn” some basic dance steps which once again proved most enjoyable, humorous, and just plain fun.  The evening ended with much socializing, and picture taking with the young performers eager to participate.  The Finale. ------ All were invited to join Joe in singing,  “Hej Slovaci.”  Of course, good friend and returnee Jerry Geibel, joined Joe along with Dr. John Adan(6 tours), Greg Maurer(3 tours), Bob Matsco (many tours), Robert Magruder, Bill Gaspar and some others.  As we were returning to our bus a mixture of sadness and joy was prevalent.  It is little wonder that the Joe Duraci evening is always a hit with all involved.  As our hosts accompanied us to the bus there were many hugs and fond farewells.

     Due to mechanical problems, the previously arranged boat ride with wine, on the River Vah was cancelled. However, we substituted a visit to St Benedict of Sayord Monastery located near Trencin.  The uphill challenge to the chapel in a cave was met by most of the group.

     Following a stop in Cicmany with the decorated houses and museum we proceeded to Terchova, home of the Slovak Robin Hood Jurai Janosik.  The large impressive monument to Janosik sits upon a very high hill, representing a challenge to anyone wishing to hike to its base.  It is also highly visible to those wishing to view it from the small recreation area near the bus parking area. Among the rides available in this area was a bumper car ride.  One of the female tour members expressed interest in riding the cars, and made an inquiry to the operator, who smiled while nodding in the affirmative. Within an instant, many other tour participants got on board.  They were the only riders and the amused operator allowed them a very long ride, also inviting them to return in typical Slovak cordiality.  A most interesting incident occurred during our visit to Svaty Kris, the historic old and beautiful wooden church.  The group spaced out during the short walk from the bus, and suddenly voices erupted expressing surprise and obvious joy.  Jerry Geibel, by coincidence ran into a young Slovak woman who had been a good friend of his nephew when they were both students at John Cornell University, when she was an exchange student.  She was now living in the Czech Republic with her husband and was on a short visit to Slovakia visiting friends and family. They were exiting the church as Jerry was entering.  What timing ---five minutes either way and there would not have been such a serendipitous occasion.

    Always enjoyable is a visit to the famous walled city, Levoca also known as “The Holy City.” Always a favorite Levoca offers,  many attractions including the awe-inspiring cathedral, Svaty Jacob (St. James) with the world’s highest hand carved wooden altar.  The altar carved by Master Pavol is one of his many carvings, and although they are all “masterful”, the altar in St. James ranks at the top of his many gorgeous works.  Eleven separate alters enhance the overall beauty of this magnificent edifice.  This city is the site of the annual pilgrimage (Odpust) every July.

     Spis Castle, the largest castle in Slovakia, presents a challenge inasmuch as it requires some walking to get there.  Most members were able to handle the long semi-circular road leading to the castle proper, and it is worth seeing for first time visitors.

    Always a tour highlight is the official welcome reception with our Sister City, Spisska Nova Ves.  Mayor Jan Volny PhD., seems to enjoy the visit while exerting maximum effort to make the occasion enjoyable and memorable.  Proceeding Mayor Volny’s greeting was a succession of highly talented performers, and once again Lucas Francovic sang so magnificently that tears were evident in the eyes of many.  We have seen and heard Lucas from the time he was just sixteen years of age.  Presently he is enrolled in a prestigious university pursuing a degree in the Performing Arts.  Equally impressive, Zuzanna Kleinova earned a standing ovation with her rendition of “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes”.  She is an administrative assistant to the mayor and tours have been privileged to have seen her perform over the past years.  A college junior, Petra Pravlikove, majoring in Voice and Music also was spectacular.  Certainly she seems destined to have a successful  career.

     Following Mayor Volny’s welcome, and a brief response from James M. Bench, President of the Youngstown/Spisska Nova Ves Sister Cities Program.  Tour participants were called individually to sign the official registry. The highly popular mayor then greeted each person while presenting a variety of gifts.

     Following the ceremony, the group was led to the Reduta Concert Hall for a sumptuous meal, informal socializing, and a few more vocals.  Lucas, Zuzanna, and Petra stated, that they enjoy, performing for the Sister Cities Tour because the can see the appreciation in the eyes of the people.   Free time in the afternoon allowed for browsing and shopping in Spisska Nova Ves followed by dinner in the Hotel U Leva, with soothing piano music.  The blind musician was very good and was brought in by the gracious hotel owner distinctly for our pleasure.

     Slovaks revere the Tatra Mountains and the two day stay in the Grand Hotel went by rapidly.  The Grand Hotel lives up to its name providing splendid accommodations. We were able to experience the majesty of the mountains, and rafting on the Dunajec River, which serves as the natural boundary between Slovakia and Poland. The day was dampened (no pun intended) by rain.  However, it did not dampen (no pun intended) the hardy spirit of the group.  The group had a memorable visit to the small village of Tichy Potok where several members of the tour dressed in folk attire(kroj).

     The Zbojnicka Koliba (shepherds hut) in Stary Lesna features excellent food, good wine, and a great atmosphere.  The flaming Hot Toddy served as soon as we were seated was an early indication of a cheerful evening.  Owners Strojini and Bicko usually join us for the majority of the time we are there.  They are aware that their tradition of cutting off the neckties of any customer wearing one, was compromised years ago when Kay Bench provided neckties for all including women.  Ever since, the necktie slashing has become a tradition.  The evening of eating, drinking, dancing and overall merriment was enhanced by the Roma(gypsy) musicians who know virtually every song, Slovak and American, and are anxious to demonstrate their talents.  For some reason, as in previous years, a congo line was started which extended throughout the entire building, and guests in other sections of the koliba joined in.  As the evening was winding down, the owners were announcing the closing time and directing people to the exit.  At the same time they were motioning for our group to stay for some additional expressions of friendship.  The partiality of the owners once again surfaced as it did throughout the evening.  The hilarity ended with the cutting of the one person in our group purposely wearing the cravat.

     Bardejov, famous for its spa’s has much to offer inasmuch as the city square is full of interesting café’s, restaurants, and antique shops.  The church St. Egidius as in many of Slovakia’s villages and cities is gorgeous.  The hand carving of St. Barbara, according to many, is possibly Master Pavol’s finest work.  For people interested in the second World War history, Dukla Pass would qualify for a must see.  Tourists should prepare for a highly organized and thorough orientation of the historic battle.  As we proceeded to Kosice, we stopped in the village of Sacurov for dinner and entertainment.  The hall and stage were spotless with breath taking decorations causing some to wonder if a wedding was to take place.  We were served with such a variety of what we perceived to have been the meal only to discover that what we had eaten were the appetizers.  The entertainment was very good and included group participation following the initial performance.  Another Super Day!

      Two days in Kosice allowed for a little free time to explore the city independently, visit relatives or simply enjoy the biggest city in Eastern Slovakia. The free time followed a tour of the city, the centerpiece being the gorgeous Cathedral of St. Elizabeth.  Staying at the Doubletree Hilton located on the main square was highly beneficial given its proximity to shopping, restaurants, parks and the colorful musical water cascade, which also provided for a relaxing evening.

     The two days passed quickly, and we proceeded to Sliac, and the wonderful spa Hotel, Kaskady.  Staying at the hotel allowed time to relax while enjoying the soothing thermal pools and other amenities.  We continued with the sightseeing visiting the Andrassey Mausoleum as well as the city of Banska Bystrica, where we enjoyed a specially prepared Halupky dinner at the Cerveny Rak restaurant.  The family owned establishment for years has welcomed our tour  with real Slovak hospitality.

     The tour was nearing the end as we arrived in Nitra, and once again there was concern relative to the challenging uphill walk to the Cathedral of St. Emmeran, a must see in Nitra.   We were fortunate to persuade a local tour trolley driver to add our destination to his route.  He agreed----- another example of Slovak hospitality.

     It is difficult to adequately describe St. Emmeran and perhaps Bill Gaspar said it best when he looked upward to the ceiling stating “I have been to Italy—I have been to Israel—I have traveled extensively, and Slovak churches are unbelievable!”  The visit to this treasure, was highly inspiring, and it is difficult to describe the emotion it evokes.  The chapel of Pribana with its monastic choir niches or choir stalls was also an emotional experience.  It is the place where monks chant in prayer.  In order for us to experience the variation of tones acquired through the indentation in the concrete wall, Bill Gaspar was chosen to demonstrate the tonal qualities which he did impressively.

     As in recent tours, wine rich Pezinok was chosen for the farewell dinner, and we enjoyed an evening of excellent food, fine entertainment, and the very best wine that the Pezinok wineries produce.  The dinner, wine, and entertainment was a fine conclusion to a memorable tour rich in history and culture of a beautiful nation and its people. 

     A look back at the Youngstown Sister City Tour brings to mind people and events that added greatly to the enrichment of the trip.  It was immediately obvious that we had an extraordinary gathering of accomplished people eager to learn about and enjoy a wonderful country.  Throughout the tour they readily participated in all the activities with zest and enthusiasm.

         A RETROSPECTIVE VIEW—THIS AND THAT

     Interesting highlights added immeasurably such as the cartwheel by Stephanie Miller following the group Folk Dancing in Trencin.  Certainly the BUMPER CAR episode instigated by Pamela king and Mary Wagner, subsequently joined by Stephanie Miller, and the ubiquitous Gerald(Peach) Pundzak, was spontaneous, providing the amused ride operator with a story to tell his friends about the crazy Americans.

     The broom dance in Tichy Potok will be fondly treasured.  We will remember Dr. John Adan with an inexhaustible supply of knowledge regarding Slovakia, and most other things.  Dr. John has joined our tour for the past 6 years.

     The tour welcomed for the first time an extraordinary couple, Bill and Ethel Gaspar, who were responsible for many joining the tour.  Ethel’s fluency  in Slovak, was a bonus and we enjoyed Bill’s singing voice.  A thank you is extended to good friend and returnee Jerry Geibel in having his sister Marilyn  Piech and cousin Louis Fedor join the tour.  Another returnee Dorothy Kizner showed true grit in coping with some serious spider/insect/poison she endured a couple of days prior to the trip.  Carole and Robert Janesko had compiled considerable research in regard to their ancestry which paid dividends as they were able to visit their ancestral villages.  Sisters Susan Letarski and Cynthia Mostoller were able to spend quality time with relatives.  Mary Hovanes discovered that her relatives were typical hard working villagers and it was exciting for all to see her ancestral village as the bus driver drove through the village crossroads. Mary Bacak was indeed a welcome addition and active participant in all activities, having joined her friend Mary on the tour.  Elisa Demis, a lovely woman of Greek heritage was totally responsible for awakening Gregory Rusnak’s interest in his Slovak heritage.  Another returnee on the tour was Greg Maurer, who has done extensive genealogy and has found many relatives all over Slovakia.  He has even found some among our tour participants on previous tours and through the research he found that one of his co-workers is also his cousin. Be prepared, he may be asking you about your heritage! Also note, he is a great friend of ours.

     Slovakia was once again enriched by the presence of our very good friend Bob Matsco, who has been on our tour many times.  A quiet, unassuming intelligent man with a career of accomplishments,  Bob is a proud Slovak with many friends and relatives throughout Slovakia.  Pride is also evident in Janet   Zumrick, inherited we are sure from her late great father.

    We had almost enough people with medical backgrounds to staff a hospital.  John Adan a heart surgeon is noted along with registered nurses retired and active including Kay Bench and her best friend since nurses training, Mona Lepis.  Toss in Janet Zumrick and Stephanie Miller.  Not to be excluded is Gerald (Peach)Pundzak, a practicing respiratory therapist.

    Finally----The Sister Cities is fortunate to have the best tour guide in all of Slovakia, Viera Marecova.  Her encyclopedic knowledge is enhanced by a sparkling personality, and impeccable communication skills. Her early background as a folk singer/dancer adds greatly to her impressive array of talent.  Bus driver Arnie Mesaros is a tour must have.  His great skill allows the bus to go where others do not venture.  Hence a great reduction in walking which in addition to the accommodation, saves time.  He also blends in so well that he is just another person in the group and Arnie is always available to assist anyone in need.

IN MEMORIUM

     We were profoundly saddened to learn that Robert Tapak Magruder passed away on December 23, 2018.  Bob will be remembered as a highly intelligent and well educated individual with a great sense of humor.  He was proud of his Slovak heritage and active in Slovak fraternals such as The First Catholic Slovak Union, serving as a member of the FCSU Supreme Court.  He was also active with the Slovak Catholic Federation.  We extend to his friends and relatives our most sincere condolences.  We were fortunate to have had Bob on our tour where he was finally able to have walked the streets in his ancestral village.

Jim & Kay Bench

Some Pictures from the 2018 Tour!

Sixteenth Heritage Tour: July 9-23, 2013

http://www.snv.sk/index.php?tvarchiv=1&videoID=130717-1

 A sample of Slovak hospitality from one of the many small villages.

Jim and Kay Bench having a little fun along the way!

A Good looking group!!!!

The formal reception in SNV

Anyone who travels to some of the larger cities will encounter people begging for  money.  Some will ring a bell, some play music and others may sing for a donation.  I have tried to photograph some of them  in the streets,  but most will turn their head and hide their face from view until the camera  goes away.  I have asked why  and some have said  they do not wish to be photographed because capturing their image takes some of their soul away and others turn away because of their shame.                                                                                                                                                ------Ron Garchar

Fifteenth Heritage Tour: July 10-24, 2012

15th Heritage Tour Continued