A Memorable Weekend in the Slovak Countryside

This past weekend, my family had the incredible opportunity to visit one of my student’s cottage homes in the beautiful Slovak countryside. What an experience it turned out to be!

Upon our arrival, we were warmly welcomed and treated to an amazing meal that began with a delicious soup. This was followed by a beautifully roasted turkey, and we ended our feast with delightful cake and coffee. Our bellies were full and happy, setting the tone for the rest of our day.

After the meal, we ventured outside to explore the property, where we were greeted by ponies and horses. The kids were running and playing in the forests behind the cottage, their laughter echoing through the hills. We spent time hugging and petting the charming Shetland ponies, which was a joy for everyone.

One of the highlights was when my daughter, after some gentle persuasion, had her first horseback riding lesson. The smile on her face was priceless! I even mustered up the courage to saddle up and take a ride on Jake, feeling a bit apprehensive since it had been a while since I rode a horse.

After our rides, we gathered around a campfire, enjoying sausages cooked over the fire while sharing stories and laughter. This experience reminded us of why we moved to Slovakia — to build a new community and embrace new experiences.

Reflecting on this day, I can confidently say it was my favorite in Slovakia. The sense of community at EISB is truly special; the parents and students genuinely care about their teachers and make us feel right at home.

I will cherish this day for a long time and look forward to many more moments like this in the future!