You know you're in Slovakia when...

One of the other volunteers, Ashley came to visit this past weekend and while talking, sharing stories, and laughing we compiled a list that you might enjoy. Other Slovakia volunteers let me know what more you have to add!

You know you’re in Slovakia when…
-You go on “holiday” instead of vacation
-You go “to University”
-You always carry a plastic bag with you
-You have multiple pairs of “papuče” (slippers) and wear them all the time indoors (At home, in school, at work)
-You drink Slivovica (plum brandy) at least twice a week- for your health of course!-(Na zdravie!)
-You read words that have five consonants and no vowels
-You add “ička” to the end of a word and it makes it something small
-You add k’s in names to be friendly
-You “ring” people (call a lot of times and hang up, leaving no messages)
-All the women’s last names end in “–ova” (I’m Coleova)
-You eat bryndzova halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese)
-You celebrate name days
-You drink coffee (kava) and tea (čaj) all day long
-You drink Kofula
-There are loud Speakers in the village with music and announcements
-You crave ice cubes and peanut butter like never before
-You always see hitch-hikers and give them rides
-You watch the nighttime fairytale at 19:00
-You have two choices of coffee- instant or with the grounds in the bottom of the mug. So despite the obsession with coffee, there are no coffee makers!
-You say “Dobru chut” (enjoy your meal) when you see anyone eating anything
-Every conversation is full of “hej”, “dobre” and “tak”
-Whenever you go in a store you say “Dobry den” (Good day) and when you leave you always say “Dovidenia” (Good-bye)
-People ask you what your village is like in America
-You dress extra warm to go to church and leave your coat on during the whole service
-You blow your nose and smell strawberries, chamomile, or mint
-You pick mushrooms outside and eat them- somehow knowing which ones are eatable
-You buy large bags of poppy seeds and put them in almost anything- in large amounts (I mean we’re not talking about a little sprinkling on a lemon poppy seed muffin)