Slovakia 🇸🇰

Adam, 27

Born in Bratislava, Slovakia

Came to Australia in February 2001

What is your occupation?

I am an Enterprise Software Sales representative for Apptio and my role involves selling IT Financial management software to companies like CBA. I’ve been in the role for around 2 years and am happy with where I am at the moment.

I studied a Bachelor of Economics and Arts at the University of New South Wales. I used to work at Macquarie Bank but I switched to IT because it has more money and less hours.

Why did you come to Australia?

My dad was helping broadcast the 2000 Sydney Olympics for STV1, Slovakia’s national public broadcaster. He liked it so much that he brought the whole family over and we’ve been here ever since.

He really liked the longer daylight hours and warmer climate. My mum and brother had health problems including asthma and eczema, which improved when we moved to Australia.

What do you like about Sydney?

I guess it’s very easy to experience different cultures. You can get a taste of different cuisines here. For example, you can taste authentic Thai food without needing to go to Thailand. In Europe, it is very monocultural and you’re not really exposed to many different perspectives. In Australia, as there are people from so many backgrounds, you really get to appreciate and understand different opinions and perspectives.

The urban planning is generally very good; there are a lot of parks and it is a very livable city.

What don’t you like about Sydney?

I don’t like the high cost of living. You have to fork out $15 for a pint whereas in Europe a beer would cost u $3. Everything is expensive and the only thing I think is reasonably priced are electronics, like laptops, phones etc.

It’s also extremely remote from other countries. When I go back to Europe, it’s like a 24 hour journey. I guess that’s part of the parcel here.

What would you like to say to Sydneysiders?

Be more present in the moment and more friendly. I feel like everyone’s always in a rush and doesn’t take the time to be personable.

What languages do you speak?

English, Slovak, Czech, German

In Slovakia, it is common to learn either English or German. Many people choose to work in neighbouring Austria or the UK. I learnt German when I was in high school and university.

Czech is quite similar to Slovak. As the Slovakian community is quite small in Australia, I grew up alongside a lot of Czech people.

Teach us one word/phrase from your native language.

Ahoj

This means hello and is pronounced like “Ahoy”

A Slovakian slang word is “haluz.” It literally means twig or tree branch but people use it to express that something’s funny. You can use it like how you use LOL in English.

What is one thing you want us to know about your native country?

A Slovakian by the name of Stefan Banic invented the parachute.

Slovakia is easily accessible if you do a Danube river cruise, as it will stop at Bratislava. Many people also take a day trip from Vienna.

There are a few nice places to go in Slovakia:

• High Tatras Mountains. In the winter you can bobsled, ski and snowboard while in the summer you can go water skiing or hiking. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Slovakia and tourists from across Europe come.

• The Dobsinska Ice Cave, one of the largest caves in Europe and one of the most famous ice caves.

• Orava Castle - considered one of the most beautiful castles in Slovakia.

Who is the most famous person in your native country?

Milan Rastislav Štefánik

He was a Slovak politician, diplomat, astronomer and aviator. He was one of the leaders of the Czechoslovak National Council and one of the leading figures behind Czechoslovak independence following the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918.

In my grandfather’s town of Brezova Pod Bradlom, there is a huge monument dedicated to him and his achievements.

What is the best dish in your native country?

Halušky

Slovakia's national dish is considered to be bryndzové halušky, originating in the northern regions of the country. This comforting meal consists of small soft, chewy potato dumplings coated in bryndza, a fermented fresh sheep cheese, and topped with fried bacon pieces.

I unfortunately am unable to make them but my Chinese partner can!

Deep fried cheese (vyprážaný syr) is also very common!