City of Charleston

Our last day in Banska Bystrica begins with a talk explaining the city’s Jewish history. After the Communist Era, only forty Jews resettled in Banska Bystrica. They had no synagogue but conducted their Jewish traditions and services in a home in which the son of the last Rabbi lives.

Mid-morning found us visiting a marvelous library that houses Slovak traditional musical instruments and books dating back to the 1500s. With soft, white gloves we were permitted to look and photograph a Wittenburg Bible with lovely illustrations dating back to 1555. Lunch today was hosted by the city’s NGO’s (Non-Governmental Organizations). In attendance today was Slovakia’s US Embassy Ambassador who drove up from Bratisava.

In the afternoon, preceding a wrap up session of both Sister City Alliances, we were entertained by singers and dancers from Matej Bel University. Traditional folk songs were sung as well as traditional Gypsy dances performed.

Today, in rain, there was a small frame of time to do some shopping. On Monday afternoon, while stopping by a shop close to our hotel, I heard a voice that had a familiar accent. Dave and Linda Barna, a family from Saint Albans, were in Banska Bystrica attending a film festival.

Tonight as I walked to Banska Bystrica’s 12^th century Centrum, the magnificent buildings, churches and statues are aglow. Beniczsky Resturaunt is my destination. Jatislav Sihelski, City Manager, is hosting a dinner for both alliances, persons hosting our delegation, and counterparts at Matej Bel University and Franklin D Eleanor Roosevelt Hospital.

Before dinner Matej Bel’s chorus entertains the dinner party. By the time toasts are made and speeches given, a couple of hours have lapsed. About half way through dinner, a traditional folk band starts playing. There is a huge hammered dulcimer and three varying tones of fiddlers. The music is quite lively and soon one of our hosts lends his voice to the music.

The voices of the fiddlers join in and the whole room is filled with robust singing. The host not only sings but dances. At first we clap to the music’s beat but soon most everybody in the room are on their feet dancing! There is loads of laughter and banter that lasts until 11:30pm. It is a short night as we board our bus at 4:30am to catch our 11:30am flight out of Vienna.

Be proud Charleston of your representation in Banska Bystrica! Each person in our delegation worked enthusiastically with their counterpart in proposals set forth by the sister cities in an agenda that preceded our visit. You sent a working delegation to Banska Bystrica—and work we have! Each day started at 9:00am and ended around 10:30pm.

Banska Bystrica’s alliance has treated us like royalty. We were met at the Vienna airport and transported to our rooms at Pension Boca. That same bus has taken us throughout the city and countryside for meetings and sightseeing. Most meals have been provided and do these Slovak’s ever know how to make delicious steamed bread and cabbage!

Like West Virginians, Slovaks are friendly people. Slovakia looks very similar to our hills, hollows, streams, flora and fauna. There are even holes in the roads!

We have felt right at home. I have a feeling that not only did we have cultural, medical and university exchanges, but lasting friendships as well.

Please when you bump into any of us in Charleston, ask about our trip in Banska Bystrica! We would love to share our journey and partnership with you—and how you can become involved. Join our Sister City Alliance and become a member by emailing me at koffeelade@gmail.com.