We could write about ancient castles, national cuisine <
> or Slovak friendliness. But we would like to focus on other facts that catch your eye when you first visit Slovakia.
Love of animals, especially dogs. Many shops, shopping centres, salons and other establishments here allow pets. And it is worth noting that all pets are incredibly well-mannered and well-groomed.
Ability to relax and a love of outdoor activities. On weekday evenings, the streets come alive. It feels like no Slovak is sitting at home. Everyone goes out for walks, goes cycling as a family, and chats with friends in cafés. Of course, now, in the period of partial lockdown, you can’t sit in cafés anymore, but still.
No overwork. How do you think, if you work from 8 am to 18-20 pm, if after work, the brain is just exploding, hands, legs do not move, will you want to be active and arrange walks on a weekday? And there’s no way to take care of household chores!
But while for Russia and Ukraine this is a common situation, for Slovakia it is something out of the ordinary. Here it is not customary to overwork and force workers to stay an hour or two late or to take a day off. Not surprisingly, there is enough energy and time for a full-fledged holiday.
There is also a not entirely pleasant consequence, which, however, is quite adaptable to. On public holidays, most institutions and shops are closed. So it is better to stock up on food in advance < 
> And if you decide, for example, to visit a notary half an hour before the end of the working day, you may well be denied services.
Caring for the elderly and disabled. Perhaps Slovakia still has a lot to aspire to compared to some other European countries. But what you can see on the streets is already an indicator. Keeping people moving and socially active is the most important thing. And here it’s hard not to notice it.
A lot of graffiti. Of course, there are some beautiful drawings, almost works of art. But mostly they are haphazard scribbles < 
> But there are a few nuances. Firstly, this trait is more characteristic of Bratislava. Secondly, graffiti is less and less common in dormitory neighbourhoods with new buildings.
Even more greenery and parkland, even in major cities. It makes the area feel cosy and somehow alive.
A widespread enthusiasm for sports. Everyone is active: old and young, men and women, grandmothers and grandfathers.
These are the facts under the prism of our view. I wonder what you remember most of all when you first met Slovakia, if you already have? Or perhaps you have already read something about this country 
