Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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r The Gan t 5lovaki By Picture a far away place. A European city. It has bright lights, breathtaking scenery, famous people and plenty of night life, right? Maybe not! One particular European city doesn't possess the atmosphere of Paris or London, but it has a charm all its own. Resting on the Danube River, Bratislava, Slovak Republic is located just over the border from Austria?a 45 minute drive from Schwachat Airport Bratislava, Slovak Republic rests o population lives In high rise apartn rises were built over 50 years ago b India is not just sitars, saris and spices; it is not the pseudo-hippie subculture of the 90s; it is not a thirdworld country. India is unique and worth visiting even if it can only offer a visitor a glimmer of gratitude for the freedom and abundance in the United States or a revelation that people can be content and hardworking at the same time. Just like any other country, India has its bad points among the irreplicable charms. In light of the present decade, in some ways, India resembles the United States about to exit the 1950s. Many families have only one television, that is, in many cases black and white. Divorce rate, vj f 1 lecock explore ianng a d A p055e55e! Jennifer Stanle in Vienna, Austria. TU: n 4 : ^i.i^ j i^j A1113 oillali UUUllU^ lb lltJbLltJU UtJIWeeil Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Ukraine and Poland. The difference between Austria, for example, and Slovakia is evident as a visitor passes over the border. It's like stepping into a different world. Austria is moving along with modern times, while Slovakia is, well, still a little behind. Slovakia was part of Czechoslovakia until it won its independence in 1993. Prior to that, Czechoslovakia broke away . m bp /m 1 < JENNIFER STANLEY The Gamecock n the Danube River. Most of the lent buildings. Most of the high iy the communist government. Visiting lh By although low, is rising and women are starting families later and putting their careers and themselves first. During the 1950s, no one ever called the United States a third world nation. So, why do some call India a third world country? Yes, India is plagued with overpopulation, but, the established democracy is dealing with that problem that is not festering, as it is in some third world nations. In some ways, India may appear like the United States in the 1950s, but not in all venues. India is becoming one of the top industrial nations in the world exporting more than it imports?because it does have the resources and the labor. w^ yi? y stu I " ^/a\ \ //.s o G r * * he rirst in a t\ s cultures beyc tMOCRACYf A 5UBTLE v, Features Edit from communism in 1989. Therefore, there is some residue of communism still lingering in Slovakia. The most disturbing thing about the culture is the fear among the Slovaks. which was imposed by communism. This fear and intimidation is not easily forgotten. Responding to the communist way, people seem unfriendly and cold. They will not smile or make eye contact when passing others on the street. Millions of shoppers scrambling around a busy street are perfectly silent. It seems like they are afraid to speak. The people still react as if they are in a land of tyranny. There is hope. Members of the younger generation of Slovaks are taking their democracy and running with it. It is easy to take the first impression of emotionless society and believe it. But they have a more subtle way to show their kindness. For example, neighbors and landlords extend their hospitality by leaving fresh flowers and fruit on a friend's doorstep. And a guest will never come to their hosts' house empty-handed. Usually a bottle of wine or flowers will accompany them. The people may not be outgoing, but they are caring and sincere. They have a dedication to friends and family. Some of the oldest traditions of the Soviet culture still exist and add to the overall allure of Slovakia. Performing arts are strong and outstanding. Young girls and boys start day-long ballet training as early as six or seven years old at The National Slovak Ballet Conservatory. JDIA CAN BE Dipki Bhambhani, / India is unique and worth visiting visitor a glimmer of gratitude for the United States or a revelation 1 and hardworking at the same time People do drive cars, on the righthand side of the road, drink tea about four times a day and pray more than that. The Indians are predominantly Hindu, but there are Muslims, Christians and members of various other sects. The Christian influence has come from Mother Teresa in East India and missionaries during the time India was under British rule. It is, however, difficult to capture the r^rf^ ) n dant GDDCsD ten. i / loiv A wo part series, )nd the border CHARM on Opera, ballet, music and drama are all outstanding and perfect. The best Slovak dancers and musicians still perform in the same theater that Mozart performed in during his era. New traditions are still being formed as Slovakia tries to catch up with modern times. Although some government leaders want to close the borders, most Slovaks are ready and willing to "westernize" their country. Both old ways and new conveniences mesh into the everyday life. Along with the typical outdoor cafes, flower stands, sidewalk musicians and fruit markets are such modernities as grocery stores and pizza delivery. Although Bratislava has only one of each, such western novelties are helping to make lite easier. Ihe grocery store, K-Mart, is the closest thing Slovakia has to a mall. American corporations are cashing into the opening market. Along with the K-Mart comes other western influences like McDonald's, the American movie industry, computers, ATM machines and other big businesses. The streets are also bustling with an extensive transportation system which 5 includes trams, trolleys, buses and f railways. ' After hours the Slovak Republic is ? catcWg up with the club scene. It seems like every week a new club pops up in ( alley of the old town. And in the shadow j of the castle, clubs like the Scene Club ) are becoming local favorites. The music i tends to be either Slovak or disco music. > Generally, it is easy to get into c Slovakia. All that is needed is a passport i A HUMBLING \sst. Features Editc even if it can only offer a the freedom and abundance in that people can be content Indian spirit in a nutshell. Although the country is scattered with villages, it is buzzing with some of the biggest cities , worldwide. Bombay, for example, is one of the largest and most industrious cities in the world. And, it is infested with the second largest movie market in the world Like Bombay, cities like, the capital, New Delhi, Calcutta and Madras offer the best of the east and the west. American products are available, i m QU/ / VL s of our own c y^g llllir *1^ "*' * ' " : J* \ ^r iajnt Martin's Cathedral Is a famou Republic. Ringing each hour, the clo< nto the city. ind another kind of ID. ] Both an American Embassy and U.S. 1 Chamber of Commerce are available to ( issist travellers or expatriots (Americans J vho live and work in Slovakia). There s a small American community complete 1 vith a school, a newspaper, several < :hurches and social groups. < Though Slovakia is not very well : EXPERIENCE DR Often times, though, they are more expensive than other brands, including European brands. Although India sells Coca-Cola, many people prefer the domestic competition, Thums Up. In numerous cases, consumers would rather wear Pepe jeans than a pair of American Levis or have a Cadbury chocolate bar over Hershey bar. To residents of India, America is not necessarily better, just different. To Indians living in the United States, on the other hand, India is less convenient with fewer opportunities, especially in the workplace. Unfortunately, this may be the reason that Indians may accept lower pay for i VRTERLY ft * 1 A ountry. . WP JENNIFER STANLEY The Gamecock s landmark In Bratislava, Slovak :k tower Is visible upon entrance known, travellers should wander off the beaten trail into Bratislava. Prague 'Czech Republic), Vienna (Austria) and Budapest (Hungary) are near by. The community is dedicated to Duilding a country that they can be proud )f. The first impression may not be as exciting as Paris, but it does possess a subtle enchantment, doing the same jobs as their American counterparts. Indian college students seem more serious about their schoolwork as well. They go to lectures and generally have one final exam. They don't have available old tests and the professors don't tell their students what will be on the exams. Most students don't have cars of their own, so they take buses to school since most of them live at home. Sometimes, it seems like students who complain about America and USC should take a trip to India to see exactly how people are surviving on the other ?id of the world, without half the freedom and luxury that American students enjoy. 1 the. _ agizlne st in state| w to Tango, baby.