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| The main building of Presov University |
Are you considering participating in the Studium
Carpato-Ruthenorum International Summer School for Rusyn Language and Culture?
You may have questions about what the experience is going to offer, what it
will be like to live for three weeks in Prešov, what the dorm and the cafeteria
food are like, what a typical day offers, what the class sessions will be, what
excursions are planned. In the course of two blog texts, we’ll offer some
helpful information based on last summer’s experience and on what is in the
works for this coming summer.
Prešov is a small but bustling city, typical for Central
Europe with a large main square built on “Main Street” (“Hlavná ulica”) and surrounded
by beautiful historical buildings and busy with people shopping, strolling,
heading to work or home. An informational souvenir shop right on the square
offers free small maps, which last summer’s participants discovered and found
useful in identifying streets and sites in the city center, and your Studium
organizers will point out this shop on a walking tour of the city early in your
stay. The TESCO department store, also located nearby on Hlavná ulica offers
all kinds of goods, including groceries, clothes, toiletries, and souvenirs.
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| The Orthodox Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky |
On the main square is the striking Roman Catholic Cathedral
of St. Nicholas, and just down Hlavná ulica within easy walking distance is the
Greek Catholic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Not far from this is the
Orthodox Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky, and tucked into the Old Town near
the square is the Orthodox Jewish Synagogue. On the street you may hear Slovak,
Hungarian, and Rusyn spoken. In Prešov, one quickly begins to understand the wonderfully
multicultural nature of eastern Slovakia. And don’t overlook the little side street
called Florian Street because here you’ll find the amazing “Croatia” ice cream
shop with its shop window open onto the pedestrian-only walkway. You’ll visit
there more than once. After ice cream, just cross the street to enjoy a
steaming coffee or a cold beer on the outdoor patio and enjoy people-watching. From
your university dorm to the main square is a comfortable walk of about 10
minutes—and there is sufficient free time built into the busy Studium schedule
for you to enjoy all of this.
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| The Greek Catholic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist |
Just across the street from your dorm is perhaps the most
beloved and most frequently visited spot for Studium participants—the Ballada
coffee shop. This is a cozy place, with an intimate feel both downstairs and
upstairs, its walls lined with bookshelves filled with books, including books
about Carpatho-Rusyns. Or sit outside in late afternoon or into the evening and
relax with new friends over coffee, tea, or the ubiquitous icy beer. Wireless
Internet there also draws students with their laptops. Next to the Ballada is a
small grocery store with the basic necessities such as milk, yogurt, juices,
fruit, chocolate, and some baked goods, and yet another shop with school
supplies. At the university’s main building, you’ll find a small shop with
university-related souvenirs, including T-shirts, mugs, caps, and other
memorabilia.
In the next piece, we’ll describe the dorm, the cafeteria,
and what is on the docket for this coming summer’s classes and excursions.
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| The best ice cream shop, located on Florian Street |
Written by: Patricia Krafcik - email:patkrafcik@gmail.com
