A chance YouTube video two years ago reshaped one woman’s life, sparking an exploration of her Slovak heritage and a bold move to Europe.
The notion of citizenship by descent caught her attention, particularly the tales of her great-grandparents who emigrated from eastern Slovakia to America in the 1920s.
Raised in a household where Slovak culture was deeply woven, her strongest ties came through her grandmother, Margaret, whose kitchen was filled with the aromas of traditional Slovak meals.
Margaret’s Sunday Soup, a hearty dish made with cabbage, potatoes, meat, and various vegetables, provided a taste of a heritage that the woman yearned to understand more profoundly.
As she traveled abroad over the past decade, her desire to live in Europe grew stronger, influenced by the accessibility of cities and a cultural environment that felt more connected than her own.
Her research into various international visas did not include her own familial history until that fateful YouTube revelation opened her eyes.
After discovering changes in Slovak law allowing citizenship by descent through great-grandparents, she faced the challenge of piecing together her ancestry with minimal documentation.
The undertaking turned into an intensive genealogy project filled with both frustrations and excitement as she sought out her great-grandparents’ stories, learning not only about their lives but also about the cultural and historical context of Slovakia.
Key to this journey was acquiring the Slovak Living Abroad (SLA) certificate, which provided her and her husband, Evan, the opportunity to relocate without enduring the lengthy wait times typical for citizenship applications.
In April, that momentous day came when she collected her SLA card in New York.
With decisive determination, she and her husband sold their home in Seattle and made the spontaneous decision to move to Bratislava, never having set foot in the country before.
Within a month, they arrived in their new home with just four pieces of luggage, leaving behind their established life in the Pacific Northwest.
They secured an apartment quickly through Expat Experts, who facilitated virtual viewings and guided them through the renting process.
Despite Evan’s initial apprehensions regarding the language barrier, both were optimistic about their choice, believing that Slovakia held the promise of better opportunities, echoing the journey of her great-grandparents nearly a century prior.
Arriving in Bratislava, they encountered the expected cultural shock, compounded by their limited Slovak language skills and the locals’ limited English proficiency.
Yet, the kindness of the Slovak people left a significant impression on them, as they navigated daily challenges such as acquiring public transport passes with the aid of patience and gestures.
To further their integration, the couple enrolled in language classes, determined to understand and participate in their new community fully.
They quickly established connections with other SLA holders, who provided guidance as they settled into city life.
Their lack of preconceived notions about Bratislava revealed a pleasant surprise: a vibrant city with great restaurants, excellent public transport, charming shopping areas, and a picturesque old town along the river.
As nature enthusiasts, they were delighted to find parks and green spaces, allowing them to enjoy picnics and walks around the city, further enriching their experience.
The dynamic of adapting to a new life was smoothed considerably by support from Falath & Partners, particularly Michal Antala, who assisted with appointments and eased their nerves throughout the residence permit and citizenship application processes.
Along the way, the woman met fellow applicant Tim Sanders from the UK, forging a fast friendship through their shared experiences.
Reflecting on her journey, she sees a poetic connection to her past: her great-grandparents sought opportunities in America, while she, a great-granddaughter, journeys back to Slovakia in search of the same.
Since arriving, Slovakia has enchanted them with its rich history, natural beauty, and the warmth of its people, satisfying the yearning that her American life had not fulfilled.
As she dives into the local culinary scene, her grandmother’s Sunday Soup recipe takes on new significance in her Bratislava kitchen, symbolizing the completion of a familial circle.
This journey—a blend of heritage exploration and personal transformation—highlights the enduring connections that span generations and borders, illuminating the paths once taken and those yet to be discovered.
image source from：spectator
