Lunch Table Talk

Just a quick post about something I heard today during lunch at school. I have a meal plan set up with the school, so I eat there every day, regardless of whether I'm teaching that day or not. Pretty good food, for the most part! One of the main cooks is Zuzka Zikova's sister-in-law, and she's really sweet! Anyways.

The teachers were irritated today because a law was recently passed in Slovakia, that starting next school year the students in the primary schools (elementary schools) will have to start learning two languages. They currently study Slovak and grammar, and they are required to learn a second language. Well, now they will have to learn a third also. The teacher's were venting about the Slovak school system, and how it's a bit ridiculous for the young kids to have to work on 3 languages at once. Especially since the new third language will have such little class time per week that they will barely benefit from it or learn anything. They learn english as their second language, and they will choose from German or Spanish for their third language.

They were also discussing the upcoming change of currency. Starting in 2009, Slovakia will be on the Euro, getting rid of Slovak crowns. From the reactions I've witnessed, it seems everyone is quite nervous about it, and a bit irritated. It seems a bit sad to me, since I think currency is such a unique and interesting difference in each country. But now each country is joining the European Union, one by one, (Slovakia had it's accession into the EU in 2004) and eventually changing over to the EU. It will "help their economy greatly" many people say, but the people of Hybe seem nervous and a bit doubtful. Everything will be more expensive because of the currency conversion rate. Also, everyone is a bit irritated because they will mainly be using coins with the Euro, and they currently use more paper bills with crowns. I was watching a news report on TV awhile ago with my family, "Our Wallets Will be Heavier Next Year." I'm glad I'm here to use the Slovak koruny while it's still around.

*This is a picture of a few Slovak koruny, paper bills. 20 sk is equal to about $1.00 U.S., 200 sk about $10.00, and 500 sk about $25.00



To see pictures of the upcoming Slovak Euro coins, click here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slovak_euro_coins

Each individual country of the EU has coins designed specifically for their country, similar to each U.S. state having their own uniquely designed quarter backing. Slovakia will have coins with their Coat of Arms, Krivan mountain (really close to Hybe), and the Bratislava Castle.