Ľuboš: "We all converted to Americans tonight."
Well, for an hour and a half, that was true enough. Tonight some of Hybe came over to Katka and Lubo's house to help me celebrate Obama's inauguration. It has been an interesting time to be in Slovakia, for sure...I remember in October and November that almost everyone I met (at some point) made sure to ask me who I was planning to give my vote, who I thought would be a good president, etc. This was a unique time for me to be able to get a feel on the local level what Slovaks in general and also the people in Hybe (and the nearby villages) thought of our American election.
Many times over, I was surprised to hear middle and high school students with very definite opinions. Most of the people I met were pretty pro-Obama...and not just for the reasons I expected. One funny story from election day: when I was riding in to school on that Tuesday, some students relayed a story they'd heard on the radio that the election had already been called in Obama's favor - and there was much rejoicing. I tried to explain that in America it was only 1:30 AM Eastern time...and not even Tuesday yet on the west coast. This opened an interesting discussion of our election process. Well, by the end of the day, history had happened back in the states and my little explanation into the electoral college didn't really matter so much...but I really have enjoyed these impromptu discussions that seem to spring up in different ways every so often.
Since November, I have had many, many congratulations and well wishes for America from my community here in Hybe. In these tough economic times, Slovakia seems especially watchful to what's happening back in my home country. Also, there is true concern and love for us being sent westward across the Atlantic. It's good to remember love and care can go in many directions.
Tonight as America ushered in President #44, a dedicated group from Hybe became Americans (even if only for a little while). We had an All-American meal (hamburgers, baked potatoes, creamed corn, string-cheese, and *real* Coca-Cola). We watched the inauguration in Slovak and English, sang "The Star Spangled Banner" (why is that song so difficult to sing if you're not in a sport stadium?), and shared our excitement for this historic moment. It really was a glorious evening! Oh, there's so much joy and exhilaration happening. It's a new start and a hopeful time. I tried to share my feeling that with so many bad things always on the headlines, it's good to see my country coming together, celebrating, planning, gearing up for the work we have ahead. Even though I am away from the USA now, I can't feel a single mile of the distance. (Thanks, CNN and Facebook for letting me join my nation on this jubilant moment!)
Welcome, Mr. President...we're ready to see what you're going to do!
O! I almost forgot the most important thing.... you just can't have an Obama inauguration party without some appropriate party food...I hope you can appreciate everything we served (main foods...along with accompaniments of veggies, cheese, buns, etc) was "O" shaped for #44.
PS - We're already planning our next party...we'll serve schnitzel and only speak in English for the evening. Since the pastor doesn't speak much English, we're speculating which conditions will prove the strongest for the evening - his hesitation for English or his intense craving for schnitzel. Hmm....
PPS - Wanna come for dinner? Katka says if you comment on this post, she'll send you an invitation.
