In the Footsteps of Orava’s Writers

On Wednesday, our students 8. Students from the 9th grade set out on an unforgettable literary and historical field trip to Orava. Their goal was to explore the places that have shaped our culture and learn about important figures in Slovak literature. Our journey began in Jasenová, where we visited the birthplace of the famous writer Martin Kukučín. The students had the opportunity to see the environment in which the author of unforgettable works such as *Rysavá jalovica* and *Dom v stráni* grew up. Our next stop was the small wooden articular church in Leštiny, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This precious monument captivated us with its history, unique architecture, and wonderful atmosphere. In Dolný Kubín, we immersed ourselves in the life and work of one of Slovakia’s greatest poets. At the P. O. Hviezdoslav Literary Exhibition, we viewed rare manuscripts and personal items and learned many interesting facts about Hviezdoslav’s life and work. At Orava Castle, we learned about the castle’s medieval history and life within its walls. The excursion concluded with a slightly different—but all the more aromatic—experience. We visited the exceptional coffee museum (Oravakafe) in Krušetnica, where we saw a mosaic made of coffee beans listed in the Slovak Book of Records and learned all about the history and processing of this popular beverage. The field trip not only provided us with a wealth of new knowledge but also created wonderful shared memories.