I spent over five+ years in Slovakia, starting in 2002 and full time, starting 2005 and leaving in Jan 09.
It was a great little country, and there is much that I miss.
Most of my friends were with SDKU, but not being native Slovak, I did not get involved in the politics.
I know that I left just in time, as most all of Europe was falling into turmoil.
I spent some time there in 1996 while my brother was in the Peace Corps. The black market was the “other’ store just around the corner, right out in the open. Selling everything from American cigarettes and under arm deodorant to hashish and switchblades and sometimes even offered the services of their “daughters”. People waited in very long lines with twighlight zone like patience to get a stamp at the post office, only to have the window slammed in their face just as their turn came up, and passively walking away with a glazed acceptance of the “system”. The political corruption was visible in all areas of public life. The restaurants where cold war hit men would spill a beer over your table if you even mentioned politics. The same thugs (more like mercenary’s) looking for any signs of dissent or opposition during staged political rally’s. How they would push one persons name with Orwellian tactics and beat the shit out of any man OR woman who might voice any opposition or public proclamation for another candidate. It was like a real life Scorsese film. The people were so wonderful and kind but would shut right up when large men appeared out of no where acting like they were part of out group. I felt so sorry for those people then. I hope things have changed for the better because I never met such kind, generous, intelligent and inventive people in all of Europe than those in the Slovak Republic. It’s sad to see the suppression of free speech & thought of an artistic, passionate and intelligent people happen right before your eyes. No wonder “Pivo” bars were so popular from breakfast until? Thank God we never had to venture out after dark. The movie “Hostel” keeps coming to mind.