Slovakia

Spišská Nová and Lomnička

Lomnička

I am the Earth. I am part of the universe, I am part of the Solar System and I am the third planet from my life force, the Sun.

 Since I came into existence, I've had many names. I am the Earth, and I am made of earth. Someone very wise who once lived on Earth said that it was wrong to be proud. That pride was a sin. But my pride is not the sinful kind. It is true pride, not boastfulness. I've changed a lot since I first came into existence. In the beginning, I was cold, and animals were my only companions. They were tall and beautiful - as tall as skyscrapers, but today they're in museums. Then came other animals and people. Life wasn't easy for them and they had problems, but they were happy. I, the Earth, gave them advice and, gradually, they learned how to cultivate me, where to find my hidden treasures and which medicinal herbs to use to treat their illnesses. They learned how to use wood, water and soil, and I became increasingly proud of them.

They knew how to tame the animals and make work easier. People invented many kinds of machines to help them with their work. As they learned how to help each other, they began to forget about me. The greenery began to disappear, chainsaws felled the trees, the water started to dry up and new diseases appeared. But I sent them signs. Natural catastrophes like floods, hurricanes and volcanoes were all meant to let people know that something was happening to me. And it worked!

People began to wonder how they could help me, how they could stop polluting the air and how they could avoid damaging me. Now, I am beautiful again and filled with color. Children and animals run on my plains. They are happy, and I am happy with them. I love the smell of Spring, the warmth of Summer, the colors of Autumn and the peacefulness of Winter. I am the Earth. I am part of the universe and man is part of me. He is my servant and my master.

Spišská Nová Ves

I am a tale for planet Earth. I was born in Slovakia and I represent the Tatras chamois.

Our territory looks like me. It is very old, beautiful, sentimental and fragile. Its living conditions make it a unique place in the whole universe. Me, I live in the High Tatras. I am a rare and endangered species - the symbol of our environment's freedom, strength, joy and beauty. I like to stroll in the mountains and on the rocks. It is my natural habitat. I like to listen to the chirp of the chicks, the noise and whispering of the water in the little streams that trickle down to the valley. I love breathing the fragrance of the flowers, looking at my reflection on the surface of lakes like in a mirror, I like to gaze at the stars in a clear sky and observe the delicate wings of butterflies. I admire our Earth, which has the colors of a rainbow, appearing after a summer shower. You need only take a walk on the trails, in the mountains, the prairies and forests to see all of these magnificent colors. From time to time, when I climb to the top of a peak, I feel so proud to see all around for miles and miles. Oh! What pure air and what beauty! Sometimes, I gaze far into the valley. I observe proudly the green hills and valleys, the streams, the tops of the trees, the zigzagging roads, people walking around, the roofs of buildings...and occasionally I see some light clouds. They are made of tiny drops of water, shining like the water in forest wells, coalescing to form white billows in the sky. They seem so soft, like pillows of moss.

But sometimes, I even feel sad, knowing that our mountains are not as beautiful as they once were. My grandfather often told me this. I too was able to smell the unpleasant odor of the toxic fumes and the anger of the destructive storm that recently passed through our mountains. Even the sun sometimes stops smiling when it sees our ailing Earth. Children, go with those that render to my face, and that of the Earth, the rainbow filled with green forests, pure and blue water, multicolored flowers, butterflies and birds. We shall dance and shine in the sun and we will all be fine. Just as well or better still than my grandfather's time, who taught me how to sing folk songs.

They were sung by all, by the children living in their little wooden houses. These songs were played by little shepherds with decorated wood flutes and whistled through my own lips. Like the heart symbol on my forehead, life on Earth will be as pleasant, fragrant and good. Just like the gingerbread bought for children by their parents as a symbol of their respect and love for each other.