City of Charleston

Ahoy (or "Hello" in Slovak!) The delegation of eleven Charleston residents arrived on Friday, May 7th to our Sister City in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia. The Sister City program provides a framework for individuals and organizations such as area universities, churches, businesses and nonprofit organizations to explore exchange opportunities with their counterparts in their Sister City.
 
Wondering why Banska Bystrica was selected as Charleston's Sister City? Although the two cities are worlds apart--there are many similarities including the mountainous and rural terrain. A little background about Banska Bystrica, Slovakia...
 

• Slovakia, which was once a part of Czechoslovakia, became an independent nation in 1993, three years after the Velvet Revolution peacefully brought down the communist government.
• Banska Bystrica has approximately 79,000 residents.
• Banska means "mining" and Bystrica means "fast flowing stream."
• The town center and buildings date back to the Middle Ages.

Upon arrival we took a stroll to the town center where people lined the streets singing and dancing to live music in celebration of "European Days." The sense of community is similar to what can be witnessed when Charleston and surrounding communities gather for events such as FestivALL and the Vandalia Festival.
 
Several members of the delegation will be blogging about their experiences while visiting Banska Bystricia through May 13th. Check back daily for updates on the new and exciting partnerships that are forming and growing.
 
Jessica Isner, Instructor, WV State University / Delegation Member