The Dark Rose's Traces

 Every year, countless individuals journey across the Atlantic from the Americas. They seek new life opportunities, whether it's a better education, a rich cultural exchange, exciting adventures, language acquisition, visits to fairytale-like destinations, or simply love. For those of us who have made the transatlantic move, we continue to return to the place we now regard as our second home. We are all susceptible to judgments and stereotypes, whether they stem from media exposure or a brief encounter with an unfamiliar culture. These biases often result from adopting mindsets that were never truly our own. The first time I ever encountered the name "Slovakia"—back then, still part of "Czechoslovakia"—was in a National Geographic magazine that I still hold dear. It happened purely by accident. At the time, I was a teenager obsessed with sharks, a wannabe marine biologist, and the cover naturally featured a massive shark. I discovered that particular issue tucke...

  Take my heart and set it free Carried forward by the waves Nowhere left to run, navigator's son Chasing rainbows all my days Where I go? I do not know I only know the place I've been Dreams they come and go, ever shall be so Nothing's real until you feel I have sailed to many lands Now I make my final journey On the bow I stand, west is where I go Through the night I plough Still my heart, calculate and pray As the compass swings, my will is strong I will not be led astray… You might be surprised to learn that the poignant lines above weren't penned by a contemporary English poet, but by Iron Maiden! Specifically, they're from their powerful song, "Ghost of the Navigator." Their songs, often bearing Steve Harris's distinctive creative touch, frequently contain genuine poetry. The world today often feels like an overwhelming din. Everywhere we look, listen, or go, there’s a relentless barrage—everyone scrambling for money, recognition, and personal ga...