Meet Oliver: A slice of Šenkvice

When Oliver was a teenager, his grandfather, Ivan, opened up the doors to his home and his village, inviting visitors from across the world to enjoy a cup of coffee and slice of cake over a chat about Slovakian life.   

At first, a young Oliver helped his grandparents by preparing the cake and setting the table. Today, he is one of the many locals in Šenkvice hosting their own cake and coffee chats, creating bonds that transcend countries and continents as part of our Danube River cruise itineraries. 

Oliver’s grandfather was the first person in Šenkvice, a charming village located in the Bratislava district of Slovakia, to welcome guests into his home. It was a way for Ivan to share his stories, to educate visitors on Slovakian culture, and to bring the wider world into the heart of the village.  

“I’m really glad my grandfather decided to open his house to the visitors,” said Oliver. “He was proud of what he had achieved and was happy to show guests the hospitality and kindness of the locals.”  

Visitors poured in from all over the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. As a teenager, Oliver watched and listened as his grandfather gave him (and in time, other villagers) a masterclass in hosting. And the secret to a successful visit? It’s having something unique to share.  

“In every house, guests get to know the family. We talk mostly about culture, traditions, and, most importantly, every host family has something different to show. In our household, we show the people our garden, where we grow flowers, fruit, and vegetables that are typical for our country.” 

Like many members of his family, Oliver is a wine grower in Šenkvice. Cake and coffee are followed by a tour of the family vineyard. Speaking with this young man, you pick up on the genuine love he has for his work—and for the opportunity he has to discuss culture with those coming to explore his community. 

“We introduce guests to wine making and wine tasting, since my grandfather started a small family wine business. The guests are usually curious about the politics, our ways of life, and, in our house, the viticulture topic often rises. I enjoy comparing the differences between our countries the most.” 

Alongside his knowledge and skills as a host, Oliver’s infectious enthusiasm is what leaves the biggest impact. Guests love meeting Oliver so much that many stay in contact with the young man, creating global friendships—several visitors have even extended him an invite to stay at their homes. 

Hosting has also had a significantly positive impact on the wider community at large. The support provided to host families has allowed for homes to be rebuilt, gardens to be spruced up, and for greater investment in vineyards and other notable businesses. But more than that, it has helped the villagers form a closer bond with one another. 

“The biggest impact of the home visits is that it brought the locals who host tourists together and created this small community of host families. 

“Thanks to all the different cultures and lifestyles that the locals get to experience, I hope that more people will try to be open minded and implement some of these differences into their everyday life, while of course preserving all the traditions, making Šenkvice more up to date with the rest of the modern world.” 

While guests depart with a deeper understanding of Slovakian culture, they also leave behind a sense of adventure. Speaking with those who come to visit Šenkvice has left Oliver and his fellow villagers with a desire to travel and to experience new cultures and traditions themselves. 

“I hope to one day travel the entire world. I have yet only been to European countries, since overseas travelling is a little too expensive for students, but once I get the money, nobody will stop me from getting to know the world. 

“I can for sure say that [the villagers’] interest in foreign countries and cultures rose with the visits. People from here have always travelled and always will. But I believe they now consider other destinations.” 

The cultural exchange between the locals of Šenkvice and their worldly visitors has broken down barriers and replaced them with bridges. By meeting and conversing with one another, hosts and guests discover how alike they really are even when they’re oceans apart. Everyone has a desire to learn more, to be immersed in cultures different from their own, and to discover a world they have yet to experience. Hosting simply provides the means. 

And when all is said and done, it’s impossible not to bond over a good cup of coffee and a slice of cake. 

This is an EmeraldPLUS experience on select cruises along the Danube River, including 15-Day Splendours of Europe, 8-Day Danube Delights; 15-Day Christmas Markets of Europe; 16-Day Discover the Treasures of the Danube; and 8-Day Christmas Markets on the Danube.