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"The Sony Xperia Z Ultra is more than just a powerful premium smartphone. It's a work tool with unprecedented potential." The product offensive of the Japanese company Sony for 2013 has taken on an unprecedented value. While in the past it preferred to produce and sell mid-range devices, this year its products are classified as high-end. One of them is the Xperia Z Ultra smartphone.

   The Sony Xperia Z Ultra is designed primarily for tech enthusiasts and business customers who need a device that can meet their demanding needs. That's why the Xperia Z Ultra is extremely thin and compact, equipped with a 6.4-inch Full HD display, laptop-like performance and an extensive collection of communication technologies.

  Sony has successfully represented the Omnibalance design trend with the Xperia Z and Xperia Tablet Z devices, and the latest Xperia Z Ultra is their ideal complement. It is neither a smartphone nor a tablet, with a 6.4-inch display diagonal it is somewhere in between. With such a screen size, presenting an offer to a client in a cafe is not a problem either.

   The Sony Xperia Z Ultra works with an extremely powerful core. It is represented by a 4-core processor with a frequency of 2.2 GHz (i.e. more than the popular Samsung Galaxy S4), an Adreno 330 graphics processor, 2 GB of RAM and the Google Android Jelly Bean operating system in version 4.2. This combination, which is also suitably complemented by the Timescape environment directly from Sony, ensures reliable operation of the system and therefore a positive user experience. Another unique feature of the device also contributes to its improvement - it is completely waterproof. If you leave it on the terrace of your house during a thunderstorm and remember about it only after half an hour, the device will be fine.

Theodore Sedgwick is the United States Ambassador to Slovakia, a position he has held since June 4, 2013. After graduating from Harvard College, where he studied Ottoman history, he worked in various commercial and non-commercial organizations. He founded the publishing house Pasha Publications, the energy company Io Energy, and served on the boards of Inside Higher Ed, Atlantic Information Services, and Washington Business Information. A significant part of his activities also takes on a charitable dimension, as his career also includes work in charitable organizations such as the Civil War Preservation Trust, the Wetlands America Trust, and the Land Trust Alliance. We asked Theodore Sedgwick not only about his view on US foreign policy.

   1) You represent the US in Slovakia at the diplomatic level. What does this job entail?

   At the diplomatic level, I simply represent the US in foreign policy positions. However, it is important to note that my work as a diplomat encompasses many other aspects, such as promoting trade and investment, military and security cooperation, cultural and educational exchange, and various other topics. That is what makes this job so interesting.

   2) Readers have already had the opportunity to read several interviews with you in various media in Slovakia, but what would interest readers of our magazine is how you perceive the business environment in Slovakia and what, in your opinion, is the difference with that in the USA?

   All things considered, Slovakia has a good climate for foreign direct investment. A skilled workforce, a generally flexible labor code, and reasonably low taxes are all positives. However, many companies doing business in Slovakia express concerns about the legal principles in the country, and I share this view. Companies say they lack confidence in the reliability of the judiciary, which is a serious problem.

   3) Why do you think Democratic Party supporter Barack Obama won the US presidential election for the second time?

   In the last US election, we had two good candidates. I think that overall voters preferred President Obama's approach to economic policy. However, the American public is generally fairly evenly divided on many key issues.

   4) What can the USA expect from B. Obama in his second term? What changes will there be in foreign policy?

   I don't think there will be any significant changes in foreign policy during President Obama's second term. I think many Europeans are concerned that the US is shifting its focus away from Europe to Asia.

   While the US is clearly focusing more of its attention on Asian security and commercial matters, this is not at all at the expense of the US relationship with Europe. As you can see with the start of negotiations for a free trade agreement with the EU, we see this relationship as crucial, both strategically and economically.

   The global economy and recession are a serious problem. Recent months suggest that better times are already dawning in the US.

   5) How do you see it compared to Europe?

   We have expressed our concern that there may be an overemphasis on necessary austerity in Europe, leading to a continued recession in Europe. The pro-growth measures taken by President Obama in the US – with the stimulus package, quantitative easing and tax cuts – are succeeding in growing our economy and reducing unemployment.

  6) After being elected president, B. Obama gave a very action-packed speech in the Senate in February of this year, with a lot of detail on various topics, without reading the text. Which part caught your attention the most?

   The speech was a road map for the president's second term, laying out the policies he wants to enact for the rest of his time in office. I was particularly struck by his focus on making the necessary decisions to reduce our budget, but at the same time continuing to invest in things like infrastructure and education. He also emphasized the need to rebuild America's middle class, which has been hit particularly hard by the economic recession. Finally, he spoke eloquently about the need for immigration reform and for both political parties to come together and address the challenges facing the US.

   7) The United States has been growing mainly on the wave of immigration since its inception, this topic is also important for the current government administration. What is your opinion on this topic?

   The United States is a nation of immigrants, and our country is enriched by the waves of immigrants who come to our shores. President Obama would like to liberalize our immigration policy by giving some illegal immigrants a path to citizenship while strengthening our borders against further illegal immigration. Our Congress is working on this right now.

   8) In your position as ambassador, you and your wife represent a country where dreams can come true for those who are smart. What do you think about this statement?

   My wife and I certainly believe that the United States is a place where dreams come true. Someone like Barack Obama can come from a broken biracial family with little means and become President of the United States. And many entrepreneurs can become millionaires almost overnight.

   9) In the past, people like A. Carnegie and Rockefeller did a lot for the country and people in the USA. Nowadays, their followers W. Buffet and B. Gates and others are following the same path. Why do you think that companies and people from the USA are among the greatest philanthropists in the world?

   Alexis de Tocqueville, a French political thinker and historian, traveled to the United States in the 1830s and commented on how generous and hospitable Americans were. Perhaps it began when settlers were dependent on the charity of earlier settlers in the country. However, I believe it is true that Americans are generally generous people and want to give back to society.

   10) If we may ask you, what is your life credo?

   "Giving money away is easy and anyone can do it. But deciding who to give money to, how much, when, and why is not easy for everyone, and that is why such an excellent quality is rare, praiseworthy, and noble." Aristotle

Vladimir Orth

   Opening gala performance of the season – opera Svätopluk – prepared by the management of the Slovak National Theatre (SND) on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the death of composer Eugen Suchoň and the 1,150th anniversary of the arrival of Cyril and Methodius in Great Moravia. The work maps one of the most important periods of our history, which indelibly predetermined our historical development. In the image of Svätopluk, the creators of the opera offer a study of a monarch longing for the unity of his empire. This central character is not understood schematically. They give him the painful features of a man who fails in his efforts. The author honed the musical and dramatic “edge” of this work in the sharp conflict between paganism on the one hand and the new Christian message on the other. However, Suchoň’s Svätopluk is by no means just a historical canvas describing Slavic history. After all, the work ends painfully, tragically – and culminates with the prediction that it will take a whole thousand years for the desire for freedom and unity to be fulfilled.

   On the occasion of the 200th anniversary of Giuseppe Verdi's birth, the SND Opera, directed by Martin Schüler, will present the popular opera Rigoletto, which will feature the Slovak singing elite along with high-quality foreign guests. One of the most famous works by the great Italian master needs no special introduction. Victor Hugo's drama The King is Having Fun was an ideal subject for Verdi to portray great passions, a socially critical perspective and a touching personal line. The main character, the court jester, alias the lord's servant Rigoletto, is faced with a dilemma: to survive at all costs without existential harm in an immoral environment, to ignore the consequences of his behavior or to resist, as Count Monterone proved, because in life every action is paid for, sometimes very dearly, by the loss of the most valuable thing - in this story, the beloved daughter Gilda.

   The upcoming season at the SND Drama Theater presents a parade of great classic titles – theatrical adaptations of Gustave Flaubert's novel Madame Bovary (dramatization by Iva Klestilová, directed by Eduard Kudláč) and Jana Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (dramatized by Anna Saavedra, directed by Marián Amsler). Both titles bring to the stage the story of strong women who seek their happiness outside of social conventions.

   Madame Bovary – that's Emma, a beautiful young lady raised in a convent who marries the village doctor Karol. However, their marriage is not a happy one. Karol is not a bad man. On the contrary. He is good, kind, trusting and even shy. However, he does not understand his wife's soul and does not realize that unless he finds a way to make her happy, he exposes her to the temptation to seek happiness with someone else.

   Sympathetic, naturally humble and at the same time strong, self-confident Jane Eyre also overcomes the rigid social restrictions of her time. With the harmony of her external and internal beauty, she represents a bright counterpoint not only to the suffocating grayness of the rigid society that has been trying to deform her since childhood, but also to the dark secrets and spontaneity of Rochester - the man she loves devotedly despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The theme of self-confidently and purposefully chosen sacrifice as the only path to purification and achieving the goal is surprisingly uplifting even today, or especially today.

   The long-awaited premiere of the SND Ballet before the end of the year will be Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker. The premiere of the children's ballet with a Christmas theme is a return to the traditional and most awarded version of the Russian choreographer Vajnonen. In a narratively generous production, full of artistically rich images, as well as technically demanding variations, the child audience will embark on a fairy-tale journey through the Christmas story, interpreted by soloists and members of the SND Ballet choir and students of the Eva Jaczová Dance Conservatory in Bratislava.

New season at the Slovak National Theater opens with classics

   The opening gala performance of the season – the opera Svätopluk – commemorates the 20th anniversary of the death of its composer Eugen Suchoň and the 1150th anniversary of the arrival of Cyril and Methodius in Great Moravia. This monumental historical drama is not only a celebration of the famous history of Western Slavs, but also a convincing musical drama, with a complex inner world of the leading characters. Svätopluk faces a dilemma: to fight for the new Christian future, or to give way to the Pagans; to follow the heritage of Rastislav, or to remain in power at any cost? Svätopluk also experiences the personal drama of a king who committed serious moral crimes on his way to power. His reconciliation with God and his own conscience comes as a culmination of the drama at the end, in the form of a prophetic wisdom and leniency.

   On the occasion of the 200th anniversary of Guiseppe Verdi's birth, the Slovak National Theater Opera stages a new production of Rigoletto directed by Martin Schüller with a cast featuring leading Slovak singers and excellent foreign guests as well. There is no need to introduce one of the most famous works by the great Italian maestro to an opera visitor. Victor Hugo's drama Le roi s'amuse was an ideal story for Verdi, containing great passion, a critical view of society and a touching personal line. Rigoletto, the leading character, a court's jester alias minion of the noblemen, has got a dilemma: to survive with no harm in a shameful environment, to ignore the consequences of his own behavior, or to protest as Count Monterone did. One has to pay a price for each action in life, and sometimes the price is very high, and means losing what is most precious to us, in this story his beloved daughter Gilda.

   The start of the season of the drama ensemble is dedicated to great classical works. Both Flaubert's Madame Bovary and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontëdepict the story of strong women looking for their happiness, breaking social norms in their times.

   Madame Bovary – Emma, a beautiful young woman who received a good education in a convent marries Charles, a countryside medical doctor. But their marriage is not a happy one. Charles is not a bad man. On the contrary, he is good, nice, trusting and even shy. He does not understand his wife and he is not aware of the fact that without finding the way to make her happy, she will be exposed to the temptation to find happiness with somebody else. He is not able to reach her soul and so Emma lives her life as in a dream.

   The novel Jane Eyre written by the English writer Charlotte Brontë is a story of an amiable, naturally humble, but at the same time strong Jane, who overcomes the rigid limitations of Victorian conventions. In the harmony of her outer and inner beauty she presents a positive counterpart not only against the repressive greyness of the regimented society, which has been trying to deform her, but also against those dark secrets and the spontaneity of Rochester, the man she truly loves in spite of seemingly invincible obstacles. The topic of consciously and resolutely chosen sacrifice, as the only way leading to a purge and meeting one's goal is surprisingly inspiring even today, or especially today.

   The eagerly awaited new production of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker based on the traditional version by Vassily Vajnonen, choreographed and directed by Rafael Avnikjan and Jozef Dolinský, shall premiere in December. This Christmas-themed ballet for children returns in the traditional and highly acclaimed version of the Russian choreographer Vainonen. The visually striking production with beautiful sets and costumes and sophisticated technical variations takes children on a fairy-tale journey through the popular Christmas story together with the Nutcracker and soloists and ensemble of the Slovak National Theater Ballet and students of Eva Jaczová Dance Conservatory in Bratislava.

Formula 1 has always been an attractive sport for the masses. A significant role in its popularization is played by the pair Niki Lauda and James Hunt, whose rivalry has also become interesting for the media. The new film “Rush” is about them.

   The 1970s are considered the golden era of Formula 1. It was in this period that director Ron Howard set his new film Rivals. In it, viewers have the opportunity to look not only behind the scenes of the most prestigious car race in the world, but also into the battles between two brilliant drivers, Niki Lauda and James Hunt. They were rivals not only in their professional but also in their private lives.

   Niki Lauda (played by Daniel Brühl) recovers from a near-fatal accident and returns to the game to take on a British playboy in the pursuit of the world championship. Despite suffering lifelong health consequences from the accident, he did not give up his fight to be the best single-seater driver. He entered the race 48 days later to defend his title. Many consider this move to be the most courageous in the history of the sport.

   James Hunt, played by Chris Hemsworth, known for his role as Thor in the film, was a phenomenon in his time. He had a lot of crashes and collisions, but when he finally learned to keep the car on the track, he achieved great success. Once he won the Formula 1 world championship in a duel with Niki Lauda in the spectacular 1976 season, British television stations even decided that it would be worth broadcasting the races on television.

   The filmmakers did not remain true to reality. They also included sponsors who actually supported Formula 1 drivers in the 1970s, including TAG Heuer. Interestingly, TAG Heuer carries out its marketing activities in the Slovak Republic through an official distributor, which is a client of the media agency Multibrand, a member company of the United Group.

From June 6 to 8, 2013, an event was held in Piešťany again, which, in addition to a beautiful display of historic vehicles, is also a demonstration of the excellent management work of the organizers.

    The development of motoring in Piešťany is inextricably linked to the local spa. In 1912, the Winters bought a Dion Bouton passenger car, which they rented out to spa guests, including with a driver. In this way, rather unknowingly, they laid the foundation stone for the future emergence of car rental companies, which today, a century later, are dominated by AVIS in Slovakia.

   The history of the Piešťany car show dates back to the years 1932 to 1937, when famous competitions for the most beautiful car were held in Piešťany. The events were known as the Concours d'Elégance and were the culmination of long parade drives. Interestingly, they were also attended by famous spa guests and personalities with shiny cars, such as actor Vlasta Burian, singer Richard Taubner or the famous Countess Geraldína Apponyiová of Oponice.

However, World War II stopped the tradition of the competition, which was resumed after 1980 under the name Piešťany Golden Ribbons – Concours d'Elégance, but as a show of historic vehicles. The competition program usually consists of a drive on a selected route outside Piešťany. However, the most attractive to spectators is the drive through the city and the show of cars on the Spa Island with an evaluation of the most beautiful of them. Thanks to ardent lovers of vintage cars, we can admire rare cars from different countries and their crews dressed in period clothing every year. In front of the Thermia Palace Hotel, which creates a dignified, elegant and period-appropriate environment, individual vintage cars and their crews are ceremonially presented to the public. It is an experience not only for younger generations, but also a full-fledged excursion into the past for adult admirers of motoring.

   The unique parade of historic vehicles Piešťany Golden Ribbons – Concours d'Élégance 2013 began in the afternoon, when the shiny vintage cars passed through Winterova Street to Kúpeľný ostrov. Here the organizers welcomed them and introduced the individual vehicles. On Friday, June 7, the crews of their oldtimers dressed in period costumes started from Kúpeľný ostrov. They had a 120 km long route with a stop at the prestigious manor house in Oponice, from where they continued to Nitra and back to Piešťany. On Saturday, lovers of historic vehicles presented themselves in Trnava. Among the participants in the event were also the racers of this year's Dakar Rally on their racing Tatra 815. The people of Piešťany also welcomed an autograph session with motorcyclist Ivan Jakeš, who at the prestigious Rally

Dakar achieved a lifetime achievement – 4th place.

   Among the interesting models were also the Rolls Royce Phantom from 1926, the Jaguar from 1952 or the Belsize Cabrio from 1903 and dozens of other rare vehicles from several European countries. The culmination of the event was the Saturday "beauty parade" in front of the Thermia Palace hotel. An international jury selected the most beautiful cars and the best period clothing of the crews in individual categories. The presentation of the crews on the red carpet was accompanied by a musical program and the event culminated with fireworks in the rhythm of period music. The Piešťany golden ribbons were a success again and, according to the organizer, Ján Horňák, they certainly surpassed the world rallies in Sweden and Berlin.

His biography is a rarity in Slovakia and his career advancement is the dream of every intellectual. Although he spent a significant part of his professional life in New York and London, he could not resist returning to his native Slovakia and associating his name with our most famous brands. Richard Flimel, current chairman of the board of directors of JOJ Media House.   

   Why did you decide to study management?

   Management actually came into my life by chance. After high school, I took exams for various university faculties with a focus on computer science. My friend asked me to accompany him to the entrance exams for the newly opened Faculty of Management, and to be more motivated, I applied for the admissions as well. I was accepted. In the early 1990s, this faculty also offered study abroad and teaching in English, which was innovative and very interesting at the time. I am a bit of an adventurer, so I decided that I would not miss such a chance.

 Do you feel more like an economist or a lawyer?

   Certainly as an economist, or more precisely as a manager. I have devoted enough time to "law" to know that I do not want to return to it. I think that in my essence I am more of a manager, a generalist. My view of the problem is holistic and I like complex solutions. As a specialist who goes into the depth of the problem, but his radius of action and thinking has limits, I would feel too tied down and perhaps even unfree.

   Why school in the USA? Why did you decide to study there?

I always wanted to study at an American school. In Slovakia, I had professors from American schools, whose approach I really liked and I appreciated everything they were able to teach us. At one point, I received an offer from one of them to study in the USA, and I accepted it. I am convinced that education in the USA is of higher quality than here, especially in terms of the practical use of knowledge. I can only confirm the general perception that American schools teach their students independence in working with information and using it. I actually don't remember us studying for an exam by memorizing texts from textbooks. On the contrary, several times we were given an assignment that we took home and had up to two days to complete. I actually studied at American schools twice. The first time was when I took advantage of the offer of the aforementioned professor. The second time I got the opportunity to study law at a much more prestigious school. Since I wanted to get to "Wall Street," I took advantage of it.

   And did you get to Wall Street?

   Yes, it worked.

   So how do you work with information?

   I absorb them. Always, at every moment, and I also perceive those that are not related to what I am doing and have no immediate meaning for me. But it happens that one day I use an analogy between them and a situation I find myself in or am solving. I have a gift for incorporating them into a new context and using everything I know. For example, in college, in law school, I told myself that I wanted to learn how to edit videos. I managed it just for the fun of it, but this experience came in incredibly handy when I became the general director of television for a while. Suddenly, although superficially, I still understood what was going on in editing rooms and television studios.

   Why did you actually return to Slovakia?

   In New York and London, I was defined as a lawyer. I dedicated five years to law. I was at an age when I was trying new topics and environments. It was a very interesting period, but I was increasingly aware that law limited me and that I wanted to step beyond its boundaries. It was then that I received an offer from my friends from Slovakia to start a business at home in something completely different. I was excited. I packed up and went home. I brought with me enormous experience, the label of having worked "outside" and an immense desire to work.

   That's a lot of courage. Would you have the courage to do something similar today? Leave everything behind and start over?

   If I wasn't satisfied, I probably could do it. But today I don't feel that need. Even if I wanted to start something new, considering my age, it certainly wouldn't be a big step beyond what I've done, I would rather look for new opportunities in the field I know.

   What goals do you have with JOJ Media House?

   We want to be a major player in media in the Central European region. We want to make money with meaningful projects. If opportunities arise, we want to grow, and if they don't, we want to improve our media to be the best in their market. And maybe one day we'll go public.

   Why media? It's not exactly the most lucrative area of the market today.

   You are right, media is a difficult business. We acquired television at a time when there were barriers to entry for other competitors on the market – the number of stations was limited by terrestrial. Today, this is no longer the case. Barriers to entry in the television business have been significantly reduced. After our entry, JOJ became a serious player on the market. It was headed by a team that gained respect. These are people who understand the media and that has been our great competitive advantage from the beginning. It is a strong foundation that has allowed us to continue growing in the media sector. In my opinion, we have invested brilliantly in outdoor in the Czech Republic, we have unified part of the market and become a dominant player. We have also established ourselves significantly on the Austrian market, which looks very promising. In addition, we have companies in the Balkans, where business has completely different rules. Over the past two years, we have been able to take advantage of many opportunities in various markets. In principle, we do not have a company in JOJ Media House that would disappoint me.

   Do you have a recipe for success?

   Success comes as a result of hard work, determination, and the will to pursue your goals. Then you just have to wait for the right opportunity.

   And your definition of personal success?

   I don't define success for my life. I see my progress as a gradual overcoming of goals. It seems wasteful to me to set a goal twenty years in advance, the achievement of which would mean success for me. We can't know what will happen. In 1991, I never imagined that I would be sitting in this office today. My life is structured on several levels, I enjoy what I do, I take advantage of the opportunities that arise and I feel good in my own skin. I think that's quite a lot.

   You talk about opportunities – in business and in your personal life. Is opportunity a coincidence? Do you believe in it?

   I think opportunity is somewhat of a coincidence. It happens to many, but only some see it. And of those, only some take advantage of it.

   You are a person who decides on many things and holds the reins in your hands. You often have to resolve conflicts. How do you resolve them?

   I handle things amicably, even very amicably, until they cross certain boundaries. In any case, I handle conflict in business personally and I believe with a cool head. I try to keep in mind why I am entering into a conflict and what I want to achieve with it, and this helps me to keep a clear mind.

   Do you have a role model in your life? Do you admire anyone?

   I don't have a role model. I think everyone should live their own life and do what makes them happy.

   Is it possible to experience the American dream in Slovakia?

   Absolutely. There are a lot of people who grew up in a block of flats, built legitimate businesses and made a lot of money.

   What do you think about the global economy? Do you think the serious problems are behind us or are they still ahead of us?

   I don't know about the world in general, but Europe has serious problems and they are far from being solved. The question is whether we should go even deeper to really solve something. Everyone says that society must change, but society is very resistant to change. It would have to change several vital mechanisms such as pensions, social benefits... We have borrowed a lot so far, which has led to a high standard of living that will be very difficult to maintain. On the other hand, I am optimistic about Central Europe. I think that Central Europe has a lot of energy and will play an important role in the further development of the world. Our generation was not raised in great prosperity, so it is intrinsically motivated. It will certainly look for ways to succeed, and not only it, but also the generations after it.

Vladimir Orth

When people say Rapa Nui, few people know that it is the indigenous name for Easter Island. However, the original inhabitants called it "Te Pito o te Henua" - the Navel of the World.

   It is one of the most isolated places in the world, more than 3,700 km from South America. The name is also surprising because the island is only 12 kilometers wide! The island was formed in the Pacific Ocean millions of years ago by the fusion of lava from three volcanic cones into a triangular landmass.

   Only two planes land here every other day of the week. The airport is located on the outskirts of Hanga Roa, the only settlement on the island, where about 3,800 inhabitants live. It is probably the only village in the world that has an international airport. Otherwise, it is unremarkable - single-storey buildings, many of them made of wood, hotels, restaurants and shops.

   The island with low volcanic "loaves" is rocky, almost treeless, covered only with grass and bushes. We set off on a sightseeing tour in a rented off-road vehicle. We see rocky surfaces and stone walls everywhere. We arrive at the first "ahu" - a mound on the coast. There are several lying statues - moai. They are stone colossi about 5 meters high, built on a kind of platform about ½ to 1 meter above the terrain, called an ahu. On
There are about 350 ahu on Easter Island, some with statues, some without. Moai were built by an advanced civilization for unknown reasons about thousands of years ago. On the southern coast of the island is the Rano Raraku crater, rising about 200 meters above the surface of the island - the place where all 600 or so statues were carved. About half of them were completed, transported and erected, the other half remained here in various stages of processing. We walk through a "forest" of several meter high statues, variously inclined and sunk into the ground, but also unfinished, just carved into the massif. From the slope of the crater there is a view of the entire island and also of Ahu Tongariki on the coast, 1 km away. Here, 15 statues are erected on a rocky plateau, reconstructed by Japanese archaeologists. Each statue has a different expression. One even has a red "hat" made of stone - pukao. The statues seem to be watching us. The view of them, with the bay and the roaring sea in the background, is amazing.

   On the north coast is the most beautiful beach on the island – Anakena with the most perfect platform – Ahu Nau Nau. The platform is about 70 meters long and 3-4 meters high, made of perfectly worked stones. There are 5 very well-preserved moai here, 4 of which have red pukao hats. We still plan to get to the highest volcano on the island, the 600-meter-high Terevaka crater. We are looking for a way. We climb from the dirt road until it gradually becomes almost impassable. I go down into the terrain, our small SUV jumps along the rocky slope of the volcanic crater in a steep incline. Finally, we are at the top just in time. The last rays illuminate the edge of the meadow covered with grass, we can see the whole island and in the west in a “bloodbath” the Sun sets into the waters of the ocean. Beautiful. I would place the “navel” of the island right here.

   In the evening, we enjoy the most amazing dance show I've ever seen at the local natural "theater". Scantily clad, battle-painted dancers whirl around the stage non-stop for over an hour. Wild battle dances with jumps up to a meter high alternate with slower, sexy "Tahitian" swaying of the dancers' hips.

   The next day we go to the southwestern tip of the island to the Orongo reserve to the Rano Kau crater. The walls drop sharply into the crater, the bottom of which is covered with swamps forming small lakes. On the northernmost edge of the crater is a restored historical settlement of indigenous people - Orongo. The houses are half buried in the ground with low, only about 50 cm high entrances. There are also several boulders with petroglyphs.

   Three days were enough for us to explore the entire island. However, it still remains shrouded in mystery and questions. Why did the natives cut down all the trees on the island, causing an ecological disaster with a lack of water? Why did they fight each other until almost complete destruction? Where did the advanced sculptors go? Why the name "navel of the world", when it is actually a small backwater?

   However, despite the initial impression, the end of this small civilization is not so far away. We too often think of ourselves as something special and the center of the world. We plunder nature and fight each other. And so I wonder if a similar future awaits us one day.

About the author

   My love of travel was probably instilled in me by my parents, who traveled with us as children wherever the "Iron Curtain" allowed. Later, as a student, I worked as an external guide for the Čedok travel agency. After the borders opened, the world opened up to us and I was able to fully pass on my love of travel to my children. This passion for travel never leaves me and I still say - "it doesn't matter where I am, as long as my ass is shaking on the road". We go to exotic countries to look for new environments, experiences and people. However, the most important thing we can find there is ourselves.

   Vladimir Mego
   traveler

We love high-quality and beautiful watches. They represent us in moments when we want to be seen in a good light, complement the overall impression of the wearer's personality and without hesitation inform about his social status. Their value is directly proportional to the extraordinary attention, effort and design art of their creators and become an investment for a lifetime. We bring you a selection of some of the new watches that are ideal representatives of prestige, social status and high-quality manufacture.

   Breitling Transocean Unitime Pilot

Movement

Selfwinding mechanical, world
time
Case
Steel, 18K yellow gold
Caliber
Breitling 05 (Manufacture)
Diameter
46 mm
Thickness
15.4 mm
Jewel
56 pieces

   Longines Lindbergh Hour Angle Watch

Caliber
L699
Diameter
47.5 mm
Materials
Stainless steel, alligator strap
Specificities
Bi-directional rotating bezel
Transparent case back with back cover
Glass
Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal & antireflective
layer

What value does your time have?

We love best quality and beautiful watches. They represent us in moments when we want to be seen as good, they complete an overall impression of the personality of their carrier and they inform of his social status without hesitation. Their value is directly proportional to the extraordinary attention, effort and design art of their creators. They become an investment for all life. We bring you a selection from some new watches which are ideal representatives of prestige, social status and high quality manufacture.

Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969

Movement
El Primero 4061, Automatic
Diameter
30 mm
Thickness
6.6 mm
Components
282
Jewels
31 pieces
Materials
Domed sapphire glass with anti-reflection
treatment on both sides

Raymond Weil Nabucco Cuore Caldo Twelve

Movement
Mechanical chronograph –
RW5500 Winding Automatic
Diameter
46 mm
Thickness
16.7 mm
Jewels
31 pieces
Materials
Rose gold plated, diamond-tipped,
enhanced with
luminescent material

TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 12 ACM Limited Edition

Movement
Calibre 12 chronograph
Diameter
30 mm
Materials
Titanium Carbide coated case, antiscratch
sapphire crystal, rhodium
Limited edition
only 225 units

News in United Group

AVIS car rental

    AVIS car rental (United Rental Group) is bringing a lot of new products to the market with its bold, expansive policy. Among the most interesting ones is certainly the unprecedented number of branches in Slovakia - up to 24. AVIS car rental services have thus become available throughout Slovakia. Services and maintenance are thus closer and more accessible, and traveling with AVIS is becoming easier and more reliable. Changes in the fleet are a matter of course for AVIS - it is modern and full of the hottest novelties in the automotive world and, thanks to advanced engines and innovations, it is also more economical and environmentally friendly. In the small vehicle category, the stylish Renault Clio is available. The Kia Cee' d, produced in Slovakia, is available in the "compact" category. The long-awaited new Škoda Octavia model has replaced the previous generation in AVIS as well, and the higher-end segment is diversified by the new AUDI A5 Sportback, which we will write about a few posts later.

     AVIS car rental (United Rental Group) brings lots of news to the market with its brave, expansive policy. Among the most interesting, surely belongs to the unusual amount of affiliated companies in Slovakia – as many as 24. The car rental services of AVIS are therefore accessible throughout Slovakia. Services are therefore closer and more accessible, traveling with AVIS becomes easier and more reliable. Changes in the current stock are a must for AVIS – it is modern and full of the hottest news from the automobile world and thanks to the advanced engines and innovations also lower-cost and more eco-friendly. In the category of small vehicles, the Renault Clio style is available. Kia Cee'd which is made in Slovakia is available in the category "compact". The new model of the Škoda Octavia has been long awaited and it replaced the previous generation of Škoda in AVIS. The segment of higher category cars is diversified by the new Audi A5 Sportback about which we write a few pages later.

Juraj Macik

AVIS Lease

AVIS Lease – not only operational leasing

   Many people think of the AVIS brand as just car rentals in a rental shop, but the AVIS brand in Slovakia, represented by the UNITED GROUP group of companies, means much more. It offers not only short-term and medium-term rentals, but also long-term rentals in the form of operational leasing (AVIS Lease), it also sells quality used vehicles in the AUTOGIGANT bazaar and carries out vehicle auctions through the SAA company. The AVIS group is constantly trying to expand and improve the range of services, which is why the AVIS Lease company, based on its knowledge of the needs of its clients, has also included in its service offer fleet management.

   It is intended for companies with a fleet of at least 5 cars owned, or repaid in the form of financial leasing or credit. All vehicles remain the property of the client - AVIS Lease ensures the optimization of administration and personnel and cost requirements of the client's fleet operation. It also deals with, for example, evaluating vehicle efficiency, monitoring operations or advising on the creation of internal regulations for the use of company vehicles. More information about the service can be found on the website www.avislease.sk, where you can also read current news, learn about special offers and also get information about other services offered by AVIS Lease.

Erik Cilik

AVIS Lease – not only an operative lease

   Many people see AVIS only as a car rental, however the brand AVIS in Slovakia, represented by the group of companies UNITED GROUP, means much more. It offers not only short-term and middle-term hire but the long-term in the form of an operative leasing (AVIS Lease) as well. Furthermore, it sells the best quality used cars at AUTOGIGANT and realizes vehicle auctions through the company SAA. The AVIS group tries to continuously expand and improve the assortment of services. Therefore also the company AVIS Lease on the basis of its client's needs knowledge put the management of the carriage stock into its service offer too.

   That is designed for companies with a carriage stock of at least 5 cars in ownership, eventually being repaid in the form of financial leasing or credit. All vehicles henceforth remain the property of the client – AVIS Lease ensures an optimization of administration and personnel and costing of the client's carriage stock operation. It also deals with for example evaluating car effectiveness, operation monitoring or counseling by making internal regulations of using company cars. You can find more information about the mentioned service on the website www.avislease.sk, where you can also read the topical news, be informed about sale offers and get information about other services offered by the company AVIS Lease.

I held a golf club in my hand for the first time 6 years ago. It was during Easter in Tály. There were golfers on the driving range, hitting with strange, pointed things that they stuck into the ground. On one hand, to my surprise, they had a glove and a golf bag full of clubs behind them. I walked past them with my coach, who was explaining to me how to hold a club and what the difference was between a putting green, a driving green and a chipping green. The moment he mentioned pitching, I thought he was kidding me.

Katarína Chovancová for UnitedLife

   Nevertheless, I passed my first golf lesson with flying colors. I didn't hurt anyone, I managed to hit a few nice driving shots, and after realizing that the pointy thing was a tee, I decided to take a few of them home and keep them as a souvenir. Over the next 3 years, I got my green card and golf became just a filler in my free time.

   It all changed in 2010. By chance, I was introduced to Karl Skopový Sr. and since then, golf has not only filled my free time. It has become a priority for me. The opening of the course in Skalica also contributed to this, which provides me with the best training areas in Slovakia, and I can also be on the course in 10 minutes. The Skalica course has become my second home. Anyone who has not experienced a golf course in the early morning is missing out on a lot. The sun's rays flood the course, the morning dew is shining everywhere, and the birds are chirping. Golf then becomes the most beautiful sport and the stunning scenery is more important than the performance.

   I would highly recommend golf to anyone who likes sports. Golf harmonizes body and mind, connects the younger generation with the older one, the whole family, and very often even reveals a person's character. Golf takes a person to new corners of the world, thanks to it they meet new people and they don't have to compete with their teammates. All they have to do is try to beat the course, because that is their only opponent. After each round, their next stop is the 19th hole, which is often the biggest highlight of the day.

Golf has become a journey for me in the three years since I started working with a coach. It is my best friend, and sometimes my worst enemy. Every success pushes me forward and motivates me, and on the other hand, every bad round becomes my teacher. I don't know where I would be now or what I would be doing in life if I didn't play golf, but they say that nothing in life happens by chance. So wherever I end up on my journey, I already know that golf has taught me discipline, fair play, and every single day it helps me get to know myself a little better.

I wish all golf fans a nice game!

Katarína Chovancová for UnitedLife