Nature

One of the most different elements between countries is nature, or at least as I perceive it. I would like to describe what is different for me in a case of nature between Spain (represented by Valencia) and Slovakia (represented by my hometown Piešťany).

From my country I´m used on lot of green wherever you look. Always you have a lot of trees or at least lower vegetation. It is very rare that soil is visible without green coverage. If some bare soil apears it is mostly on steep slopes or in high elevations. Generaly it is typical continental vegetation with lot of forests.

As opposite seems to me a vegetation in Valencia region. Real nature is not so dense so you can see lot of bare soil or naked stones. Also you can notice high level of soil erosion, even in small slopes. For me erosion is in Valencia very visible. I was always wondering when I saw a quite deep channels going through slopes.

It is very visible that in country is not enough of water and it si very dry. And also I think that if there is any water in form or rain, it is quickly gone, because nothing stop and hold it in country so it simply flow away.

But I like this mediteranean vegetation with lot of aromatic plants as rosemary, lavender and with pine forests. It is very sad that lot of this forests were damaged and now when people are travelling around coast can see only bare mountains. I was so surprised to see it. And of course I like a lot palm (Phoenix canariensis, Trachycarpus fortunei, Chamaerops humilis) and tropical trees and here in Valencia, contrary to my country, I can enjoy them.

And this two cities has in a case of nature something very similar ... and it is water area. Near Valencia is Albufera National Park to which correspond in Piešťany water area named Sĺňava. Both are refugium for plenty of the bird species, important recreational area and important landscape element.