We decided to change the look of the blog not because we didn't like the look we had but because it can be hard to read reversed type on a dark background. We'll see how we like this look.

The thermal spring - next to the hotel 

One other comment about AquaCity, the resort in Poprad where we are staying. I've pasted in a picture of a thermal spring (probably the work of an intrepid PR dude; I can't imagine that it is really a spring like in Yellowstone) because this whole place runs on the energy of geothermal resources. Everyone here is very proud of how "green" AquaCity is - they even sponsor a automobile rally named "Carbon-neutral Rally!"

But the amount of energy used to warm millions of gallons of water, heat and air condition this place, etc. is  rather huge. I've learned that 90% of the energy used is from this geothermal source - a 59 degree Celsius lake 2500 meters underground - and the remaining 10% that currently comes from electricity is being replaced with solar.

The award plaque

Now this is all well and good for the environment, but the real benefit is that this low-cost energy source makes it possible to keep this whole place running during the parts of the year when many fewer guests are here. And the services that are directed toward the community of Poprad and the region surrounding Poprad like free swiming for area school children, make this a real benefit to the people of the region. The other health and wellness services (like the cryotheapy Pat talked about in a previous entry, etc.) available to the community at pretty affordable prices also improve the quality of life and give the area another source of pride. And, I am told, they are generally profitable.  This whole complex was dreamed up in 2003 and was opened in 2007. It is partially owned by the town and by an investor who combined his desire to build Slovak commerce and pride with his ardent respect for the planet and the future. It strikes me as an exemplar of when environmentalism and business goals meet with a community's foresighted desire to improve the quality of life for its citizens. Let's just hope it is not really corrupt and falling apart - but from what I have seen I really don't think so.

Looking up the cablecar track before we got on....

We'll save the lowdown on the cable car trip to Lomnicky Stit, the highest point in Slovakia, for our next post. But I'll put in one photograph just to wet your interest....