I am myself Ruthenian, born in Humenne (East Slovakia). It is wonderful part of the world, remote (to European standards). Just shoot me an message once you decide to visit here, will guide to all good places. The whole region is borderless exc. Ukraine, all you need is time and little money.
Karpatian mountain massive starts in western Slovakia and goes through Slovakia (75% of SK is mountains), South-east of Poland, Western Ukraine, Romania, and down to Balkan. Ruthenians are one of Karpatian hillbillies. Sheeps, moonshine, lard with bacon, throwing knives and axes, you name it. Very stubborn people and one of the oldest slavic ethnics. Never had own state/kingdom, not even reasonable ambition for it, difficult to unite on anything
. Very specific sentiment for art. Andy Warhol was R. and in his early drawings it was VERY visible. Majority of Ruthenian ethnic is now gone, culturally assimilated with major nations in countries where they live. I am 45 and I am fluent in ruthenian, but 98% of ruthenians in my age do not identify themselves as ruthenians since thir childhood, no interest.
This documentary was shot about 35miles from the town I was born:
This part of Europe - Poland, Slovakia, Ukraine, Hungary, Romania - it is really beautiful. hundreds of interesting places on relatively small territory, very diverse also. And great place to ride the bike.
Gabor - sorry for kidnapping your introduction thread