The idyllic strategies of contemplating the reality. Laskomerský’s journey to the East

In the paper The idyllic strategies of contemplating the reality. Laskomerský’s journey to the East (Idyll vs. degraded Idyll) idyll is presented in three different uncovers. First of all – “degraded idyll”, connected with the phenomenon of “orientalism”, described for the first time by Edward Said. Secondly – “retrospective idyll”, updating the Arcadian Myth and finally – the idyll as a peculiar panacea for the trauma of the otherness. Laskomerský’s travel jotting is analyzed through the prism of post-colonial studies as well as phenomenology. In this paper travel is related to the specific kind of experience, both cognitive and emotional, and it is as well a very important part of romantic cultural paradigm, especially voyage to the Orient. Orient was disturbingly different, fascinating and it helped to demarcate the border of one’s own culture and identity. Laskomerský’s travel book is an assemblage of the discourses and is built on the basis of contrast, on both style and content level. Slovak author is torn between true admiration of beauty and exoticism of the Constantinople and the anxiety, as well as rejection of the foreign culture