Party Crashers

We said our fond farewells to Vlado and Dorothy as well as to Slovakia this morning as we headed up to Zdynia for the Lemko Vatra. Think Minnesota State Fair only 100 times better with the most amazing grilled food and wonderful Rusyn entertainment. Sadly we only had a short time to spend there however it was so incredible to see so many young persons there perpetuating their Rusyn heritage. We then left for Rabka Zdroj to hopefully find Janice's relatives. The scenery on the way their was some of the most beautiful I have ever seen. We found our way back to the gas station where a week earlier the owner had promised to help us. He spoke very little English and about all I can muster up is how to say thank you. Luckily his sister is here from Toronto on holiday. She met us and immmediately invited us to her mother's house across the street for some tea. It has been very cold and rainy today and we noticed many houses with fires going to keep the occupants warm. As we entered their house we became part of their mother's names day party! Out came desserts, tea and if course some traditional Polish liquer, Krupnik...a kind of vodka with honey in it. The owner then showed us his property across the street complete with swimming pool, tennis courts, a soccer field and two ponds. They then took is to Janice's family where she made a connection to a relative. After visiting a short time we headed to our last stop before returning to Prague tomorrow. The highlight of the day however was the co-ed bathroom we stopped at earlier. And no you don't take turns...everyone is in their together. You walk out of the stall to a group of urinals. Only in Poland!