WEEKEND in the HIGH TATRAS

We should know by now to beware of words like easy, mild, short, etc., especially when spoken by our Slovak friends in relationship to mountain hikes. But we fell for it again this past weekend (July 30-Aug. 2) while we were guests of one of Brenda's students and family in her tiny village of Gerlachov, nestled into the foothills of the breathtaking Slovak portion of the Carpathian Mountains, (called the High Tatras here) where most every home frames itself in lovely kveti (flowers), and everyone knows his neighbor by name.

Lenka's Uncle Jan (pronounced "Yawn"), a

66-year-old lifetime hiker, expertly guided us less-than-expert hikers up onto these

bewitching slopes,

successfully encouraging us

to reach one of his favorite lakes where even fish can't even get enough oxygen to survive!!!! Uncle Jan's word of choice was pomaly!!!! (i.e., slowy!!!!)

We glady obliged him as we made our way up paths designed more for the chamois than Nike's!!! But seeing these beautiful creatures in nature effectively made all the sore leg muscles worthwhile!

Although Sunday's venture promised to be

much easier (there's that word again!), in fact, the hike was simply shorter,

because it rained, you see, allowing one's feet to slide off the craggy, steep rocks at lightning speed and without advanced notice, thus allowing the unsuspecting hiker to arrive here or there* much sooner than anticipated--or planned!

*Pixs on left/right: "Here and there" moments!

(About the poncho: I brought along a brand new poncho, but alas! As the rain began, my poncho proved to have only one sleeve and no opening for my head. Fortunately Lenka had an extra! (poncho, I mean, not head!)

But suddenly an "ah-ha" scene would appear--

--eclipsing all the aforementioned slipping and sliding!

We returned from this hike just in time to celebrate the 60th birthday of Lenka's mother. (The birthdays of significance in this country are the 10th, 20th, 30th birthdays, etc.). So this was a celebration of significance, including barbecues, breads, salads, watermelon, a HUGE birthday cake, and, of course, the ubiquitous Slivovica (with apologies to my Slovak friends, but Slivovica is somewhat akin in taste to non-poisonous anti-freeze--about 150-proof--and unforgettable, except for the morning after. Supposedly it is brewed from a choice of fruits, this one being a plum variety). Between Slovak, German, English, multitudinous gestures, and hefty doses of Slivovica, communication abounded! It was truly a wonderful celebration as the pictures below will show:

Lenka's mother and grandmother:

Our indefatigable hiking guide:

Uncle Jan (This is his second most favorite activity, next to hiking!)

And meet our lovely hostess, Alenka, who fed us so deliciously,and entertained us so graciously, and taught us so wonderfully about her Slovakia.

Then . . . . say hello to: J

Jacob . . . and

Daniela . . . and

Emma . . .,

who are . . . . . .

Lenka's nieces and nephew (AND triplets at that), children of her identical twin sister (whose name eludes me at the moment :(