COMING SOON HOUSE ADVERTISING ads_leader
Video Playlist: 1:
0 secs
As time is of the essence on this trip, we wasted no time in returning to my grandfather's home town and meeting the whole family. After a great breakfast in Krakow, we left for Targanice, a small village nestled in the Tatra Mountains. Traffic was rough, but it was wonderful when we arrived at Aunt Janina's. Several family members, including my grandfather's little brother, Bronik, met us at the car and helped us in. When my grandfather got to the top of the steps of the house and saw everyone standing there, the tears finally began and he could barely make it the rest of the way up the stairs. His little sister Mary, who he has not seen in 65 years, stood in the middle of the room with the traditional bread and salt and began the traditional speech. We passed the bread and salt around and began dipping in. Greetings and introductions came next. One of the best moments was when they announced that my grandfather would be sitting at the head of the table. Mary and Bronik both ran (as much as you can run at 75...) and threw their sweaters down on their chairs. Jan, who is
recovering from a stroke hobbled over as fast as he could and tried to shove Bronik out of the way...everyone wanted to sit with the man of the hour. After some prayers and singing (we sang for the next 9 and a half HOURS - Internet and television are still somewhat scarce here so singing around the table is still a very common occurrence in family homes. We then began the endless parade of food (we not only sang for 9 hours...we also ATE for just as long!). Bryan and I spent much of the meal recalling dishes that we grew up eating that our grandmother used to make. Even the kitchen smelled the same. After a LOT of soup, kapusta, salat, wild boar (killed and skinned by our host...) and plenty of wine, we decided to depart for the house that my grandfather and his siblings grew up in. As I mentioned earlier, all 3 of his younger siblings (Jan, Bronik and Mary) were present. His older brother, Bolek, died many years ago. His widow, however, was able to be there, so we had representatives from all. The stumble up to the house was difficult, as it has been
raining here for several days and it is just a steep, muddy hill going up. Uncle Jacek tried to take Grandpa up in his jeep, but was unsuccessful. Once we got up to the small house, all of the siblings recalled various things that happened in the house and we looked at old photos. We then made it back down the hill for several more hours of singing in French, English and Polish as well as much gift giving. The evening was a huge success. Today we are headed to Church and back to Aunt Janina's for more wonderful food!
"Where are they taking my food?" -Bryan
"They're just refilling it...that room is MAGICAL. I don't know how they fit it all!!" -Dad
"Grandpa, are you done? You've been eating for an hour straight" -Bryan
"You could learn something from that, you know...😊 " -Jadi
"You know Bryan, until you talk, I forget you're even here..." -Grandpa
(a few minutes later)
"It's only four lonely souls in this car" -Grandpa
"Grandpa, I'm STILL here. There are 5 of us" -Bryan
"Someone unplug him" -Bryan...Jan kept playing his accordian, forcing Bryan to dance longer
COMING SOON HOUSE ADVERTISING ads_leader_blog_bottom
Tot: 0.092s; Tpl: 0.016s; cc: 9; qc: 49; dbt: 0.0476s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.2mb
Melissa
non-member comment
I don't think I've ever told you that I was the Polka Queen in 8th grade...