 |
| Ring of fire |
Where to start about Joanna and her family in Wegry, is difficult. From the very first moment of arriving, we were part of the family and I mean REALLY part of the family, including her Father Ted-obsessed sister (Kasia), mom, dad, uncle, best-friend's sister Natalka and grandmother. In spite of the language issues with the family, we were welcomed in through gestures, German and our small vocabulary of Polish. On seeing the bedroom where we would be staying, we realised that Joanna was as bike-crazy as we are. As she put it she "is all theory" and wants to put it "into practice". The bedroom is full of biking related features and books: buckled wheel being used as a Xmas tree lights holder (inspired!), handlebars being used to hang coats (innovative!), stencils and freehand painting on the walls (creative!).
 |
| Hangin' tough at he local bike bar |
Joanna invited us for a night swim in her lake ie Silver lake. She is in negotiation with the actual owner of the lake to marry at least one of his sons, so that she will be officially be recognised, in law, as the owner. An absolutely awesome lake swim, with a full moon in the background over the forest. Kasia demands that we stay another night in Wegry and since it is her birthday the next day, we cannot refuse. This means that we will have to skip Katowice and do double the distance the following day - no problemo.
The next day, we ride about the hinterland with Joanna and Kasia, and visit their sick aunt, eat lots of cakes and cycle through the forest and lake trails.We get to hang out at the bike bar, then head back for Joanna's birthday party.
 |
| Joanna - nostrovia! |
Make a tiramisu under the watchful gaze of Joanna's mom, and get a few approving nods. The weather dictates that we cannot have the party by the lake as intended, but instead, we have it in the bike garage in the garden. Live accordian playing (Amazing Grace and Beirut), dancing (Polish and swing), eating and drinking ensue, Tiramisu gets a few more approving murmurs. Late in the evening, Kasia finally gets her request filled : to watch the Eurovision episode of Father Ted. An completely spectacular day from start to finish.
 |
| The family tree |
The next morning, with some sore heads, we reluctantly gather our stuff for the 190km ride to Krakow. Seems like we have made a deep impression as Joanna's mom and grandmother seem to be welling up. Joanna escorts us out of town and then, unfortunately, we must part ways. There will be a next time. Bis gleich. G
No comments:
Post a Comment