Working with the High School youth has been a wonderful experience. The teens are motivated, polite, and academic. We laugh, learn, and of course, play. Some highlights for me have been watching two of them prepare a traditional potato dish, going to Bojnice Castle, eating a typical Slovakian lunch in a restaurant, and hiking on Martinske Hole.
In order for Kate and Kika to prepare Halusky, they brought in two ten pound bags of potatoes. A crowd formed in the tiny kitchen of our dorm as we watched them peel and discuss the order in which food was going to be prepared. As soon as they were able to chop and fill a food processor, Melissa and I were able to take over the peeling. I was impressed at the excitement and professionalism of the girls as they instructed us on what they were doing, so that we would be able to make the dish again on our own. The potato mixture had enough flour added to make the right consistency to be pushed through a colander with huge holes. This allowed the processed potato to gently land in a pot of boiling water, where each "dumpling" floated when cooked properly. Each one was then removed. When all done, the dumplings were folded into a savory sauce made with sheep cheese (very creamy and tart) that was blended with the Slovak version of sour cream, but I felt it was like our creme fresh. The dish was not complete until bacon drippings or very small chunks of bacon were sprinkled on the top. It was amazing. We were all invited to enjoy and there was plenty!
On Sunday, Melissa, Julie, Robert, and I joined Kate, her mother, and Kika to tour the castle. The Bojnice Castle was exactly what Disney had in mind. I kept expecting Tinker bell to flitter past our path. It was a fairy tale. We spent a splendid afternoon with a guided tour explaining and exploring all the way to the "secret" cave that legend tells of passage all the way to town. There was even a crypt where the body of the last owner of the castle still resides, along side the sarcophagus of his parents. The castle views were spectacular and breathtaking. Our generous hosts made it possible for us to have permission to snap photos. Needless to say, every turn was another snap shot. We finished the day with the zoo and a cappuccino.
The zoo had many animals from the Asian continent that I had never seen. It would have been so much fun to watch God come up with all these ideas for animals. What fun God must have had. And of course, Melissa and I melted with pleasure at one of the only brewed cups of coffee that we have been able to enjoy while on the trip. (I really miss Starbucks!)
On Monday, our lunch at a local restaurant further emphasized our joy to be with such well mannered and considerate teenagers. They took pleasure in helping us order, attend to the waitress, and explain the foods we were eating. Julie used this memorable opportunity to teach proper etiquette for holding utensils and eating soups. We had many laughs and a good time only to be followed by a trip to the park with ice cream cones.
On Tuesday, our hike was cut short by a lightning and thunderstorm that absolutely drenched us, but we had so very many memorable moments and enjoyed the physical workout as well as the company. We did not make it to the top, but there are three more days. Who knows? The countryside in Slovakia is beautiful and has a million shades of green. Our browns and golds do not seem to compare. Today will be another day of rain, refreshing the earth, and adding more luster to this beautiful countryside.
a role playing activity during a class session
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