Weekend with Zuzana

Orava region, Slovakia - June 10

With Ivan and Zuzana Marie, our dear Slovak little sister, on the way to the Orava region 

Such a beautiful Saturday morning!

A view of Liptovská Mara from a roadside stop on the way to Múzeum Oravskej dediny - skanzen Zuberec. 

A skanzen is an outdoor museum with typical historic buildings set up in a village-like setting.  These fences always fascinate me --- ingenious construction! 

The skanzen was constructed on both sides of a mountain stream, with this bridge taking us to the other side.

The sounds of the water - always relaxing!

The interior of one of the houses of a wealthy family

Zuzka was a terrific tour guide!  The skanzen's buildings included houses, barns, craftsmen's workshops, a church, and other outbuildings, and a written map and description in English to explain everything was provided.

The contraption on this side of the cradle interested me - its a device to help toddlers learn to walk!  (Very similar concept to the one Zahra used at our house!)  

Interior of the church

The rain started while we were in the church, so we waited a bit before venturing out again.  The structure ahead was the entrance from the village into the church grounds.

Another device to help toddlers learn to walk, this time just behind the cradle.  It's a pole that rotates as the child walks around it in circles after being placed in the semi-circular opening (between the cradle and the shoes on the floor).

And the rain started POURING, so we waited again for a while, peering out from another building.

After a while, we just decided to make a run for it, dodging raindrops dashing from building to building for shelter.  Ivan was innovative, and he created an improvised umbrella from a leaf similar to a large rhubarb leaf!   :-) 

Tim had a small umbrella in his backpack, but we all got a little wet despite our lightning speed through the downpour!

Ivan is such a romantic ---- he went into the woods to find a really big leaf to serve as an umbrella for his lovely wife!  :-)

After our excursion, we were served a fabulous home-cooked supper back at Zuzka and Ivan's flat in Podbreziny, prepared while we were gone by Zuzka's sister Iveta and their mother from Levice who came for the weekend!  Everything was delicious, and we all had fun together along with Zuzka's son Timko and his cousin Michal.

Liptovský Mikuláš, Slovakia - June 11

I took this photo Sunday morning from our regular seats at church, up in the far back next to the organ.  This is the one spot where the acoustics are just right so that the whispers of our translators (Zuzka this Sunday) during the service won't disturb other worshipers.    This photo brings back such warm memories of our time living in Liptovský Mikuláš.  (Note:  That's Tim in the bottom left corner, with a suitcase to put in Zuzka's car before church, so we could change out of our good clothes afterwards for our outdoor activities later in the day!)

Podbreziny, Slovakia - June 11

After a fabulous lunch at Zuzana's flat, prepared by her sister and mother, we went out on a nice walk.  This flower is so unusual --- both the yellow and the purple on one stalk!

We always enjoy seeing the wild roses in Slovakia --- a connection between our two "homelands", since this is also the official state flower of Iowa!   :-)  

Walking along a ridge beyond Podbreziny on a lovely Sunday afternoon with Zuzana, Iveta, and Ivan.

A short video of the scenic views 

We decided to hike up the ski slope from Podbreziny to Háj Nicovô.  It was a STEEP climb but worth it for the views from on high (pun intended --- Slovak "Háj" is pronounced the same as English "high".)    ;-)

June is a beautiful month for wildflowers!!

Catching our breath near the top, and looking down over  Vitálišovce, the small village where Nicola lives.  It's crazy that we were there while she's in Iowa!!  

Looking down over Liptovský Mikuláš and the Mara (lake/reservoir) from the other side of the hill. 

The war monument at the top of Háj Nicovô

Háj Nicovô is the site of a war memorial and military cemetery, high above the outskirts of Liptovský Mikuláš - Zuzana's son, Timko, and nephew, Michal walked with us.

We had such a fun weekend with Zuzana and her family - nice walks, beautiful scenery, delicious meals, and lots of good fellowship and conversation!