First Trip: Kosice

This past weekend we did our first traveling to visit other ELCA teachers in Kosice, Slovakia. Friday was a busy day full of teaching and running around to get ready to go. I thought that I had packed everything that I needed for the weekend: bathrooms stuff, clean clothes, train ticket, camera. . . . But I did not realize the crucial item that I forgot, one to help me blend in with the natives, until we were on the second train. A bottle of vodka for the train ride. There was a party going on, and I was not prepared! As the train ride wore on, and we ate our food, the party continued to grow a little more rowdy. The men and their wives were becoming more affectionate and about ten minutes before we got off the train they started to sing. I mean really belt it out. Of course, we had no idea what they were saying-probably a drinking song of some type. These men were going for the gold! Needless to say, when we got off the train I was quite relieved to see Dee, our hostess for the weekend, right there waiting for us.

She took us home to her apartment that she shares with two other ELCA volunteer teachers, Lynda and Sue. Sue was out of town for the weekend, but we had the pleasure of getting to know Lynda. As it turns out Lynda is from Roanoke, VA, so we ended knowing a lot of people in common! And as if that was not enough of a coincidence, it turns out that she is also a member of the same sorority! We're sisters! I was very excited to learn this, and I really enjoyed hearing a few of her stories about her experience. It was such a comfort to know that in this journey too I have a sister to share it with.

Saturday turned out to be quite the hodge-podge day. Three other teachers from Tisovec came to visit for the day too! We did a great variety of activities, starting with the Kosice Zoo. This was a beautiful zoo, but I really felt bad for most of the animals. It seemed like they were not that well taken care of and they seemed a little unhealthy. The only animals that I did not feel bad for were the lions-mostly because their enclosure was so poorly secured that I am fairly certain they could have attacked us. We also did this great bobsled ride thing. It's not a bobsled in the way that you would think of the Olympic sport, but instead it is a much smaller metal track that you go down on a little cart thing. Safety regulations were not a part of this experience. There are no seat belts and nothing to rest your back against as you are pulled up the side of the mountain. The only thing to hold on to is the brake. So for as terrifying as this was, the view was beautiful, the ride was exhilarating, and no one got hurt. It was excellent! We shared a picnic lunch and then went back into the city center for the rest of the afternoon.

Walking around with everyone was such a joy. It was great talking with the other teachers and catching up. We really enjoyed each other's company and exploring the new city. We had a dinner as a family, and then had to say goodbye to the Tisovec teachers. Sarah and I returned to Dee's apartment and enjoyed a quiet night in. We were up early and back on the train and made it back to Cieszyn by 4pm. Not bad at all.

This week will surely prove to be busy as well. But it's time to get to lesson planning so the week can get off to a good start!

Blessings,
Colleen