Lots of randomness in Poland...
Our adventure started with flying Space A since Rafal is actice duty right now, and it saved us a lot of moolah. It only took three tries at two different airports over a 36 hour period to get out of the US and on our way to Germany. Then it was a 10 hour drive, in one of the bakery vans, driven by the amazing Uncle Tom who apperently doesn't need any sleep, across Germany to Milicz...
There is a defunct railroad line that goes through Milicz which is now a trail with some of the old trains along it to explore...
or get out some pent up energy...
Uncle Tom took us to a deer farm one day where we were able to feed the deer.
Some were shy and wouldn't come too close but this guy was clearly the leader of the pack and wanted to make sure he got fed.
Then we went for a little walk in the woods to this castle.
Tavish knocked on the door with his "friendly stick" but no one answered.
He had lots of explanations as to what was inside however.
He is full of stories right now.
It was nice and warm while we were there so we headed to the lake one day.
We spent several evenings hanging out at Uncle Tom's house-in-progress.
Tavish loved it because there was a big sand pile out front.
I loved it because out back, under the trees, was a lovely picnic table and a swing in which many hours were spent lazing in the cool shade.
One night there was a birthday party...
for Czantry :)
With Uncle Tom's yummy grilling.
I even got tricked into trying blood sausage.
I think I'll pass next time.
One Sunday we headed to Wroclaw to attend church at the local branch.
I wish this was our chapel, but the branch only has about 30 members and seems to be dwindling...
Andrzej met us for church and then took us over to see Butcher's Alley.
We headed over to his house another day where Tavish got to ride on the lawn mower...
and some great grilling in Andrzej's beautiful garden. It was so nice to meet his wife and the "crazy Highlander" neighbor we heard so many stories about.
We headed over to Witold's house another day, where Tavish had to jump right in to the pool even though we hadn't brought swimsuits. He just went commando and Rafal borrowed one from the boys...the next time we were more prepared.
Then the boys took us over to the bakery to see the new ovens...the largest working ovens in Poland...and get some warm rolls right off the line.
Tavish was in heaven.
Another day we borrowed the little tractor from the bakery, Rafal got a quick lesson on how to drive it and then he and Tavish took it for a spin. It's amazing how much boys love construction equipment!
A trip to Poland is not complete without heading to Bytom to visit Rafal's cousins.
He sure loves being surrounded by pretty women!
Second cousins.
Rafal's uncle did the "ring test" on both of us while we were there...it said girl both times.
I got pretty excited since he said he had won a lot of vodka in the past doing the ring test.
This must be the only time he's lost :(
A trip to Poland is also not complete without heading to Boleslawiec for some pottery.
I love it...it's a grown-up version of a kid in a candy store.
On the way back we had to take pictures outside of the coolest restaurant around.
It has pigs on it!
Of course every adventure has an end.
Here is our final breakfast...can you believe this is what we would wake up to every morning?!
Rafal's mom is amazing and totally took care of us the whole time we were there. Rafal kept telling me "you're getting spoiled!" I wish I spoke Polish so I could tell her how much we really appreciate all she does for us.
Then another 10 hour drive back across Germany.
Caught a flight on the first attempt.
Fixed the flat tire awaiting us.
Then home sweet home.
Until next time.
