The farther East we went...

Barbara here, traveling alongside Evan and Tyler as they explore the lands of Europe. Having successfully traveled through Spain, Belgium and Germany I hoped to show the boys a different part of Europe -- the far East. Well, not too far, but farther then any normal tourists dare to venture: Poland - the home of great food, great people and fabulous memories. Well, atleast I think so. The boys, however, have spent the last few days being scared out of their minds. 

The first scare started with our train. Western European trains look and smell fabulously -- eastern trains look and smell like your great-grandma. We arrived into Krakow with high expectations -- and then the boys had their first food. Zapiekanki-- we Poles eat meat, potatoes, mushrooms, and ketchup...on everything. Sadly, Tyler almost died. I tried to explain to them that other Polish food is INDEED delicious -- but then sort of failed by serving them condensed wheat soup for breakfest...yes, we eat soup for breakfest. Needless to say, the boys were ready to move on...

My main aim for this trip to my homeland was to show the boys a different side of culture and history.  We started our historical lesson with a trip to Auschwitz Concentration camp outside of Krakow.  Auschwitz was the main extermination camp of the Third Reich and the place where the majority of Slavs, Jews, and Gypsies were systematically gassed. The tour was not an experience that is easy to put into words, but we were all overcome with realization of the frailty of life and the power of Sin within our world. Next, I took the boys to my hometown, Rzeszow, to show them how the Polish truly live. I am absolutely in love with my family, so it was a treat to share them with Evan and Tyler. I LOVED that they  were able to enjoy some of the people I love most in life. The Polish culture is extremely centered on family and community and....Vodka. So to add to the cultural/family experience, we went to a Vodka production Factory/Museum to learn the intricate details of the art of alcohol. We got to taste over a dozen different types of vodkas and liquers --- all of which the Polish claim to be the best in the world. But, Evan and Tyler will quickly tell you that the Polish think EVERYTHING from Poland is the best in the world. I think I asked the question, "isn't this AMAZING??" at least 20 times each day!

Our next adventure was a night train to PRAGUE. We were all very excited to see the city and couldn't wait to get there. Right before leaving Poland, my parents called me to warn me about train bandits--I am rather proud and travel savvy so I immediately blew off their naive warnings. Well, midway through our train I got my purse stolen. Bye bye Iphone and camera. Who needs those anyway, right? I am SO EXCITED to use my 1999 samsung again. 

But, despite the food misadventures and the mobster bandits we are managing to enjoy ourselves. Prague is absolutely gorgeous and may be my favorite city in Europe. Sorry Barcelona! We have spent our day walking around, napping in random spots, and enjoying the sites. I will always believe, the farther East you go...the better...