Julie Meyerson
We've just returned from Christmas in Poland and wanted to share of pictures. I noticed that many of the pictures are of food...but what can I say??
The Christmas celebration in Poland starts on Christmas Eve, Wigilia. On this day, no one is allowed to eat meat, so a hearty meal of Barsz and pierogi's is prepared. After the meal, everyone goes to midnight mass; and I mean everyone! We walked to church and it looked like the middle of the day with all of the people walked to the church. The building is very big and was packed! There was barely standing room once the service started.
On Christmas day the usual meats, salads and desserts are brought out. Cheesecake and a spiced bread called Pernik seem to be the universal desserts, and a fabulous salad with various vegetable, apples, and pickles is THE salad for the holidays. If you went to church early on Christmas Eve, then you need to go on Christmas Day. But you went to midnight mass, you're covered.
On Christmas Day we drove from Gliwice to Wroclaw where uncle Witek and aunt Ruza live. We were fed heartily again, with many of the same tasty treats!
The Second Day of Christmas is still a national holiday and part of the celebration. We went to mass at 10 am, then went back home for another meal.
The entire Holiday season in Poland is definitely a religious event that is celebrated in almost the exact same way throughout the company; the centerpiece being attending mass. It really felt like a celebration period that started on Christmas Eve and ended at Sylvester, which is the New Year's celebration. It was hard to be away from family at Christmas, but going to Poland was a unique experience that we'll never forget.
Doug J Those look a lot better than the name suggests.
re: Joasia's UckyDoug J Okay, you've got your chocolate, your frites, now where's the beer to complete the Belgian hat trick?
re: photo from 20 December 2007Doug J I see you used the airbrush feature to remove the chocolate smudges from Chris' cheeks. I almost can't tell.
re: Chris with his chocolatesCarolyn Wow, the cities seem to be so clean! Who does the work? I see Chris was not wearing a heavy coat or hat. Weather nicer than MN? Well, just thought I would tell you I signed up to take a trip next October to PRG - Prague for work representing our SkyTeam (bunch of airlines) Elite program for Northwest. We will see. I may prolong my retirement a few months to do this if they pick me. My friend Barb Watters and I may be able to do this one. Will let you know so we can see you guys. Hope your mom had a great time in Brno with you. Her car is now melted from the great snowfall last week. See ya sometime soon. Keep up the great pictures! Thanks Carolyn
re: Bratislava at NightDoug It looks like you took the concept of a hot dog and made it a lot more complicated. Way to be European, Chris.
re: FoodAndrew Nice shot
re: Spilberk Castle groundsAndrew Nice shot
re: Night foot path