We wanted to be in Eastern Europe for autumn, particularly, Slovakia and Bulgaria. I think it was one of our better decisions. To walk around the land surrounded in color as we have experienced has a profound effect on a person. Viewing the foliage from above provides a particularly advantageous...can we repeat 'advantage?'
The hike proved to be steep (which we welcome) but a little on the short side. We added a bit of mileage to it as we parked some distance from the trailhead. The trail, like many we have undertaken since Piren Park, was deserted. The attraction is for people to hire the services of a jeep tour company to transport them on a really rough road up to the Eagle's perch. Apparently, the rough road is part of the thrill. Being cowards, we prefer to hike up-and-down.
A hotel we passed along the way up.
Jen takes to the 'Eagle Eye' platform.
Closer examination at the 'coalface'.
Returning from below.
A little boy's fascination for a vending machine. A coffee break after returning from the peak was delightful-so unexpected in the town. One doesn't need to speak the local language, for a change. Instead, you have to read and understand Cyrillic. Who said life is complicated?
Spotlight seems to be on one section, the colorful corner. We arrived at the trailhead via the road below.
"Hi Guys. Don't think I didn't spot you."
Penultimate show of color from on high.
Town at left located on top of a mountain.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
These incidents occurred just before we departed for Poland. Perhaps we bring them up now because we obviously miss the grandkids.
Relationships develop through incidents, experiences, interchanges, warmth and a host of other reasons. A fascinating aspect of life is that of the parent and child followed by grandparent and grandchild. Both commence with the younger member being totally dependent on the older for survival, growth, and development. At some stage (in most cases) the younger member surpasses the older and eventually sees the latter in his/ her final resting place. They call that life. It's an incredible system, miraculous in fact, although could do with the some refinements in the closing years.
Having survived the introduction, we wish to relate two recent occurrences of many that provide insights to the clarity, honesty and freshness of the young. How refreshing is life when viewed through the eyes of a person who has yet to bump against the barriers and obstacles that abound and unfortunately, the harshness and at times, cruelty, of some of our fellow inhabitants.
Over the years, we have taught Ellie and played many card games with her, our granddaughter, who is also our first grandchild. In turn, Ellie has helped shape us into grandparents for which we are grateful. While we would love to relate a myriad of stories of our relationship, most are amusing and heart-warming, we'll relate but one, the latest which makes the point of the earlier theme of, honesty and tact or lack of the latter and plenty of the former.
It was her turn to teach us a game of cards. We sat on the carpet, she with her cracked ankle in a 'boot' and told us to spread our legs so the cards could be placed conveniently before us. She does the splits as a matter of routine; for Jeffrey, it's torture. Fortunately, when she noticed my extreme discomfort, she mentioned we should make ourselves comfortable. Basically, sit how you like. Phew!
The ten-year old then addressed Gaga and Papa, both directly and earnestly.
"Who," she asked, "is the slower learner?"
Her tone of voice was not unlike a teacher—no prejudice, no levity, but rather, seeking an honest answer so she could adapt and get on with her task of teaching Jeffrey the basics and then giving the quicker study, Jenni, a few pointers.
Five days earlier, it had been 7-year old Benny's turn. If I have one claim to fame in life, it's that I taught our daughter, Natalie, to say 'yellow' rather than 'lellow'. I then had the honor to have the same experience with Ellie followed by Benny. In fact, the lessons of all three took place, mostly, while bathing them. Funny how something so innocuous can be so memorable, so meaningful.
Often, when the four of us are together, it's become traditional to use the word 'lellow' rather than 'yellow'. We were playing a game last Sunday, we call it 'general knowledge', where Benny had to think of a fruit beginning with the letter 'L'. We had to award him at least some points for his answer which was incorrect but valid and original.
He wrote, "Lellow Watermelon".
Oh, the world and life through the eyes of a child is indeed beautiful.
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