Glass factory, part 2

One of the things we've learned about Europe (or at least this part of Europe) is that they believe much more strongly in Darwinism -- they're not going to save you from yourself. For example, I'd venture to say that you'd never see a tour group in the US get this close to 1000 degree molten glass..

That and we have a more litigious society.. Either way, watch out, hot glass coming through!

Moser glass factory

Before we left Karlovy Vary we took a tour of the Moser company glass factory. This was pretty cool. And legit. They were making glass when we came though and didn't seem to change their operation on our account. In one of the pictures you can see the beer that they are allowed to drink while they work. Our guide said it's a weak beer and a long-standing tradition, but still! Take that OSHA!

Karlovy Vary

On the way to the hospital at Landstuhl we stopped for two nights at
the spa town of Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic. This town, known
as Karlsbad (Charles' bath) in German, has been known for its spas and
hot springs for centuries.

It has several mineral springs all around town. You take a cup and
drink from these fountains and, viola!, you're cured of what ails you!
Gout? Diabetes? No problem! Amazing, right? I tried some. Jill
opted out. The jury's out.. It just tastes mineraly and kind of
salty. And it's pretty warm. That's about all I say definitively.
No comment on its efficacy. I don't think the FDA has approved it
yet..

What I, Jill, and JR will recommend, however, is the wafers made from
this mineral water. They're tasty!

There are lots of nice hotels and spas around town. One of the
hotels, the Grand Hotel Pupp, was featured in the James Bond movie
"Casino Royale".

Oh, and there are lots of Russians in Karlovy Vary. Maybe they like Bond films?

Pączki

Last Thursday was Tłusty Czwartek (Fat Thursday) in Poland. It's the day for eating pączki.  This has become a Fat Tuesday event (in the places where it's an event at all) in the US, but the idea is the same -- stand in line for a long time to eat a doughnut!

Traditionally it's a time to use up the lard, eggs and sugar in the house prior to Lent. A pączek, being basically a jelly doughnut, is a good way to do that. We met some friends at a cafe and had a couple. I'm also including a picture of the line for pączki at one of the most popular bakeries in Krakow, Michałajek. That's some pączki dedication there!

Viennese Ball

So, chalk this up in the category of things I never thought I'd do. Along with most of the foreign service officers from the consulate, Jill and I attended a formal ball last night hosted by the Austrian consul general in Krakow.

And.. we, the Americans, were dressed in period costumes. Naturally. We borrowed them from the Krakow Opera. Other guests were dressed "normally". A pity, as the Brits say..

There were waltz lessons and a Viennese chamber orchestra and the whole nine yards. Eat your heart out Downton Abbey fans.

Sleigh ride

January was a beautiful, snowy month in Krakow. It's now early February and all the snow has melted. However, we enjoyed the snow while it lasted. For example a few weeks ago JR and I joined some friends from the consulate for a sleigh ride and a traditional Polish dinner at Ojcow National Park, about 30 min north of Krakow. And, yes, we did sing "Jingle Bells."

Two-year-old fashion

Green Thomas PJs + Oscar the Grouch socks + red fire truck slippers = Awesome