Chasing Ideals

I have developed a pronounced fondness for starting things off with something bordering the ridiculous and at least for now can easily stick with that tradition. Namely, this time I shall comment on the current misbehaviors of Poland’s blind population. I had never before realized the incredible athletic compensation one gained post blindness. One pole and double thick lens bearing fellow displayed just that as Andy and I entered the metro station the other day. As we in all of our self righteous joy at having bought tickets and having them stamped looked on, the fellow leapt the barrier without so much as slowing. A few steps before and quickly after he had pole out and was clanging away at the ground but when it came to that barrier he brought me back to Jackie Joyner Kersey’s 100m hurdle runs not so long ago. I wondered at whether Andy and I in all our full sighted competence could have attempted the same without splitting our pancreases in the process. If that wasn’t enough the impatient fellow with pole in hand then nearly knocked me down the escalator in his haste. Then in the train as he stood only feet from me I could not help but notice the penetrating, dare I say, mocking gaze of those now triple thick lenses upon me. It leads one to question the direction the world has taken if even the blind might behave so.

A white ceiling is one thing but what else might one accomplish in Hel you might ask. Certainly the first week of our three was spent almost in its entirety working on pseudo Caribbean tans by the sea and creating photos of the often bizarre and humorous variety (Lovable Quirks now displays a few of the choice shots) but that was where the fun and games ended. From then on I was worked like a sugar plantation’s finest. Whether hacking up mushrooms and fingers (handing me a knife and saying “chop” inevitably leads to much bloodshed on my part), or creating massive amounts of lasagna only to have the majority end up stuck together in one unholy mass before I could slap on the sauce, or 7am stumbly wake ups for opening to 2am stumbly bed times following close down, or the joys of the barman’s life having wet and wild clientele (rain poured often driving the blighters in for pork cutlets) shouting about wanting a menu but using a variety of words to name it (presumably a few later words cursing the birth date of my mother) and confusing me to no end. The experience as a barman was certainly the type of brutal language lesson that was necessary to leap my understanding of the Polish language forward a good few notches. There were times in Hel that I found it difficult to find words in English because my brain was more quickly presenting me with words from Polish to use. I would recommend this to any learner to go somewhere where one might experience a plethora of waitresses and customers in unison roaring at you about missing drinks or why chair cushions were soiled. Certainly did me some manner of good though I am not sure in which direction. Luckily I have achieved a fairly constant state of calmness so that even when all Hel was breaking loose around me including pizzas without the sausage and multiple beer bottles falling at once I was as calm a baby enjoying the feel of a dirty diaper.

I could easily be said of this as of so many experiences that if relationship with people is a possibility, that there is no toil beyond my attempt. In the midst of the lasagna mass and the juice, beer, and gassy water covered bar floor there was ample time for conversation, for laughter, for discovering the wonder in the hearts of others, and the sharing of the relationship that has filled my heart beyond containence. Most of the waitresses were at that point of life where they are being asked to decide all of their future at once. I was reminded what an incredibly poor job that education and parents are doing to prepare their children for this moment. Telling young people that their whole life hinges on this time of choosing a degree but doing little to help the young discover who they are or where their talents lie. It was a gift for me to be able to spend much time with them and to share that one’s worth will never be found in the stamp of approval of a university but only through relationship to the One who created us and has imparted purpose and life. What a rotten world to tell us that ‘where we work’ or ‘how much money we make’ or ‘where we have gotten a degree from’ is a testament to our value as a person when in truth our worth can only lie in the incredible love that the One who formed us holds for us. It was on such topics that my days and especially my evenings were spent in conversation of. I could never grow tired of speaking of the Love that has overwhelmed my life and restored to a wholeness that I did not know was possible. There are moments, such as my arrival in Hel, when I wonder for what purpose I have come to a place but when relationship and true friendship become there the object of my days I do not wonder of purpose, only hope that I can be an example of that great love that Jesus lived.

I shall not soon forget this time. The great joy amidst such a wealth of fun experiences of work and the greater joy of building relationships with others of God’s treasures. I had intended to use this post to talk of post-Hel Andy time but that must come in the next as I think this one already is at its peak of longevity. Take a look at the pictures on LovableQuirks. A few at the beginning show the progress on the house in Bojano. Then lies the collection of mine and Tymek’s experimental attempts, followed by a few out and about pictures including our mushroom and bullet collecting adventures. The last few are of some of the many waitresses and in the last two you can see Alex (Tymek’s friend that we went to visit) and his father.

Oh my, the adventures continue. Now your favorite crew of Moe's have begun the potentially life altering task of setting the roof atop its perch. At the end of last week we were measuring for height, angle, and board length using the most technologically advanced methods. None of us, including the genius who is penning this page, could remember the basics of triangles and had no clue how to measure on paper the length of all sides of a triangle. A serious brain/soul searching was undertaken to no avail and it was realized that the years of schooling had accomplished little toward the general intelligence. Instead life and limb were threatened as the elders of our team hoisted themselves atop the roof to "measure it in nature" as Wiesiek termed it. During that time I raced to the beloved internet to rediscover basic triangle math and by the time I had an answer the "in nature" values changed everything and totally different lengths were calculated. The first pictures of the new album on Lovable Quirks will show the work done to calculate each of our lengths (Keep your mind on the prize Aran).

Yesterday the first steps were taken to set the beams acquired into position with Jurek(also termed Jureczku(cute little Jurek), szlimaczku(little snail), or gigi stolarz(baby carpenter)) and I charged with holding the barbaric planks in place. The wind it was a blowin' and after some time it was realized that the snail and I were pushing in opposite directions causing intense agony in each of my few strong bits. I spent my early years with a fairly intense fear of heights and despite recent gains and jumps from Slovenian bridges the challenge remains and when death and glory presented itself, it was nearly underbritches soiling time. Every time the wind began to blow our beam attempted the death dive and I scrambled like a new mother with her infant child to hold on. I realized only at the end that the beloved gigi stolarz had two nails holding his end in place resulting in an exultingly relaxed tone on his part. His constant smiles had me ready to hurl a hammer or hammers of varying sizes at his forehead as I struggled to hold on to beam and the potential for future offspring. Needless to say today, as in five minutes from now, the journey continues of roof top fun. Eleven more sets are to be cut and placed atop no doubt with yours truly grasping for dear life to each glorious one. Depending on the ferocity of the task the next post my come in short time. We shall see.

Ok, as I said there is no more time. I must don my foul attire and prepare myself for the onslaught. Take a look at the new album on Lovable Quirks.

Goodness gracious. These days it seems my energy level is never sufficient for posting, for emails, calls home and of course the barbaric enterprise being undertaken in the back yard. I feel that I am always trying to catch up and am unable to muster the necessary whats-its to accomplish that task. Here now I desire in many a sizzling sentence to fill-in on the goings on of the past few and have nair the brainpower. I have climbed my peaks, experienced hours of soiling, wiled away a few in Poland's capital and now returned here for some rooftop woodwork. If you can believe it, a week and a half ago I was ankle deep in snow at the base of a Tatra mountain trail. A lament to you poor sods in Phoenix still experiencing 40 plus degrees and bottom scorching asphalt. The journey to the mountains ended up being more of a wall to wall layabout session instead of the fiercesome climbing slash cacophonic yodelling session that it was intended to be. The excessive amount of rainfall/snowfall on one occasion left yours truly wetter than a fish's wet bits and none to thrilled to attempt another trail under such conditions. Only once did we hit mountain top, at least all together (on the snow filled day half our group headed up for a premium wetness experience). Us Bojano lads- myself, Wiesiek, Jonathon, and Tymek- preferred to spend the wetter days watching the brain box as we have had our fill lately of outdoor activity. We did occasionaly pop our head out from our mountain lodge (sounds fabulously rich and incredibly saucy to stay in one of those) but only for mealtimes and the guaranteed-short-distance-stroll. Unfortunately our layabout ways inspired such behavior in many of the troops and on more than one occasion the loaded eyebrow was raised by one of our senior compadres. The upshot of all that lazing about was plenty of time for relationship and important father-son time for those that had 'em. I for the first time in my life shared in a group the story of my life and the life altering experience of God's unconditional love through Jesus. It was a pleasure to share how true love returned life to my heart and for myself to be reminded of the miraculous changes God accomplished in my life. Journeys should always be weighed in relationship, not in quantity and breadth of activity. As such our week in the mountains was an incredible time.

Following that adventure Wiesiek and his lads headed to Austria and I with the rest of the gang to Warsaw to spend a few days with my good friend Darek(of Croatia trip, Polish teaching, previous time in Warsaw fame) and his wife and children. 'Twas unfortunately a short visit but in the midst of many a week adjusting to the life of a full time construction worker it was a sweet refreshment. In the midst of Poland's massive capital their home is a place of peace and a place that I can truly feel at home. Whether spending hours fine tuning my language acquisition, playing games together(Darek wished to call out numbers in English and much of the time was spent attempting to teach the "th" sound only to incur a slobber fest from many angles), or helping Asia as she prepares for the birth of their fourth baby in only a few weeks. That baby is so blessed that it will be born into such an environment whose source is Christ's unending love. One final experience must be shared from this time. On the Sunday of my visit we went to visit Asia's family. After a marvelous meal they wished to show me the land that they purchased there and asked if I wanted to join Jacob on the moped for the short journey. The moment we left the driveway and hit the road on that beast it was nearly death-no-glory time for one poor nun in thick spectacles. The moped immediately went into a swerve and headed straight for the old girl in a way that made it difficult for her to choose an escape route. I was ready to leap off, come what may to the ol' crotch, but somehow Kuba got our weapon righted only a metre from its intended victim. The thick spectacled, grey costumed nun cast a glance our way that could melt lead and asked why we intended to end her existence. I am not sure what was said in response but the scene was quickly departed to allow the nun a return to her methodical walk toward the church. Thankfully the remainder of our venture on the homicidal moped went as smoothly as such should be.

So week in the mountains, few days in the nation's capital, and back to work now with our sights set upwards to ceilings and rooves and the acquisition of water proof work britches as each of us these days walks around with permanent wet spots on our lower regions. 'Tis now a few minutes to nine which means a quick dress up and out for the day. Otherwise my goose will surely be cooked, no reference of course to "el jefe" Pan Gonska, I wouldn't dream of it. More to come of further opportunities for yours truly to mangle his limbs. Take a look at the new and hopefully self explanatory albums on Lovable Quirks.

Time is short on this fine day as yours truly is off come morn with Wiesiek, Jonathan, and Timothy to the Polish Tatra mountains in the south for five days. We will meet there with Darek and Jacob from Warsaw for some peak scaling extraveganzas. For now there are new pictures up of the continued lazing around in the back yard and throwing up planks of wood as time allows. Also a few of some late night glow-stick-in-front-of-camera adventures for your stupendous ostentatious visual feast. I haven't the clock ticks now but later in the week will post pictures of the incredible feats of this day, namely placing the roof beams atop their perch. So until the next post and the continued adventures of cesspools springing leaks, Goose feathers flying to and fro to and fro (are favorite water fowel shall be returning whilst we are away), the heavy handed use of the "argument"(our name for the sledge hammer), and general mayhem involving half clad and facial hair promoting lads prancing about atop scaffolding, let each and all of the bed bugs bite.

One last 'un. Take a look at this vid from the ancient style mill that we summoned to do a number on some of our wood. How often to see a saw like this

Perhaps what has been heaviest on the old mind of late has been a development of the tuft variety. By that I mean to say that I have gained a few unnerving hairs on the upper body. I have yet to determine whether it is a product of the quantity of Polish sausage consumed or of the sea air but needless to say I have been pondering the subject greatly. To some these wonderings may sound like lunacy but I can assure you that there is reason. One does not wish to arrive at the coast of Greece wearing a permanent sweater. The sight of a hairy creature entering and then emerging from the depths may lead to a swift harpooning of said creature. Few of the coast dwellers could pass up the opportunity to collect such a prize. It has also led to thoughts of whether my electric razor would be up to the job. Hacking away at the top of one's head is one thing but to attack the back and chest is quite another. I have no desire to be caught in the act of shaving sed regions in the midst of a crowded campground. And where would one even hide such quantities of hair that I have seen other chaps in this situation flaunting about. It is all quite perplexing and I would appreciate any suggestions. The coast of Greece is beckoning and I have no desire to answer the call looking like the famed Yetis of old. I apologize to those of you who can't make heads or tails of this but it has taken me nearly to tears with laughter.

I have little to say of the past days. It is not that I did not enjoy myself but the occurences do not inspire any great prose in their honor. Monday evening I arrived to the island of Hvar aboard a ferry. I stayed on the island until Wednesday morning. The island is certainly worth a visit and the city of Hvar itself is a worthwhile place to explore and to ponder. I stated earlier on that there is not the same enjoyment of cities when you visit them alone. Cities I believe are places where one needs companions for you are more keenly aware of your aloneness when surrounded by the life of a city. Wednesday afternoon I made my way here to Dubrovnik, another wondrous city. The old town is surrounded by high walls and the interior consists of sloped narrow stone streets. It is unlike any that I had yet visited and certainly worthy of its famed beauty in terms of its construction and the historical aspect that it breathes. There is something wondrous at the thought of being surrounded by hundreds of years of history. It leads one to imagine the lives of those that lived within the boundaries of the place. What a thing to realize that what I am seeing with my eyes is the same or close to what others saw and experienced in a completely different age. I have put up a new gallery of pictures to Lovable Quirks from these last days. I haven't mentioned this also but I head toward Greece tomorrow and will be meeting up with Wiesieck and some of the kids in the middle of next week. We will travel together for about three weeks exploring there. I must travel through Montenegro and Albania to get to Greece so doubt I will be able to post for a few. Despite the claims I have no choice but to travel through those countries to get there in a reasonable time.

I have these last three days been enjoying the wondrous town of Split. From first glance I was unsure of its merits as what glimpses one receives from the motorway are not so pleasant. From that vantage it seems to be just another urban sprawl but arrive at its center and the treasure awaits. I've been staying with a little old lady in another town just further on the coast but still only ten minutes drive from Split's center. I'm a two minute stroll from the beach and today made full use of the local to lounge the afternoon in the deep blue Mediterranean. Before continuing on that subject line and further saucy exploits I will return to the description of Split.

The city center is focused around the palace of Diocletian, Roman emporer from AD 245-313 (It's wonderful to pretend that I actually know something like that). At least in modern times this palace is more of a small village with narrow streets. It is crammed with small shops, restaurants, and suprisingly plenty of homes. I am a sucker for narrow cobble stone streets so thorougly enjoyed strolling around this area. Despite the tourists it was easy to wander and in no time find an area of the palace without another soul about. The main end of the palace faces out over the Mediterranean and the harbor of Split. Small cafes lined the harbor and presented a marvelous spot to relax and see various other peoples wandering about. I think that of the cities I have visited on this trip here I found the most charm. I can't say it wouldn't have been nice to have some company though. I've realized that that is what often puts a downer on the city visits. Without someone accompanying you there is little motivation for continued wanderings around a city, especially when one is surrounded by throngs of couples and groups of friends. Hopefully someday I will have the opportunity to return here with someone else in toe. Tomorrow, Monday, I set sail for the island of Hvar, at least that is the hope. I have been told (by beach hat) that the islands are not to be missed. Beyond Hvar I will return to the mainland and then make another ferry journey to the island of Korcula. I may be unable to post for a few but who knows. Take a look at the new pics on Lovable Quirks.

I've made a bit of a stir here with the old lady of the house where I'm staying. She can't speak a work of English but has tried to communicate with me in Croatian, German, Italian, and Mongolian. My first night here I had wanted to get quite a few things from my car and was also still paranoid about the car leaking. Needless to stay I was out at my car in the dark first checking under it with a flashlight and then making repeated trips to my room and back with an assortment of my possessions. I'm sure she must have thought I to be either lunatic or drug addict. She eventually emerged from the house with suspicious eyebrow and tried to ask if the car was having problems. I said "ne" (Croatian for you guessed it) and continued tottering along between car and room. Assumedly she decided upon lunatic and called it a night. Since this occasion we have had little interaction. I attempted to ask her about a bus into Split but instead came away with new knowledge about a hair dryer. Tonight she came to me repeatedly saying the word doctor and pointing to her wrist. I wasn't quite sure what she wanted me to do to her but eventually understood that she must tomorrow go to the doctor and needed me to pay her now. What a joy is the language barrier?

I don't want to forget to share this little tid bit. Yesterday I meandered down to the waterfront to sit awhile and ponder life's intracacies. A little way's off from where I sat a woman approached in full evening regalia. Too my surprise she began casting out a fishing line. It was one of the Huck Finn style set ups with fishing line wrapped around a piece of cardboard. Apart from the attire another strange dynamic was the apparent lack of bait on the hook she was elegantly hurling out. My initial assumption was lunacy but attempted to give the benefit of the doubt and thought perhaps she hoped a fish might merely latch on. Perhaps a fish in a particularly lonely state would see the woman dressed as she was and attach itself to the hook in hopes of a relationship blossoming. Alternatively a passing haddock for instance might out of pity for such an unwitting person attach itself voluntarily. Whatever the potentials the women's fishing exercise was shortly ended and I returned to my musings.

I have noted also here in Eastern Europe the trend toward having English text on your t-shirt. In Poland I remember one worn by a teenage girl that said "I have a big one for you." Today I passed a woman wearing "Kiss me and Touch me." Makes one wonder if these individuals have any idea what it means.

Many of my loyals may think I'm beginning to sound like a broken record but today marked another adventure with the Citroen. The day after I had it fixed yet another leak presented itself. It seems that the manufacturer of sed car did little to protect the hydraulic fluid lines. Yesterday I took the car to the dealer in Sibenik and was graciously told that the part necessary would require a profound chunk to arrive from France. Apparently 10 days is the required time for Overland Vespa delivery. Their advice was to drive carefully and hope to Betsie that it got me back to the west. I left considering this advice and began to feel not just a little downhearted and sullen. I have many miles and many months to go on this journey and have no desire to drive granny style for the remainder. They had assured me that if I drove slowly and avoided bad roads I might be alright. Interesting advice considering that I have yet to encounter any good roads this side of the continent. Last evening a million thoughts battled for the top seat within the ol' ticker. They ranged from chucking it all and ending the journey here to thumbing it and hoping I don't get ravaged in Montenegro. Thankfully by mid-evening some sense of composure was regained and I began to think slightly more level headedly. I knew that I was not ready to quit traveling; it has been the adventure of a lifetime; but I also knew that I could not have this problem with the car and not be constantly worrying about it. When it started to leak again I must say that the term "consuming my thoughts" may be an understatement.

In the morning I returned to me old buddies in Sibenik and asked if they could contact other dealers. I was given directions to the dealer in Split but was told that they could not call them. The upshot is that the other dealer would wonder why this dealer didn't do the bleedin' job. Sending an old banger of a Citroen to another dealer to do the work is apparantly the equivalent of pulling the pants down of one's comrade in the midst of a ballet recital. Slightly perturbed but hopeful I ventured on to Split to see what the next gang had in store. I was quickly signed in and had just gotten settled to reading Dr. Zhivago (had me toothbrush as well in case I was there for the long haul) when my car was pulled in to have its underside scoped out. No sooner had it been razed up and gazed upon in a leering way than it was lowered back down and pulled out. I was quickly informed that the necessary parts would require Overland Vespa but there was an alternative. A chap nearby could do the work. "If he doesn't have the part he will make one for you" was the claim. One of the mechanics from the dealer would show me the way. I followed behind this mechanic on his moped at a distance of about half a metre so as not to lose the trail. As a result of Split's complex web of roads we went round in circles a few times before returning to a spot within spitting distance of the dealer. I had begun to think some cruel joke was being played out and we would soon return to a gang of seething mechanics who's sides had split from the ensuing laughter. Happily not the case but instead a side of the road block building with demolished Citroens strategically surrounding it.

From the depths of the building a man emerged with long hair and a beach hat atop his head. He gave a friendly smile then took a look underneath my chassis. When he regained a standing position he nodded to another man dressed in the all orange of Sheriff Joe's inmates. The nod apparently signified that the problem had been sussed out. Beach hat man came to me and said that it would not be easy and he did not know how much time he would need but that he would fix it no problem (spoke marvelous English). As all mechanics seem to do the two then set about discussing how to tackle the problem while each smoking a cigarette. Inmate seemed unconvinced that it could be done while beach hat looked hopeful and said so. I noticed in the midst of this that he was wearing a pair of Pierre Cardin britches. Strange of me to notice I realize but this is normally not the preferred brand of mechanics and the brand label does take up a good portion of the back end. Can't fault a mechanic who wishes to remain fashionable while on the job I guess. Well anyhow inmate set to work yanking parts from one of the many ravaged Citroens laying about while beach hat went to buy other parts. A short while after inmate had yanked all that could be yanked beach hat returned and the lot of us sat and supped on Turkish coffee. I should mention here that that had to be the best coffee I have had. Past experience has taught me to expect something that might have come from the back end of a wombat but not in this case. During these moments beach hat told me how he had begun working on this type of car. His father had been a coniseur of the French automobile and had passed on his love for the type to his son (not sure if the beach hat had emerged in those days). Beach hat also told me about his family and asked about my travels.

When the last of the coffee had been slurped the work commenced at a feverish pace. Inmate was sweating like a hog in the Serengiti while beach hat slid around under the car with no regard for personal safety. Twas a sight to see as inmate was repeatedly struck by globules of filth from above but continued on unfazed. Within minutes the two were shifting themselves out from underneath the beast. For beach hat the required shifting was minimal while for inmate the heavy breathing and deep inner groans took some time to subside. Upon completion the lot of us returned to the back for more of the black brew and sandwiches for those whom had toiled. They set about discussing my travel plan and warning me of danger afoot within the bowels of Montenegro and Kosovo. Inner Montenegro, beach hat informed me, is like the Wild West while in Kosovo I'm as likely to be ravaged as Saucy Sue on New Year's Eve (their comments slightly embellished). Their best advice was that I should take a ferry from the coast of Montenegro to Greece. I must certainly consider this now especially with thoughts of Saucy Sue echoing between my ears. The final charge for work accomplished was about $100, some of this owing to the considerable loss of bodily fluids on the part of inmate. In the absence of these two I'd have been SOL (barring the work of overland Vespa) so I considered it a small price to pay. I hadn't the cash so inmate directed me to the nearest bankomat and a hotel they recommended. It felt strange to wander the city following a man who was dressed as a convict but what can one do under the circumstances. We exchanged our goodbyes and off he went in his brilliant orange surrounded by a small white Citroen. The hotel they had recommended doubled as a home for the elderly and charged outrageous amounts so needless to say I gave it a miss. At the reception throngs of old ones were soiling themselves and others were on the brink. It hardly seemed a pleasant environment to soak up the city's atmos and one would assume the prices were meant to offset the sums doled out for Depends. I instead made my way outside of the city and found a house with rooms right on the waterfront. I will spend the weekend exploring the old town of Split and basking in the suprisingly warm weather. Toodle pip.

I did not mention this in the last post because it is on a very different note. You should read the last post first. As I was leaving Plitvice NP on Sunday the underside of my car hit something and within a minute the hydraulic fluid had all leaked out. Immediately memories hit me like a tidal wave of all that had happened in Krakow (the negative end) and I allowed myself to be overwhelmed with worries about what I was going to do. The entire drive back to where I was staying I fretted over every possible scenario. This in the midst of meeting such incredible people and having just visited the awe inspiring Plitvice. Instead of trusting God and choosing to block these worries I allowed them to pummel me. I asked the people I was staying with to help me find a repair shop and immediately they began thinking of what they could do. They also told me to spend time with them watching television instead of staying in my room worrying (they only said the first part). Later in the evening the boyfriend of the daughter and his father came and tried to diagnose the problem. They went and bought hydraulic fluid and then put it in to determine where the leak was. All of this late in the evening on a Sunday. I could tell they wanted desperately for me not to have to go and pay for expensive repairs. When we discovered it did need the repair shop they were dissapointed to not be able to fix it for me. I was shown where the repair shop was so could go there the next morning (Monday). It is incredible to experience support from total strangers in these moments. It is a jolting reminder of the care and attention my savior pays to my life. Before going to sleep I once again allowed myself to be pummeled with worries about what could and might go wrong. I would stop dwelling on it for a short time before letting the thoughts come again in waves.

The next morning I headed off somewhat relieved after sleeping but also that I had a plan. The concern and support of the family I was staying with also lifted my spirits. I arrived to the repair shop shortly after eight but had to wait for quite a while to be signed in. Work began on my car rather quickly but was not completed until after 2pm that afternoon. This was the result of them not having some part or another on hand. I had settled into a book that made me laugh uproariously (unusual for me) in a number of places and so I hardly was aware of the passing time. I was content knowing that the problem was being fixed. When all was complete I was amazed to discover that the mechanic charged for only an hour of labor and had found a good used part to replace what was needed. A brand new part would have cost three times as much and in this case it was considerable. I had prayed that someone with integrity would fix my car and in the short time speaking with him this man proved to be just that. When I left the shop I was so overwhelmed at how God had orchestrated everything for me despite my worrying and distrust. I felt his love and care so strongly in that drive back. There is no part of my life that he does not care for and will not support me in. I also felt strongly that I can never come close to loving him in the fullness that he loves me. That is a hard realization to have to swallow. It is a definite hit to the old pride to realize that I can never be so faithful to him as he is to me. It is nice to think that I am strong and will not allow worry to overwhelm me but this is not so. That is not the last time I will fight and lose against it. How refreshing to know in that that my Savior is with me for all eternity and his love and faithfulness will never change.

I arrived here in Croatia last Friday afternoon and was immediately impressed by the beauty of the countryside. I had just come from rather arid Hungary and was expecting more of the same. In spite of the rain however I could see that I had entered a land of green sprawling hills and villages of red brick houses. The beauty of this type of landscape is never lost on me and so I relished the drive. Sadly, the sun is setting much earlier these days and I began to be concerned about finding a roof for the night once evening fell. I had a plan to at least get within a short distance of Plitvice National Park (first spot on the itinery) and was blessed to find a house offering rooms upon reaching the road that led there. I ended up staying four nights here though I had only planned one. Here I was made to feel at home from the start and each day I not only explored the surroundings but spent time learning about this family and the history of this place. God continually leads me to where I need to be. I spent each morning and evening talking with the mother and daughter of the house and was blessed and encouraged as always to experience relationship. This family has been through so much during and after the war here last decade and yet could be so good to me on my journey. In the future if I again find myself in that area I have been summoned to visit them and tell of my travels. When I left Tuesday I felt so refreshed by those days and overwhelmed at the beauty of this country. Tuesday I drove to the coast but not before passing through an area that I felt I could sod France in favor of. It was a valley of green pressed between mountains of more green. At least in terms of landscape this country has what my heart longs for. I cannot say what the future holds but I can say there were many urges to let the car roll off a cliff and to set up shop there forever.

You have seen a few pictures from my arrival at the coast and more are on the way soon. I am envious of those who first set foot upon these shores and swam as I did today in the splendiforous Mediterranean. I found a tiny harbour at the tip of Pag island and relaxed in its splendor all afternoon. Being there inspired one toward learning to sail and building a stone beach house with one's bare hands. As I said earlier to live amidst that green but be within ours of this blue gives definite pause about the need to ever leave. I had not expected for this place to capture my awe in the way that it has but here's to expectations. Tomorrow I will continue on down the coast toward Split and next week to Dubrovnik. I will attempt to post whenever I can though I must say that there are times I do not have the words. My creator longs to leave me speechless in my experience of his creativity and here he has done so in a manner most pleasing. New pictures are on Lovable Quirks. The first eight are Slovakia and after that Croatia.

I have wanted to add this post for some time but have not had the opportunity to give it due thought. I recently completed the book by that title and found it both heartwrenching and encouraging in its account. The heartwrenching aspect was that of reading how the settlers and the United States government worked in conjunction to strip from the Native Americans not only their land but their culture also. It is not unusual to read of conquest but the difference here was that throughout promises were made and broken. Many of the tribes discussed worked to maintain peace and live according to the regulations that their conquerors put forth. The swarms of settlers however were never satisfied to allow any useful land to remain in the hands of the tribes. Tribes were pushed to smaller and smaller reservations in places where nothing of their previous lifestyle could be maintained. I felt I was reading of not only the physical destruction of a people but more emphatically the attempt at cultural destruction. Men and women who had once proudly roamed that vast continent were forced into caged areas with no hope of maintaining any of their former freedom.

My encouragement came in reading of the actions of many of the chiefs. I have grown up observing the lives of men who are slaves to their careers and to the maintainance of false images. Others like myself in the past who are enslaved by selfish thoughts and do nothing to benefit the lives of others. Christians who choose slavery to false doctrines and sinful lives over the freedom that Christ not only offers but will give if we choose it. Here I had the opportunity to read about men who were unwilling to have their freedom taken away. Chief Joseph, Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, these are the type of men that I desire to emulate. Not perhaps in the same means but having the same attitude that I will not allow my freedom to be taken from me. I don't wish to follow what society or other people tell me that I must be and do and think. Those men knew what cages were set out for their people and they gave their lives to avoiding them. I tried to imagine after reading this and lately being surrounded by such expanses of nature. To imagine riding out toward herds of over a million buffalo or traveling over huge expanses of land without encountering a single person. I could compare it to the incredible freedom that comes with understanding why I am on this earth and with knowing who my creator is. If that freedom in Christ was threatened what would I do. I hope that I would act and lead others as these men did. Not blame circumstance and past experiences and do nothing. They left behind big shoes to fill in what remains of their people and a legacy of how far true men should go to maintain their freedom. I feel as though I did not say all or clearly what I wished to say in this post but I'm not sure I can adequately accomplish that task.

Upon arrival in Budapest, the famed capital of Hungary, I was quickly aware that I had entered a tourist zone with prices to match. After the blessed Slovakia with its beautiful scenery and low prices I was a bit miffed to discover Budapest's contrast. I spent my first night therein paying about $30 for a room in someone's home after paying only $10 for the same in Slovakia. I must say also that I was none too pleased to have arrived in such a busy city. From my drive into to Hungary and subsequent drive out three days later I could see that the majority of the country's population seems crammed into Budapest and the surroundings. One thing that I must mention here is that I had a day previous to arrival glanced at some fine pickers of Croatia's coast and so was itching to get there. This fact may have put a damper on my experience of Hungary as its attraction so far as landscape was minimal.

Morning number two I made a wise choice to take a drive up along the Danube for some quieter roads and then returned to Budapest to search out a hostel. After about two hours driving around in circles in the city center on roads not built for such swarms of traffic I found my place, the Red Bus Hostel, and settled in. It was my first Hostel experiment since arrival in London and was certainly enjoyable in terms of the potential for meeting other travelers. In just two nights there I met and spoke considerably with at least 12 people. I spent my first evening at the hostel going to dinner with a group of mostly Americans but including one person from Norway, from Scotland, and Canada. I must say it was pleasant to have the chance to meet so many all at once and enjoy just a relaxed time with them. One of the American chaps spent most of the evening displaying his ignorance but everyone there took it as such and nothing negative came of it. The next day I scoured the city for interesting sites with the Canadian chap. He was easy to chat with and we talked a lot about his current life in South Korea as an English teacher. It ended up that we actually saw very little of the sites apart from meager glances but that part never seems to matter much to me in the face of developing a friendship. Budapest was a strange city as so much of its business side is mixed in with the historical aspect. Most often the historical areas were surrounded with office buildings and busy streets of traffic. In the evening he and I and a few others went out to dinner and later a free festival at a nearby park which turned out to be dance night for the under seventeens. Strangely enough there were gangs of sinewy bikers wandering around amidst the teenage festivities. Needless to say myself and co. did not stay long as I think each of them was at least bordering the tender age of 30 if hadn't already crossed over. Afterwards we went to a nearby pub for a short stint (short at least for me) and then returned to the hostel.

All in all a pleasant few days were mine. It was wonderful as always to know new people and also to learn of different travel destinations that I have on my itinery and some that I hadn't yet. I'm glad also that I got to see what Budapest had to offer though it probably won't be deemed necessary for a return trip. I think that at this point I may have seen too many cities of its type or perhaps knew too little about it to find the sites interesting. I have seen that places are more interesting for me if I a previous frame of reference to them. I have added some new galleries to Lovable Quirks which I hope will be enjoyed. Posts about Croatia are on the way but as usual I must try to catch up.

It is annoying to me and perhaps those three or four sods that read this that sometimes I get to post gut wrenching amounts and then am absent for weeks. I passed safely through Hungary and its famed capital Budapest and am now safely planted within the boundaries of Croatia. I will soon add much more about Budapest and hopefully some pictures but for now I will say only that for me it was not all it had been cracked to be. What I have seen of Croatia thus far however has brought back the warm fuzzies of old. Unlike rather arid Hungary I am again in a paradise of green. I'm staying with a wonderful family about an hour south of Zagreb and tomorrow will be headed for the coast. There is more to come though I can't say when. Love to all.

I returned yesterday to paradise, Slovak style. Sadly there are no new pictures from yesterday to include however I did post a new album to Lovable Quirks taken with my film camera. In the long run I have always preferred pictures taken with that camera and relish the excitement of having to wait while the pictures are developed. I have nothing against digital cameras but for me the novelty is lost as you can immediately see each of your pictures. An experience of great joy is mine in cracking open the envelope from the developer and looking over my works one by one with renewed enthusiasm for each. Oh well, I know now that I'm talking like an old man who's avoiding the new and wonderful technology.

I must extend some kudos to yours truly for on the hike yesterday I attempted something that in my past would have been impossible. I climbed to the top of a 75m waterfall with only ladders attached to the rock to bring me there. It is probably not a stunt that would make it onto Fear Factor. I'm sure that anyone thinking they would gain a couple thousand in the ordeal would be up to the top like a mountain goat but for me there was little motivation and a few times I had little desire to continue. I remember as a teenager helping my father in his window cleaning business and being terrified for him as I watched him ascend the shaky ladder in harsh Irish winds. I thought then that I would never have the courage to do the same but surprised myself yesterday. It is wonderful to have a chance at reminding oneself that you are not the unconfident youth of old. There was a pronounced satisfaction at reaching the top. Sadly the return trip back down turned out to be more of a threat to the fear sensors but I have lived to tell the tale.

A marvelous revelation was mine in the second day experience of this beautiful paradise environment. My savior offered a little reminder that if indeed so much creativity and wonder was built into this world he created then how much more wonder into that which mirrors him. I am his child and while there will come a day when this world will pass in me his creativity was extended to creating that which is eternal. This reminder certainly put a smile on the ol' face and renewed my excitement over the opportunities I have to learn of the elements of my creator within each of his children.

I'm on my way to Hungary this afternoon to plant my pegs somewhere outside of Budapest. Take a look at the new pics and hopefully more will be on the way shortly. Love to all

Those of you who have taken a look at the recent photo additions may notice a startling change in the magnitude of hair atop my head. So that none fear the worst I will lay concerns to rest. The day after the hike in the Slovak Tatras I decided that the hair must go. Having a bushel of hair to contend with daily has been of no enjoyment being on the road much of the time. It was a rainy morning when I decided to accomplish the task and feel the need to share the finer details. I am not able to use the hair clippers I brought anywhere but in my car sadly. When the 110V clippers is attached to any 220V plug the resulting speed at which the blades vibrate gives one pause before putting it anywhere near the face or head. It reminds one of a well oiled and finely tuned lawnmower such as might be called upon to hack at any of the larger New York stadiums. I have had more than a little concern that the resulting injury if I was to do so might seriously jeopordize my hopes of finding my bride to be unless twas a fellow gargoyle. So needless to say my only option is the use of my power adaptor in the car. That then brings up the issue of how to prevent having the insides of sed car not look as if a yeti had had a lie in. Also one does not want one's camping neighbors wondering why one has started a self service hair salon within the bowels of an older and bedraggled Citroen. Surprisingly then this mild rainstorm turned out out to be the best of times for hair cutting as all other campers were doing God only knows what within there tents while I got busy. With my trusty umbrella draped over my open driver's door I plucked the old head out and began the hacking process. Sadly my hair that fine morn was as volumous as a Pantene commercial model's presumbly as a result of the profound moisture in the air. The result being that not a few times did the clippers get stuck on a particularly large tuft of the brown stuff and thereby yank at the fibers which maintain my scalp's position atop my head. All the while also I was looking around me to be sure that some mindless camper didn't race out of their tent to the tune of "Singin' in the Rain" and catch me in the act. Luckily my window of opportunity was a solid one and before I could be discovered the hair was removed. Having no mirror but the occasional glance in the rear view I'm not sure if the quality hints of "Tony and Gay" but I'm quite happy with it and thus far have had no critics about to examine the work. I feel I shall definetely choose torential downpours for all future hair endeavors as this experience hints at a solid case for the wisdom in doing so at such times.

I spent the day today exploring the wondrous Slovensky Raj or Slovakian paradise in the ol' native tongue. I decided that I would attempt a mini glamour shoot of yours truly during my galavanting around the park and there is a new set of pictures up for all to see at Lovable Quirks. Sometimes I feel so limited in the use of language to try to express scenery such as that which surrounded me this afternoon. One of the reasons I enjoy reading and learning old English words is that I tire of the uses of "good", "bad", or "beautiful" in attempting to describe something that deserves far more descriptive and meaningful terms. For me words like "extravagant", "opulent", or "stupendous" have much greater meanings attached. They also convey to me that the authors of those words understood the need to more fully express the emotions that a scene created within them. I looked out at the grandness of my surroundings and was overwhelmed by the love of my creator. He in that love created a world that's intricacies will challange and enthuse one man for a lifetime while another will spend his life in awe of the overwhelming magnitude of the universe. As I walked I was again refreshed and rejuvenated by the smell of the forest and the freshness of the breeze which permeated the canyon surrounding me. I would like to attempt to say more but feel inadequate in expressing it further. Perhaps after another day exploring there tomorrow I will have say.

Today was quite a day for me. I can't really put my finger on exactly why but I think that the Slovakian countryside has done something for me in a way that previously only a hot crumpet from behind could have (perhaps only Aran will get that). It reminded me that I was born for the fresh air and the open country. Living in the city for so long, my lungs have been starved for air that is as fresh as a newly formed breeze. At each breath here I feel that I am healed of the years of abuse that city life has done to me innards. The last time I felt so revitalized in that way was spending time on the western coast of Ireland where the ocean air for me is intoxicating in its blissful freshness. I can recall times in Phoenix when I could literally taste the foulness of the air and I know that at times it made physical activity far more difficult and far from enjoyable. The other day hiking the Tatras was exhilirating and for the next two days I plan to hike and explore the nearby "Slovakian paradise" (translated). In a sense I feel that I am given a new lease at such things because my body is responding to the environment in such a marvelous way. Driving here has also reminded of the joy that one can experience in such trivial pleasures. The roads for the most part are long and empty and at times I can just put the car into neutral and coast downhill for long periods with the wind rushing around me. It is a truly marvelous experience and makes one imagine the joy that the pioneers of car making experienced only a century ago. Environment is certainly what you make of it but here in the awe inspiring natural beauty and freedom of the open space the effort of "making it" is minimal.

Hopefully all of you have enjoyed the new pictures from Slovakia and should look again at Lovable Quirks as there are more new photos of my day today at Spiššky Hrad. The Hrad which I assume means castle was a spectacular site to see and I enjoyed taking photos from a myriad of angles. Which brings me to what I wanted to mention that while staying in Nowy Sacz I was taught many new ways to use my camera. Marcin was a gracious and informative teacher into many of the features of my camera that I was wholly unaware of. I can see already that my picture taking has improved and also that I have gained greater enjoyment in it knowing now more of the capabilities in it. Previously I had felt very limited in what I could learn but Marcin was encouraging that the features of at least my camera are not so complex as they seem. I think that someday he should perhaps consider teaching though that may sound a nightmare to him. He in just a short time explained the functions of my camera in very clear and for me simple terms and I now feel much more confident about what I can do with my pictures in the future. It is amazing how when someone takes some of the complexity out of something it gives one a freedom and a confidence to learn and to try new things. I know now that I can only improve as a I practice and take pictures in ways I have not tried. My hope is that my future additions to Lovable Quirks will be a testament to this.

I wish to give me mother a long distance pat on the back for her recent accomplishments and to tell the world or at least you 3 or 4 lucky sods who read my blog what she has done. This week she was to start her full time work as a medical assistant and I am so proud of all that she's done to get to that point. After spending 34 years as a full time mother of high esteem she decided that she wanted to go back to college and complete the course. I will never forgot seeing her excitement about the material that she was learning and every time I saw her she was diagnosing my ailments and those of others. She enjoyed learning in a way that I have not since my early days of being schooled and it was encouraging for me to see that such enthusiasm is still possible. My mother puts all of herself into whatever she is doing and approached this with a conscienciousness that surprised me. If she felt that the teacher was making the tests too easy for instance she felt cheated because she understood the weight of becoming a medical assistant demanded better. I am blessed that I have a mother who can and will continue to inspire me. In her position now I have no doubt that she will be a success because of the care and attention she has for people, especially those that are in need. She will approach her work with an integrity that will inspire those that she works with wherever she goes. She must already have displayed some of this as the office she did her clinicals with hired her on immediately after she had them completed. Kudos to you mother