Departing is such sweet sorrow

16 Aug - Went shopping with Tina to get a few snacks and things to take home. Had a great lunch of chicken wings and potatos with onions. Then we exchanged gifts. Martin and Iveta gave us some Slovak Wine for us and for the Stoffel Family, beer, some candy and really cool pencil holder for Jamie, Kim received a wall relief picture that is typical Slovak, a really nice olive tray and some cross stitches. Martin gave James a Slovak Army Penant, briefcase, beer and beer glasses and some special spices for gulash soup. The gifts were very special and had a lot of meaning. It was very emotional for all because of the graciousness of the Malinak family. We departed for Vienna at 1430. It was really hard to say good by to everyone but we believe we will see them again before we depart Europe. Tina now has to study for her exams next week and Matus will return to his hockey.

Family Picture at Tina's Home

Some Final Thoughts on our trip. It was perfect! That is the closest word I can find to describe it. Martin and Iveta made us feel very welcome in their home. They did not just invite us into their home, they welcomed us into their heart. They showed us "Their Slovakia". Where they grew up and what they were most proud of. They made alot of sacrifices for us - rearranging their sleeping arrangements, not cooking with bell peppers and even buying and taking diet Pepsi and diet Coke everywhere because Tina told them that is what we drink. They were wonderful in their concern to ensure we had a wonderful trip. You could hear in their voice how proud they were of the places they took us and how they talked about Tina and Matthew. Kim and I talked about the trip the whole 16 hours in the car on the way home. Despite two fill-ups of $12.50 gas in Slovakia (yes, at 20 galper tank that is $500) and 32 total hrs driving in the car, we would not have missed this week for the world. We did alot of touring and all 3 of us agree that the most special thing about the trip was everyone sitting around the table, eating, talking and laughing. Both Grandparents and Tina's parents grew up in Czechoslovakia and lived under communism. All the men were in the Czechoslovak Army in the cold war on the border with Austria watching the "Evil Capitalist". They did not have any opportunities to travel. Now, under the European Union, kids today have those opportunities. Both sets of Grandparents are very proud of Tina and happy that she was able to do so much in the year living with us in Washington, DC. We are the first Americans they ever met. We had quite the responsibility to represent our country to Tina's family. Jamie was Jamie and had a great time. In her short life, she has met many different people but that is what she knows - she does not see differences - only another Grandma cooking excellent food or kid to play with. She is getting quite the education in life as well in how to be an ambassador for her country. Kim and I were very proud of her this week. Slovakia is still developing and recovering from life under Communism. Eastern Slovakia is still very rural and agricultural. Some businesses are moving into Slovakia because of the cost of labor and the quality of the work. We were awestruck by the beauty of the landscape. Rolling hills with open valleys with views for miles and the age of the cities. Legend has it that the Slovak Language is the most beautiful in the world and when the Slovak Women sing, the birds fall silent and the earth shutters just a little. Western modern life is creaping in and clashing with traditional ways. It will take time to build up the tax base to improve the city infrastructure. The medium income is about $1000 a month. The cost of living is low. People have what they need. The education system is good but job opportunities are not in Slovakia. We discussed a huge brain drain of young talent from Slovakia going where the jobs are. Slovakia also has a huge concern with the amount of Roma (Gypsies) living in Slovakia that will have to be dealt with. Jamie saw many Roma, their houses and villages. They have a beautiful culture and heritage but their daily life it is not as portrayed in Disney movies. Finally, we are grateful to the Malinak family and all they did for us during our visit. There is no way we can have the same experience when they visit us in Germany but we will have fun as a family none the less and make more great memories. We are very proud of our Favorite Slovak Daughter and eager to see what she does in life. It is ironic that Martin and I both joined our armies in the 1980s as enemies and today we share a daughter with unlimited potential and opportunities.