This post contains very special moments during my visiting christmas markets in Zakopane, Poland.

Zakopane is a town in the south of Poland, in the southern part of the Podhale region at the foot of the Tatra Mountains. From 1975 to 1998, it was part of Nowy Sącz Voivodeship; since 1999, it has been part of Lesser Poland Voivodeship. As of 2017 its population was 27,266. Zakopane is a centre of Goral culture and is often referred to as “the winter capital of Poland”. It is a popular destination for mountaineering, skiing, and tourism. Zakopane lies near Poland’s border with Slovakia, in a valley between the Tatra Mountains and Gubałówka Hill. It is connected by rail and road to the provincial capital, Kraków. Zakopane lies 800–1,000 metres above sea level and centres on the intersection of its Krupówki and Kościuszko Streets.

The earliest documents mentioning Zakopane date to the 17th century, describing a glade called Zakopisko. In 1676, it was a village of 43 inhabitants. In 1818, Zakopane was a small town that was still being developed. There were only 340 homes that held 445 families. The population of Zakopane at that time was 1,805: 934 women and 871 men. The first church was built in 1847, by Józef Stolarczyk.

During the joint German-Soviet invasion of Poland, which started World War II in September 1939, the town was invaded by Germany, and the Einsatzgruppe I entered the town on September 4, 1939, to commit various crimes against Poles. In March 1940, representatives of the Soviet NKVD and the Nazi Gestapo met for one week in Zakopane’s Villa Tadeusz, to coordinate the pacification of resistance in Poland. Throughout World War II, Zakopane served as an underground staging point between Poland and Hungary.

From 1942 to 1943, 1,000 prisoners from the German Kraków-Płaszów concentration camp were set to work in a stone quarry. In 1944, during the Warsaw Uprising, the Germans deported thousands of Varsovians from the Dulag 121 camp in Pruszków, where they were initially imprisoned, to Zakopane. Those Poles were mainly old people, ill people and women with children.In mid-October 1944, there were 3,800 registered Poles, who were expelled from Warsaw, and probably another 3,800 unregistered expellees. In January 1945, the Germans retreated from Zakopane and the German occupation ended.

Christmas in Zakopane is one of the most eagerly awaited moments of the year and the perfect time to visit this charming mountain town. Renowned as one of Poland’s most famous and sought-after ski resorts, Zakopane is a true hidden gem nestled among the majestic peaks of the Tatra Mountains. During the Christmas season, it undergoes a magical transformation, becoming an enchanting winter wonderland.

This picturesque mountain town is celebrated for its traditional wooden architecture and rich mountain culture, offering a truly authentic Christmas experience. In the heart of winter, when the streets are adorned with twinkling lights and the air carries the delightful scents of pine and spices, Zakopane becomes a captivating Christmas village. Polish Christmas traditions come alive here through artisan markets, where you can discover handmade treasures, traditional Christmas decorations, and delectable festive foods.

Immerse yourself in the local culture by attending folk music concerts and savoring traditional dishes like pierogi, hearty soups, grilled meats, and succulent locally produced kielbasa. The atmosphere during Christmas in Zakopane is nothing short of magical, with its streets bustling with street performers, caroling groups, and traditional dance performances, creating a festive ambiance that enchants the hearts of all who visit.

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Time: December 2024

Location: Zakopane, Poland, European Union

This post contains very special moments duriny my christmas season and holidays, especially christmas decorations, Christmas Lights, Christmas Tree, etc.

For as long as I can remember, I have been excited to create traditions and memories of Christmas for my family. I have had a running Evernote list of ideas over the years and I’m sharing some of them with you!

This list is by no means a comprehensive list of things I think everyone should do in their home. Pick and choose just one that sparks your interest. There is enough pressure and business to the season and we should really minimize and lower our expectations rather than try to do all the things. What I find gets me most excited are traditions that focus on Jesus Christ. I want my children to remember the true “reason for the season” and prioritize the activities that involve mentioning and centering in Christ. Here is my list of favorites! An easy tradition that involves service-oriented activities is to follow along with the Light the World advent calendar they provide each year. You don’t have to think of ideas, they give daily prompts that are totally doable in a day, inspire your family to think of others during the Christmas season, and involve your kids as well. Even if you are not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I highly encourage you to join and participate. Any Christian can see the benefit in this great program!

Christmas traditions include a variety of customs, religious practices, rituals, and folklore associated with the celebration of Christmas. Many of these traditions vary by country or region, while others are practiced virtually identically worldwide.

Traditions associated with the Christmas holiday are diverse in their origins and nature, with some having an exclusively Christian character with origins from within the religion. In contrast, others have been described as more cultural or secular in nature and have originated outside Christian influence. Christmas traditions have also changed and evolved significantly in the centuries since Christmas was first instituted as a holiday, with celebrations often taking on an entirely different quality or atmosphere depending on the period and geographical region. As such, for Christians, attending a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day church service plays an important part in recognition of the Christmas season. Christmas and Easter are the periods of highest annual church attendance.

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Time: December 2024

Location: Hažín nad Cirochou – my Home Village, Humenné County

This post contains very special moments during my visiting natural museum.

From the collections of the Vihorlat Museum, an exhibition entitled Fauna of Upper Zemplín was installed on the occasion of International Museum Day, which highlights the state of the surrounding nature and thus indirectly the state of our environment. The exhibits on display represent representatives from various communities. The warmest forest-steppe locations of Sokol and Krivoštianka are represented by, for example, the tree snake, the green praying mantis, and the common rhinoceros. The transitional locations of the uplands are represented by, among others, the crested hoopoe, the wood warbler, and the rusty fox. The more cold-loving animals of higher mountain locations (Kremenec, Stužica, Vihorlat) are also represented by the pearly nuthatch, the alpine skunk, and the brown bear. A special group is made up of aquatic and water-dwelling animals (river otter, brook tern, and river otter), which absolutely need clean water and a little disturbed natural environment for their life. However, animals do not only live in nature – just as man has taken parts of nature and uses them for his own needs (cities – house sparrow, villages – house swallow, fields – field hamster), on the other hand, nature can use habitats created by man (buildings – great spotted bat, parks – mouse-eating weasel, gardens – garden turtledove). The natural history exhibition The Fauna of Upper Zemplín aims, first and foremost, to encourage the natural interest of our youth in nature, to educate them at least a little and to direct them towards active protection of the natural and living environment.

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Time: December 2024

Location: Humenné City

This post contains very special moments during my staying at christmas markets in Budapest, Hungary.

Budapest is the capital and most populous city of Hungary. It is the tenth-largest city in the European Union by population within city limits and the second largest city on the Danube river. The city has an estimated population of 1,752,286 over a land area of about 525 square kilometres (203 square miles). Budapest, which is both a city and municipality, forms the centre of the Budapest metropolitan area, which has an area of 7,626 square kilometres (2,944 square miles) and a population of 3,303,786. It is a primate city, constituting 33% of the population of Hungary.

The history of Budapest began when an early Celtic settlement transformed into the Roman town of Aquincum, the capital of Lower Pannonia. The Hungarians arrived in the territory in the late 9th century, but the area was pillaged by the Mongols in 1241–42. Re-established Buda became one of the centres of Renaissance humanist culture by the 15th century. The Battle of Mohács, in 1526, was followed by nearly 150 years of Ottoman rule. After the reconquest of Buda in 1686, the region entered a new age of prosperity, with Pest-Buda becoming a global city after the unification of Buda, Óbuda and Pest on 17 November 1873, with the name ‘Budapest’ given to the new capital.Budapest also became the co-capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a great power that dissolved in 1918, following World War I. The city was the focal point of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848 and the Battle of Budapest in 1945, as well as the Hungarian Revolution of 1956.

Budapest is a global city with strengths in commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and entertainment. Hungary’s financial centre, Budapest is also the headquarters of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, the European Police College and the first foreign office of the China Investment Promotion Agency. Over 40 colleges and universities are located in Budapest, including Eötvös Loránd University, Corvinus University, Semmelweis University, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest and the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. Opened in 1896, the city’s subway system, the Budapest Metro, serves 1.27 million, while the Budapest Tram Network serves 1.08 million passengers daily.

Budapest truly comes alive during the festive season, transforming into a treasure trove of holiday delights with numerous enchanting Christmas markets waiting to be explored. Turn it into a festive adventure and hop around the Budapest Christmas Markets. Start at Budapest’s largest and longest-running Christmas market held at Vörösmarty Square. This iconic market has over 100 stalls and boasts a perfect mix of festive entertainment, fun activities and great gifts. Last but definitely not least, Budapest’s Advent Feast at the Basilica Christmas Market has been voted the best one in Europe. Treat your taste buds to traditional Hungarian dishes, crispy Kürtőskalács (chimney cakes) and spiced mulled wine or lace up your skates and enjoy some ice-skating fun.

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Time: December 2024

Location: Budapest, Hungary, European Union

This post contains very special data in terms of my christmas traditions includes christmas baking recipes, especially vanilla walnnut rolls, tea cookies, cinnamon cookies, etc.

Christmas is a time for baking, whether you’re making holiday bread, cookies, pies or other goodies. Get the tips you need to make the best Christmas treats on the block!

My homemade Christmas Vanilla Rolls recipe as follows:

300 g all-purpose flour
100 g icing sugar
100 g ground walnuts
1 sachet vanilla sugar
pinch of cinnamon
250 g butter, room temperature
1 egg yolk

neutral oil for brushing the baking sheet
powdered sugar and vanilla sugar for coating

In a larger bowl combine all the ingredients for the dough and knead it to a smooth consistency.
Let the dough rest for one hour in the fridge.
Preheat oven to 180˚C.
Roll a piece of the dough to about 2 cm thick log. Cut it to the about 7 cm long pieces. Bend the roll to the shape of a horseshoe and place it on a pre-greased baking tray.
Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly golden color.
Let stand for a while, but while still warm, roll them in the icing sugar mixed with some vanilla.
Store 2 – 3 weeks in a cool place in a cardboard carton.

Makes 80 pieces of vanilla rolls.

Please, dont hesitate to make one click at following URL links which contains very special moments for your deep interest as follows:

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Time: December 2024

Location: Hažín nad Cirochou – Home Village, Humenne County

This post contains very special moments during my staying at christmas markets in Cracow, Poland.

Kraków also spelled as Cracow or Krakow, is the second-largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. Situated on the Vistula River in Lesser Poland Voivodeship, the city has a population of 804,237 (2023), with approximately 8 million additional people living within a 100 km (62 mi) radius. Kraków was the official capital of Poland until 1596, and has traditionally been one of the leading centres of Polish academic, cultural, and artistic life. Cited as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, its Old Town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, one of the world’s first sites granted the status.

The city began as a hamlet on Wawel Hill and was a busy trading centre of Central Europe in 985. In 1038, it became the seat of Polish monarchs from the Piast dynasty, and subsequently served as the centre of administration under Jagiellonian kings and of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth until the late 16th century, when Sigismund III transferred his royal court to Warsaw. With the emergence of the Second Polish Republic in 1918, Kraków reaffirmed its role as the nucleus of a national spirit. After the invasion of Poland, at the start of World War II, the newly defined Distrikt Krakau became the seat of Nazi Germany’s General Government. The Jewish population was forced into the Kraków Ghetto, a walled zone from where they were sent to Nazi extermination camps such as the nearby Auschwitz, and Nazi concentration camps like Płaszów. However, the city was spared from destruction. In 1978, Karol Wojtyła, archbishop of Kraków, was elevated to the papacy as Pope John Paul, the first non-Italian pope in 455 years.

The Krakow Christmas market is centred in and around Krakow’s Main Square. In Polish the Main Square is called “Rynek Główny” (pronounced Rinek Gwuvny). Krakow Christmas market is one of the most picture perfect settings for a Christmas market that you can imagine. Krakow’s Main Square is HUGE!! It is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe and amongst all the Christmas market stalls is the beautiful twin towered basilica of St Mary’s. In the centre of the square is the Cloth Hall. In Polish the Cloth Hall is called Sukiennice (pronounced Sukyenitse). Krakow’s Cloth Hall is THE place to go for souvenirs throughout the whole year and Christmas-time is no exception.

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Time: November, 2024

Location: Cracow, Poland, European Union

This post contains very special history, relax and nature moments during my hiking in Medzilaborce area.

One of the oldest monasteries and places of indulgence in Slovakia, also known as “Russian Devín”, was built in the 14th century on the spot where a blind beggar was miraculously healed.

Today, this romantic ruin is a frequent destination for trips to the nearby Devil’s Stone. The Devil’s Stone provides tourists with a wonderful view of the surrounding region and the city of Medzilaborce itself. The sandstone rock is sought after especially for the engraved relief of the devil’s head from 1994. On the top of the rock is a board with the coat of arms of the village of Krásny Brod. You can get there by a pleasant walk directly from the village of Krásny Bord, right at its beginning near the house of mourning, where you will also find reserved parking spaces.

Čertov kamen (433 m a.s.l.) is the seventh stop of the Kamjana forestry educational trail, and tourist signs also lead to it. Under the Devil’s Stone, traces of a narrow-gauge railway from the interwar period can be found in the terrain, which was used to transport wood from the surrounding forests.

A mysterious legend: Legend has it that there was a monastery in the village of Krásny Brod already in the 14th century. Monks taught people to do good and not believe in magic. The strigas and devils ran out of patience, so they decided to drop a huge boulder on the monastery. However, the prayers of the monks, the people and the protection of the Virgin prevented them from doing so. When the devils were approaching Krásne Brod with a boulder, the last Krásne Brod rooster crowed, which the strigs didn’t have time to scold. The devils got scared and the boulder slipped from their hands. He crashed into the woods in the Kamjana region, where he lies to this day with the terrible face of the devil carved into it. It is said that the devils from hell can sometimes be heard sighing from under it.

The village of Krásny Brod is located on the territory that was in the past an important route from Hungary and Subcarpathia to Galicia. One of these roads also led through Medzilaborce and Lupkovský pass.

Teodor Korjatovič came here in the 14th century with his army at the invitation of the Hungarian ruler to protect the state borders. Monks also came with him, who, according to popular belief, prayed for his success. Korjatovič donated a large territory to them for their moral support and had a wooden temple and monastery built near the chapel in Krásný Brod.

In the 16th century, this territory belonged to the Drugeths from Humenné, who were Calvinists at that time. In 1603, Valent Drugeth went to the feast of the Sending of the Holy Spirit around the monastery, where there were many people, because of which his horses spooked, the carriage overturned and the count broke his arm. Out of anger, he ordered the monastery to be burned down. However, his hand did not heal for a long time, so he promised that if he recovered, he would build a new monastery, which happened. When he recovered, he converted to the Catholic faith and restored the monastery in 1605.

In 1614, a new church was consecrated, which was built next to the monastery. In the years 1708-1729, the monastery was ravaged several times, and in the years 1752-1761, a new large monastery and a brick temple were built here. At that time, a new chapel was also built for the miraculous icon, which is said to have always been saved from fire.

The Krásnobrod monastery was a place of novitiate for young candidates of the order of Basilians, as well as a philosophical school, where several famous professors, such as Dr. A. Kocák, author of the first grammar for Rusyns. The ethnographer Anatolij Kralický, who collected folk songs, customs and fairy tales, the great historian Bazilović and also national revivalists such as A. Pavlovič, A. Dobriansky and A. Duchnovič worked here.

During the First World War, the Monastery in Krásný Brod was destroyed by Russian and Austro-Hungarian troops and has been in ruins ever since. The Basilian Order was building a new monastery, which was consecrated on June 2, 2002.

In the vicinity of Habury, you should see not only a wooden church, a field of animals, but also a bronze statue of Prince Laborec. The wonderful views of the surrounding nature and the majesty of the remarkable statue create a unique atmosphere that is definitely worth a visit. The statue of Prince Laborec with respectable dimensions is located above the village, on the hill above the picturesque wooden church. It is over five meters high and stands on an almost two-meter plinth made of natural stone. The statue is built in memory of Prince Laborac and as a symbol of the unity of the Ruthenians. In the pedestal under the bronze statue there is a box with soil from 106 Ruthenian villages, which symbolizes the unity of the Ruthenians. The author of the monument is the academic sculptor Ján Ťapák.

The Slavic prince Laborec lived at the turn of the 9th and 10th centuries. After the invasion of the Old Hungarian tribes into the Carpathian basin, the prince and his entourage went on the run. However, he was caught and executed on the banks of the Sviržava River. Since then, the river has been called Laborec.

Please, dont forget to make one click at following URL links, which contains very special moments for your deep interest:

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Time: November 2024

Location: Medzilaborce county (wooden churches, villages as follows: Krásny Brod, Habura, Čertižné), Prešov District

This post contains very special moments during my autumn hiking on “Riaba Rock” in national park Poloniny.

Jarabá skala (Polish: Riaba Skała, also Rabia Skała; 1,190 m a.s.l.) is the third highest peak in the Bukovské hills, the Polonín landscape.

The picturesque Nová Sedlica village is surrounded by Bukovske Hills, which include Jarabá Rock. But many call it Riaba, Ryaba or Rabia Rock. It is situated on the Slovak-Polish borderland and is a relatively popular locality among tourists.

The magnificent Jarabá Rock is considered one of the most beautiful lookout points of this location. However, it can owe its remarkable altitude as well as the installed metal viewing platform. From here you will get an incredibly beautiful panoramic view of the beech forests, the Great Bukovec massif or other natural beauties on the Polish side.

Jarabá Rock is characterized by steep rocky slopes, walls, but also primeval beech forests and beech-maple woods, which are listed in the UNESCO list. There are also a number of rare species of flora that give the wild Jarabá Rock a vivid variety. There is a yellow marked path from the easternmost village of Slovakia – Nová Sedlica (about 10km), or also from the village of Runina (about 5km).

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Time: October 2024

Location: National Park Poloniny, Nová Sedlica Village, Snina County, Prešov District

This post contains very special moments during visiting event called “Zemplínske remeslo má zlaté dno”.

Producers representing the following traditional and contemporary crafts presented their work and products: harness making, candle making, toy making, beekeeping 🐝, bee products 🍯, folk medicine 🌿, carving, sculpture 🎎, whistle making 🎼, pottery, soap decorations, lace making, basket making, weaving 👜, tailoring, jewelry 💍 and egg wiring.

It is necessary to preserve folk traditions and restore local culture so that the heritage of our ancestors is not forgotten.

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Time: October 2024

Location: Vranov nad Topľou City, Prešov District

This post contains very special moments during autumn season, especially my visiting this Park with beautiful lake.

Relax park Jazierko is a relaxation zone for families with children, but there is also an adrenaline rush for the brave. Tatra nature Relax Park Jazierko, Its dominant feature is a natural lake set in a mountain park with a view of the Lomnický peak. The place has its own unique atmosphere in every season. Enjoy its magical charm all year round with your family.

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Time: September 2024

Location: Tatranská Lomnica, High Tatras, Mountains

This post contains very special moments during my staying in the High Tatras. Road by: Lanovka: Tatranská Lomnica – Štart – Skalnaté Pleso.

Skalnaté pleso (1751m) is a lake located in the High Tatras mountains in the north of Slovakia.

The majestic Tatras hide many natural phenomena that have become popular tourist spots. Exactly such a magical place is Skalnate pleso (Rocky Mountain Lake). If you have not visited it yet, it is like you have never been to Tatras.

Skalnaté pleso is a morainal mountain-lake in the Tatras in the lowest corrie of the Rocky Valley. It has an area of 1.23 hectares, a depth of 2 m and is located at an altitude of 1754 m above sea level. It is water-free in the dry season because in the construction of the cable car, the impermeability of its bottom has been broken.

At the lake, there is a valley station of a cable car to Lomnický Peak, a chairlift to Lomnické Saddle, a top station of a cable car that runs from Tatranská Lomnica to Skalnaté Pleso with an intermediate station called Štart.

As soon as you get out of the cable car, you will be enchanted by the fabulous view. The surrounding area is beautiful, ideal for walking or hiking. The landmark of this locality, which is the first observatory in Slovakia – the Observatory of the Astronomical Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, stands out from behind all the peaks and alpine fauna.

You can comfortably reach the Skalnaté pleso by cable car from Tatranská Lomnica. If you like hiking, a moderately difficult marked trail leads to Skalnaté pleso as well. The ascent lasts 2h 40min from Tatranska Lomnica or 1h 40min from the intermediate station of Štart.

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Time: September 2024

Location: Cable car as follows: Tatranská Lomnica – Štart – Skalnaté Pleso, High Tatras, Mountains

This post contains very special moments during my hiking in the High Tatras, mountains.

Clear Tatra mountain lakes are diamonds of our mountains. These include Jamské Lake, which is a popular destination for visitors to the Tatras, as it is a very pleasant and undemanding hike that leads through the forest environment.

Jamské mountain lake is situated in the beautiful environment of limba grove planted on the monument of the heroes of the Slovak National Uprising, northwest of Štrbské Pleso near Tatra railway line. Jamské Lake covers an area of 0.67 hectares and its maximum depth is 4.2 meters.

The surroundings of Jamské Lake are fabulously picturesque. Views of the surrounding scenery of the Tatra nature will surely enchant you. You can sit on the built benches, enjoy the beauty as well as draw new, positive energy.

Jamské Lake is an excellent rest stop if you continue hiking further towards Kriváň or other surrounding Tatra Mountains. The most popular starting point for trips to the Jamské Lake is Štrbské Pleso (about 4 km away) or the tourist crossroads Tri studničky (approx. 5 km away).

Please, dont forget to make one click at following URL link which contains detailed photogallery fro your deep interest as follows:

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Time: September 2024

Location: High Tatras, Mountains, Lake