Garden Police

Currently, I am revamping the garden. Yesterday I had some very capable and handy friends helping me out: hardworking, dedicated, loyal, creative and at one stage during the day extreamly hungry and who was I to have deprived them of food? So sustenance had to be provided.

Let me say, our garden a few weeks back was a jungle of Malina raspberries. These were not the fruit bearing kind, more like the vicious teeth-bearing, blood sucking kind. 

My friend Peto and I managed to pull these all out. Rain and shine came and went in turn, but we soldiered on and managed to clear the ground. But yesterday, sunny Saturday afternoon I organized a Brigada. Starting with 3 workers, Peto, Milo and I. It eventually multiplied to 7 of us...working hard in the garden. 

My fantastic neighbor came up and brought us champagne; his wife then arrived with chocolate and water... so we were well cared for. Then in the late afternoon, at the hour of about 4, we dug a hole in the ground and started making a fire. Little did we know how much the smoke would bother the back neighbors,never mind that I had to climb 3 meters of the wall and 5 meters of trees to infiltrate their garden.

The owner arrived, standing 4 meters above were we were working, asking that the fire be put out as it's apparently  illegal to have an open fire in one's own garden. However as we explained this was not just an open fire; we wern't burning plastic, rubble or tires, like in some countries - this was to be our saviour against starvation: a fire to cook perfectly grilled, perfectly ,marinated chicken breasts. But he was not impressed, and stomped off to call her son for backup. I should add that I had been warned earlier about this bunch, in thats they had previously hosed down a "real" fire started by my other set of neighbours some time back... so I was somewhat prepared, if a bit taken aback at the complaint.

Eventually the son arrived at the wall and kicked up a fuss. "if you don't put out this fire I'm calling the police!"

Great! we said, can you ask them to bring us some more beers?

So the po po arrived, two lovely men in suits, rather confused as to why, when they should be fighting real criminals on the streets of Bratislava, like under- aged drinkers and illegal parkers, they were called to my 'Lopata' garden party. They told the irate neighbor that he should have called the city police as this wasn't in their jurisdiction. They also called him over to our side of the fence so we could discuss the matter on the same level.

He arrived, still irate. We then managed to settle the situation, with my direct, kind sweet neighbor commenting on the fact that even if we had a "proper" grilling system there would still be smoke! And that it's not actually illegal to grill in one's garden. The city police were at this stage called off, I wasnt fined and the neighbor left a little embarrassed as to the gang up but somehow seemed a little happier...hmmm, maybe he just needed a walk and some entertainment on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

The police however refused my offer to join us for a drink and some digging.

Good fun had by all.

STK

Today I had the arduous task of renewing my STK on the car, this is I guess the same as an MOT and emissions test.

Just to fill you in, our car is an amazing getup, I love driving it and after having a new petrol tank installed last week , she is driving like a dream, she is however a 1984 Opel Corsa Swing, so she has some years on her. being a gift from my partners grandfather, we try and keep her in good nick and for today's test I was praying crossing fingers and toes that she would get through.

I didn't know what awaited me, I went into the office where I was to book her in. We were called up and I drove her around. Luckily starting on the 1st rev, as previously I have had problems with this, I was relived and ready for the challenge that lay ahead.

We drove into the garage for the 1st test, opening the bonnet. The mechanic struggled a little, as there is a trick to opening, hmm, 1st hiccup!

Eventually, he was able to get a good look under her hood, fiddling about with his greesy fingers he acknowledged that all was clear and moved on in, checking win codes, boot, RUST!!! eek! 2nd hiccup!

Then was the battery and emissions test. Shoving a pipe up her exhauset he revered her engine entently, not taking any pitty on the old bird, she howled, emitting thrillfull shreeks as the mechanic had his foot flat, she was in the red...dropping to meet green...shew!

We then tested lights, GULP, front, back, flickers, hazards... held from flashing by a key and a 2 euro coin.

It was pointed out to me that the front lights weren't shining equally, I stated that the left one was weak, he said " No, It doesn't work" ! and needs to be replaced.

Now, " Mate trojuholník a
lekárnička "? ( Do you have a triangle and a medical kit? ) Hmm, I answered I don't know, I said I carried band aids, was that not enough? I got a smerk out of the very sweet but unimpressed mechanic.

So we proceeded round back, opening up the boot again, he had to fiddle about, luckily discovering an emergency triangle, and not so luckily my medical kit of the dark ages ! I received yet another smirk and look bellow the eyebrows.

Driving the car on, he checkd the front breaks and then the hand break, my wheels were slightly still spinning, I got coy, he asked me if they had stopped, I smilled and politely said, yes, but not as quickly as the front ones...he tried again, and asked again...this time I replied with a definite Yes!

Looking under the car he was pleased to see I invested in getting a new petrol tank and seemed to approve everything else. 

I was told, before leaving...to replace my front bulb, buy a medical kit current to this century and to sand off the rust and do some painting...

At this stage I was still unclear as to whether I /we had passed or not.

Waiting in the office I was a little nervous as to the result. I paid the due 65 euros and was escourted to my vehicle. As she had been manhandled and bad mouthed, I could see she was a little sad to say the least. The mechanic gave me that under the brow look again and said, I have passed you but please fix what I asked you to. Both the car ( still needing a name ) and I leaped for joy, smiling on the in and the out.

She received her stickers and me my 1st noddy badge for passing my STK in Slovak .

Her engine started with a growl and we were on the home straight.

I was to get one of these.

 Replace this.

And sand and replace areas that look a little like this.

Lingering langos

 Besides attempting to organize the STK for my car, a friend treated me to the most amazing langos.

Now, for those of you who don't know what langos is, it is an amazing form of fried food, quite similar to American fried dough.

This is a Hungarian meal, as well as a Slovakian meal, I guess one can safely say an Eastern European meal.

Most commonly it is eaten with garlic, sour cream which is similar to cream fraiche and grated cheese. 

Here is the incredible specimen I ingested today... delicious!

 

From this place in Ivanka, 15 km from Bratislava.

I am not entirely sure what went into making this particular langos so good but if you are wanting to make your own you should be able to follow these simple instructions and enjoy it too.

Makes 4 Langos

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 large potato, boiled, peeled, mashed and kept warm
• 2 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast (same as rapid-rise or bread-machine yeast)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cloves garlic, cut in half

Preparation:

1. Place the ingredients in the order given, except the garlic, in a mixing bowl. Using the paddle attachment, combine the ingredients until well moistened.
   
   
2. Switch to the dough hook and knead for 5 to 7 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover and let rise until doubled.
   
   
3. Separate dough into 4 portions, shape into a round and place on a lightly floured board. Cover and let rest 20 minutes.
   
   
4. In a large skillet, heat 1 inch canola oil to 350 degrees. Flatten and stretch dough to about an 8-inch diameter. Make a slit in the center. This is traditional and also helps to keep the dough from puffing up in the middle and not frying properly. Fry one at a time about 2 minutes per side or until golden. Drain on paper towels.
   
   
5. Serve hot rubbed with garlic clove and sprinkled with salt. Variations include topping with sour cream and chopped dill or shredded Emmenthaler or Gruyere cheese. Or, for a sweet version, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or confectioners' sugar.

ENJOY!

Oh so sweet.

When life hands you lemons, squeeze them!

The sour aspects make the sweet ones so much sweeter.

 Just a whole bunch of blooming pretty flowers!

 ... and a dandelion.

 Or is that a dandy lion... 

 Now, let's see that monkey face!

Mmmm, Goulash

It was a beautiful early summer afternoon, goulash was on the menu and I was hungry!

Ingredients:

2.5 kg beef cut into cubes
2.5 kg pork cut into cubes
6 finely chopped onions ( missing from pic )
5 kg potatoes cut into cubes
Paprika to taste
Black pepper, herbs and spices
Rosemary as a final touch
Olive oil for frying
1.5 large pots of water
Beer ...Just for refreshment whilst cooking.

Goulash, goulash how delicious, goulash, goulash, one of my favorite dishes...

Firstly it's important to make sure after stoking the fire in the furnace, that you place the pot securely in to the drum. Add your olive oil and wait for oil to heat up considerably before adding the onions. When you have done so and the onions are glassy it's good to add firstly the beef, brown it and then add the pork to the mix. Let this cook up before adding the salt paprika, pepper and spices. Next toss in the potatoes and add your water.

Whilst mixing...once all ingredients are happily in the pot it's time to sit back, relax and enjoy the wait as it will be at least 4 hours till its time to eat! It is good to let it cook with the lid on for the last hour, as after the water has boiled off you give the flavors a chance to settle. A meal for those who can stomach their hunger.




Whilst waiting, perhaps you can snack on somewhat of a caprese salad, super simple. Mozzarella, fresh basil and cherry tomatoes...
Mnam! With a drizzle of olive oil just superb.

But do not despair, your goulash is not far in the air. Only 3-4 hours and it will be there. It is also optional to add Chillie and/or rosemary to taste, I like mine with a bit of a bite.
Once think and full of flavor enjoy your goulash with fresh Slovak potato bread, which in my opinion is the best!

Dobru chut!
Bon appétit!

Venice

What an inspiring day. We found ourselves in Venice this morning, After leaving Bratislava, Slovakia and yesterday by early evening we boarded a train from Vienna headed to Italy.

Our bags ladened, minimal amount of this load consisting of clothing and about 3/4 food. Slovak potato bread, Slaninka ( beacon fat) Salami, cheese x 5, peppers and chillies. Anything I have left out will be mentioned...oh yes..Instant noodles, pastieka x 30 (pate), and then, most necessary, a bag of goodies.
After me running off to check the possibilities of a reservation for the night train, usually recommend, but not compulsory when traveling through Italy, I saw 3 minutes till departure, got the information, backed up and rushed off to the train which was caught in the nick of time. The answer to my question regarding space was a negative, but we boarded anyway. We had till Salzburg in a cabin shared with a Ozzie, 2 Hollanders and a South Korean as well as the inter-mediated company of two New Yorkers who kept popping in. We settled in and prepared tea on our cabin floor using our gas cooker. All was well till parting with our seats.
Now expedited to the corridor with another 16+ travelers, 1st sleeping on our back packs and later opening up the mattress to afford a luxurious journey we were on our way.

The next morning awaking in the hills of Italy was a magical experience, we entered a tunnel, had darkness which felt like a life time and arrived in the still snow caped mountains, being summer time this was a magnificent sight to behold, I could feel the crispness of the air as I flung my head out the train window inhaling the morning in deeply.

Destination reached and besides running on empty after the great nights sleep we had enough energy to discover Venice. What a beautiful city, a tourist attraction, geared at enticing and luring in unsuspected shopping victims is needless to say pricey and over the top, E1.50 to use the loo!
 The architecture is however beautiful and well deserving of all the hails it receives. The mask shops and little waterways, as well as the flower pots hanging out the windows, tuscan shades and gondolas create a most inciting atmosphere.

This time of year is renowned to art exhibitions...the city is full to the brim with them, there are a series of galleries that get together to have on display art from all over the world. All styles imaginable and another wonderful aspect is that the galleries are not only official sites but we had the interesting experience of stepping into an old stately home where there was a sweet old woman in her dressing gown, looking a little confused as we browsed the collection in her home.

Besides venice being a bit of a tourist trap I'd say it's a worthwhile experience and a part of Italy fit to add to the holiday list.