Juro, One Smart cookie!

Marta's brother Juro graduated with his masters on Thursday. He didn't just do well in school, he freaking rocked it. Juro earned what Europe calls a "red diploma". This basically means that his grades were flawless! I spoke to Marta and Juro's sister, Hana, a few weeks ago via Skype and realized that Juro had made quite an accomplishment. You could hear the pride in Hana's voice as she explained that before Juro pulled it off she had believed that only freaks and crazy geniuses received a red diploma.

On Saturday, there was a party for Juro and I got my first lesson on celebrating... Slovak style! When it comes to how to party, I believe these guys got it down. The first and most important ingredient, is without argument the slivovica! For those of you who haven't heard, slivovica is a clear alcohol made from plums in the still of some great Slovak. It rings in at about 52%. That's about 120 proof!

Next comes the food. Man! These people know how to roast a pig! In addition to the pork we had cabbage, potatoes, bread, and some of the greatest pastries I have ever had. After we ate we started in with some beers, I caught Juro eating again. I couldn't believe it. I was like, "How can you still be hungry man!?!" This is when Juro taught me something very important. He said that when you drink so much slivovica you have to eat to "Grease up" so you don't die. :)

All in all, I had a blast getting to know Marta's family. They were all so kind and welcoming to me. Marta's dad is a bit sneaky with the sliviovica. If you are sitting anywhere near him your shot glass continues to get filled. By the time you notice he is ready with a smile. Nazdravie!

Kickin it in Budapest, and hitchhiking to Bratislava.

I'm Here! It was so nice to get off that dreaded airplane and see Marta's smiling face. I have no idea what I would have done if she would have had trouble getting to the airport.

Hungarian is a crazy language... I would not have had a chance :)

After surviving the plane ride over the pond and taking a long nap, Marta and I were ready to see what Budapest had to offer. We were not disappointed! The food was great and the buildings were beautiful.

After hearing some American lady, bitch about a waitress making a small mistake, "Aaah! This is not the juice I ordered! I ordered sour cherry! Not strawberry! That waitress is going to fix this! I can't believe this!", I vowed to do my best never to be "THAT American". I also decided that if I find myself around these close-minded freaks that I might just be from Canada that day. :)

All in all, Budapest was great. It was formerly two cities, and the way the Danube River flows right down the middle of the city is really something. We had a blast, but it was time to get going.

On the drive to Bratislava, a little "Haarman Luck" kicked in, and I broke my second car of the summer. We lost the timing belt, and destroyed the engine in Marta's parents' car, before even reaching the Slovak border.

What do you do when you break down in Europe? Well... you don't ask Marta. In fact! She might ask you what to do. :) Don't ask to use her cell phone either. It does work... "sometimes" :) It's never boring with this girl. Lets face it though, I am very blessed to have her.

Anyway, we ended up hitchhiking the remaining 15 kilometers to the border. Marta got a hold of some family friends and we were able to tow the car to Bratislava. Marta's mom laughed about the situation and with a great smile said " Vitaj na Slovensku!" ("Welcome to Slovakia!")