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!