Playtime in Poland

We found the most incredible public playground in Zakopane. A large arrangement of crazy play towers all done in the charming wood architecture style of the rest of Zakopane. The only drawback i can think of was that it didn't open until 8am. With Brock up at 5:30, and mommy sleeping in, we certainly could have fit a few more visits in. 

Here's Brock mildly enjoying the swings. We got some giggles out of him after the camera was put away.

Look! Real teeter-totters! Must not be in America.

Exploring the crazy house....

After wearing Brock out a bit, it was time for some adult fun, so we ventured to perhaps the most fun restaurant in Poland

It hard to believe from the pic, but this gem is located just back from a pretty busy street. From the street all you see is a little walking path into the woods. A few steps later, you see it. Brock got a little too dependent on his pacifier during the trip. We were out a lot and he was stressed a lot, so we didn't worry about it. This pic is a great example of what happens right after you take said pacifier away.

Here's the front door. It's really short and lends a hobbity feel. You knock, and then a very short Polish woman with an axe answers and welcomes you in. She slaps everyone on the butt with her axe as you enter and then clangs it against a large metal cauldron above your heads. It's intensely merry.

Here's the main hostess lady meeting Brock. She didn't speak a lick of English, but was as kind and welcoming as anyone we met. The rest of the pictures are a bit low-quality. It was crazy dark inside, with daylight still pouring in the windows, and attempting a flash just made everything worse.

Brock surveys the mayhem.

If you enter the restaurant wearing a tie, the hostess will cut it off with a huge machete and hang it from the rafters as tribute. The remains of many well-dressed travelers dangle above you. You can also get a free shot of vodka if you let the hostess cut off your underwear or bra with the machete. One brave tourist from the other table took her up on the deal, and a minute later, his underwear joined the ties. There was no nudity involved. She's a magician with her machete. You can see a few bras on the back wall too. 

The other group there was exceptionally boisterous, and quite reminiscent of how I imagine a large Cerney crew would behave in such an establishment. One person in their party (the lady pictured on the right) spoke a little English, and invited us to join in dancing to the wonderful gypsy music. Holly danced with all the men, I with all the ladies, and Brock was passed from person to person for about 20 seconds before he lost track of us and melted down. We continued the revelry in shifts. Thanks for the memories! Maybe next time we'll remember to wear our least favorite underpants...