I throw two large parties each year at the penzión, one to celebrate Saint Sylvester and the other to celebrate my birthday. The local folklore group, Osturnianka, obliges me with song and dance, while I reciprocate with food and vodka.
I prepare weeks in advance, developing a tapas menu of fabulous foods, from delicacies such as deep-fried coconut shrimp to Osturňa's own humble knes, all of which are served at various intervals throughout the evening. It is a celebration that I wish the entire village could embrace, for an Osturňa celebration is great fun!
At this particular event, my friend, Jay, visited from King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. I was so thankful that he came. He is the one with glasses dancing with pretty women! From the photos, his mother, Marlene, who lives in both King of Prussia and in Vienna, Austria, and is an artist, gave me a beautiful painted picture for the memory.
There is little else to write here about it; a party is a party. But I must admit, we throw pretty damn good parties. For us, the locals, it is just great fun. But for our guests, it is a spectacle that will stay with them for years to come. And I am delighted to be a part of it.