Košice = "Co-Sheets-A."
Lukaš, Olga's friend who organized the media campaign for the tour, took us out to a really nice four course meal at a local restaurant around noon. They were closed, but Lukaš called up the owner yesterday and they opened up for us special. Royalty treatment, I tell ya.
First came sliced meats and cheese. Second was homemade chicken noodle soup. Third was twice baked potatoes, green beans, and grilled pork. Fourth was chocolate lava cake with ice cream and raspberry sauce. Yeah, it was pretty good... I mean, for a lunch. Good lord.
We caught the last period of the Slovakia vs Denmark ice hockey match (Slovaks won in second shoot out) back at the crib. Can you guess what happened next? If you guessed "nap time" you are correct!
Out the door at 5:00 for the 60km drive to Košice. Pretty beautiful drive; single lane 'highways' connecting little villages and farm land and rich green hills. We passed a memorial to one of the last eastern German/Russian battles of WWII. We also passed a small gypsy slum which started a talk about this relatively universally despised population. Is there an equivalent in the U.S.? Gypsies are legal residents here. They collect money from the state. Have every right to everything everyone else has a right to. It's interesting. No one seems to be pro gypsy, and yet no one is trying to make them leave or assimilate or whatever. They seem to just coexist, albeit in slums, next to the 'regular' Slovak population.
Rider's Pub in Košice is just that; a biker bar or at least that's what it looks like. Are there bikers in Slovakia?! If so, I'm sure they are wonderful people. Riders Pub looks like Roadhouse got freaky with an Applebee's. Lots, I mean LOTS, of Jack Daniels paraphernalia and tchotchke. Smokey. A joint I'm not sure I'd be welcomed in back in the states or even feel comfortable in... but not here.
Everyone was very friendly, the guys helping the PA (who are in a band called Grey Dog, btw, that plays heavy and hard rock which I'm sure goes over great here) were totally sweet and welcoming to us. We had some time to kill after sound check so we drove into the city center, which was really beautiful. The clouds were even breaking a little and we caught what we can only describe as a blue sky. Intense.
We walked around and grabbed a couple slices of some tasty but cheap pizza w corn and ham (.50€ a slice, I mean come on) and headed back to the club.
Had a nice little crowd for an unknown band. A real mix of students, friends of Olga, locals, and beefy biker dudes you wouldn't want to mess with.
Our set was good. Felt solid. Despite another one monitor scene which can be difficult to find the vocal blend. And in a moment of pure irony, one of the beefy biker cats got up with his girl and slow danced to 'Moving in Slow Motion.' It was amazing!! Totally made our night.
We find out shortly thereafter that the beefy biker cat who just slow jammed to Moving was the owner of the bar and it was his birthday! The same biker dude who you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley, a well lit alley, or in church on Sunday. But apparently he has a real soft side and digs some acoustical jams and isn't scared to grind it out on the dance floor w his chica. After hearing it was his birthday, we stood on some chairs and did some more singing. Not a full on acoustic jam like the other night, just Bid You, but the 20 plus folks in the bar loved it. It was a moment for sure. The owners girlfriend was in tears. And despite all the in your face advertising for Jack Daniels, we had Czech Beer and Jamison. We were also introduced to Borovička a spirit made of junipers. Nastravia! Suck it JD!
Another couple quick slices of pizza and an impromptu dance party in the streets of Košice before the ride home.
Made it home in one piece. Thankfully we have a great driver, Olga, who safely delivers us through the Slovakian countryside to our home away from home at the Penzion Familia in Vranov nad Toplou.
Another unforgettable night for sure.
No comments:
Post a Comment