TĚRYHO chata in the Tatras. photo: Chris Togneri |
"Nothing special: we eat cabbage soup and carp with potato salad. However, up here, it is much quieter and whiter."
Another difference is that they have to carry the food all the way up on their backs, often in fresh, heavy snow. On Christmas Eve, after it gets dark, Jílek's friends and guests gather in a room lit by candles and gas lamps. After an aperitif they start to serve the Christmas dinner. They remember their stories and share them with others. Presents are laid under the Christmas tree, which in this case is a short decorated one.
"New Year's Eve here is more lively, as we can see the giant fireworks down in the town perfectly. Having said that, one Christmas wasn't so peaceful. As usual we put a carp in the snow and an ermine, the little beast, stole it and ate it. That time it wasn't us, but him, who had the Happy Christmas."
