Pohorela, SLOVAKIA
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AHOJ !
Pohorela, Slovakia is a small village of about 2,552 people high in a valley atop the Tatras Mountains in Slovakia. The nearest major city is Kosice. Modest in population, breathtaking with scenic views, it hasn't grown much in the last several decades. It maintains a pristine, family -centric lifestyle. The "Babushkas" the elder widows, still work in the nearby fields with their pickaxes perched upon their shoulders, high black rubber boots and aprons, sharing news in the streets early each morning. Horses pulling wooden carts traverse the well worn roads. My mother Maria Yanchura Siman, left for Canada with her mother Kristina- Pompura Fur (Siman) in 1928 to join my grandfather who immigrated first. Shortly after immigrating to work at the Steel Plant in Sault Ste Marie Ontario, Canada, they assisted several families from their picturesque village to do the same. |
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I have fond memories of my maternal grandmother (Babka) and grandfather (Dedko) from my early childhood years. My Babka spoke very little English, but I seem to recall she said " OY YOY YOY..." a lot. My Dedko Juro, liked his gin and always seemed to be in a happy mood. He made homemade wine and smoked meats in their family home.
There was always lots of good food in our home (Doma). From Holushky (Liver Dumpling soup) to Pirohi (Potato & Cheese Dumplings) to Holubce (Cabbage Rolls), we never went hungry.
Growing up with Slovak roots gave me a sense of history, of rich culture and belonging.
To this day, I take great pride in my Slovak heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT : Pohorela images courtesy Lizanne Avon.
Kristina Pompura -Fur ( Siman) and Maria Yanchura- Siman: Passport Photo
There was always lots of good food in our home (Doma). From Holushky (Liver Dumpling soup) to Pirohi (Potato & Cheese Dumplings) to Holubce (Cabbage Rolls), we never went hungry.
Growing up with Slovak roots gave me a sense of history, of rich culture and belonging.
To this day, I take great pride in my Slovak heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT : Pohorela images courtesy Lizanne Avon.
Kristina Pompura -Fur ( Siman) and Maria Yanchura- Siman: Passport Photo