Wednesday, June 20, 2012


I didn’t sleep very well.  It was just too hot and humid so I got up early, took a shower, dressed and went downstairs to the restaurant to enjoy my complimentary breakfast.  I ordered coffee and the “pancakes,” which were really crepes filled with jam and topped with whipped cream.  The pancakes were delicious, but the serving size was too much for me (I typically don’t eat a big breakfast), but I enjoyed as much as I could as I waited for my researcher/guide/translator, Michal, to pick me up for the trip to Osturna.  

Once he arrived I went upstairs to get my luggage and then checked out of Saris Park.  The first stop, however, was the Presov Archives.  When we arrived, we were greeted by Milan Belej, whom I met at the 2009 Czechoslovakia Genealogical Society International Conference in Cleveland, Ohio.  

Lisa Alzo in front of the Presov Archives

We looked through some records on microfilm, and then Milan gave us a personal tour–showing us some charters, manuscripts and other interesting books dating back many centuries.  The archives are housed in a former monastery and I also got to see the room where they would send the monks who were disobedient.  You could feel the history oozing out of the walls!  [Note: Pictures were not permitted].


After our tour, Michal and I went to have lunch at a cafe.  We found a table in the shade and enjoyed a delicious lunch.  I had a chicken cutlet served with potatoes and a salad and diet coke with ice!  Then it was time to set off for the 1-1/2 hour drive to Osturna.


Photos by Lisa A. Alzo
Copyright 2012, Lisa A. Alzo
All Rights Reserved