On Wednesday morning we said good-by to our hosts, Sonia and Mario and struck out towards Váhovce (Hungarian Vága), Gabi’s and my birthplace, to visit Tercsike, whose mother used to look after him when he was a baby.
We were welcomed by Tercsike and her son Feri with a huge lunch. Tercsike showed me some very interesting old documents and presented me with three books about the history of the village. One of them contained a special dedication to the whole Kneif family by the local priest. After lunch we took a walk in their garden, Feri’s creation. It was a lovely garden and Ann has bought home some tips and inspiration.
Later we went to the cemetery to visit our grandfather’s grave. At the parish council we found some interesting personal records with the intercession of Tercsike, who used to work there for some 19 years. After a walk around the village we were offered more food and drink. The roast duck was excellent – pity that our stomachs were still full of lunch. Late afternoon, loaded with presents, we departed towards Dorog.
Possibly Tercsike’s mother with Gabi (c. 1944). If someone recognizes her, please, let me know: george@kneif.info.
After lunch: Adi, Gabi, Tercsike, I and Feri
This time I am the photographer: Adi, Gabi, Tercsike, Feri and Ann.
Tercsike showed me photos going back to 1938, some including my father.
The same scene from the other end of the table
View of the east side of the courtyard from the house door. Note the braided tree trunk.
Exit from the house to the courtyard.
The west side of the courtyard with the shed leading to the garden
View of the front garden
Another view of the front garden with the trumpet creeper (Campsis Radicans) climbing the gazebo (Feri’s photo)
The flower of the trumpet creeper (Feri’s photo)
Admiring the gold fish in the pond
A good photo opportunity for the men
The ladies viewing the garden from the bridge
View of the garden from the bridge
The back garden with the waterfall to the pond
Looking back along the west side of the garden from the waterfall. The whole garden is surrounded by smooth oxeye, sometimes called false-sunflower (Heliopsis Helianthoides).
The flower of the smooth oxeye (Feri’s photo)
My Grandfather’s grave ...
... and his death certificate
Gabi’s birth certificate
My birth certificate (Juraj)
The church and the school – now changed from ochre to green. Behind the school was our house; now replaced by an extension to the school.
