Day 10 - July 14th - By Julia A.

So I guess the first thing all our faithful readers should understand is that while we might have a schedule, it's fairly basic and we don't normally know what's going on until the day of (if that). Our first day in the renovated communistic building already started off with some confusion. Apparently groups had been divided into two breakfast times but no one knew that. After a less than stellar breakfast, Pan Jerzy took time out of his busy schedule as festival director to teach us some Lemko steps - supposedly we caught on quickly which was nice to hear. Because the mirrored practice room was occupied with loud Russians and Serbs duking it out at ping-pong, we had to more to the incredibly hot and humid gymnasium. After, we quickly blocked two more pairs into the jazz suite for the afternoon performance as MK was dragged by her hair to yet another meeting. 

That afternoon we got on the bus and headed to Krynica-Zdroj for the parade. Because we were fourth to last on the program, we had about two hours of down time in costume after the parade. Some of us went shopping and found some trinkets. Others went to go get drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). Some even order more for lunch or just ice-cream. 

So previously we've had issues with slippery stages so all of us are afraid to get up and do the flips and dips. Thankfully it wasn't too bad and everyone kept their feet under them. The audience was really receptive and fun to perform for. I think with all the constant last minute changes we do it went really well. 

Afterwards we hopped on the bus to head back. Story of the bus: A lot of the time when we get on the bus we have to wait. For who knows how long. And it's really hot. Like, really hot and humid because of all the dancers. This time was no exception. We had to wait for sick Indonesians who ended up not even riding our bus. Go figure.

Anyway, we got back and had kolacja (again, not spectacular). And again, Pan Jerzy held Lemko practice for us - even teaching us some Lemko songs and phrases this time around. Afterwards there were two crazy parties that night: the Mexicans and Columbians held a drumming and dancing party right outside the hotel and the Lemko and Serbians had a bonfire. Eventually the bonfire was the place to be and people were sharing dance steps, alcohol, and good company. The party lasted till two thirty in the morning and supposedly the Serbians broke a picnic table from dancing on it. Sadly I missed that little piece of excitement. All I can say now is that it was an awesome day, but now I need sleep.

-Julia