During July 9 through July 14 I was in  Lwowek Śląski (Tomasz Praszkier helped those of us with thick tongues to learn how to pronounce it correctly in Polish - luvoovek shlahnski), Poland as a guest for the annual Crystal Days event.  Tomasz is one of the primary event organizers and he managed to couple the event with a Mindat conference.  Much like Sainte Marie aux Mines in France, the Crystal Days is an out door event full of live music, customary food, rocks of all sorts and other booths filled with items you might expect to see at a carnival.  The dealers selling minerals and other rocks are sectioned off so those who care only about that sort of thing do not have to wander over the large area to try and find them.

First, I have to tell you that this section of Poland is beautiful with thickly forested hill slopes and innumerable open pastures.  It really is quite rural and pastoral in its feel.  All of the roads are 2 lane or smaller and scenery abounds.

 
  Typical view of the countryside in southern Poland

 
A lovely small park near the Hotel Piast where we stayed in Lwowek Śląski

The organizers of this show do an amazing job given that it is brief.  Hundreds of stands are erected, a few band stands, electronic screens put up, food concessionaires and beer fountains placed and all of it wired for electricity.  These folks know how to get things done!

Here's a brief history of the Lwowek Śląski.  It was founded in the early 1200's by German people.  Some of the structures date that far back in time too.  The Town Hall, built in the 1500s is the central building in the center of the village and it is a captivating structure.  The tower was a bit too steep and harrowing for me to climb but several more adventurous folks made the trek as far as they could despite the pidgeon carcasses and abundant guano.  Over half of the town was spared the destruction of World War II so there are many fine old buildings to admire.

A stained glass window in the room where civil wedding ceremonies take place.

A stunning ceiling design that was featured on a German postage stamp.

 
A greeting dinner for the Mindat folks and the show organizers in the old Town Hall.

The single largest force behind Crystal Days - Tomasz Praszkier of Spirifer Minerals .

On the fringe of the show.  The first tent had offers of Native American music and costumes available.

One of the numerous food stands with traditional Polish cuisine available.

The opening ceremony on Friday.

Tomasz Praskier delivering some comments at the opening of Crystal Days.

Drums being played at the closing of the opening ceremony of Crystal Days.

On Saturday the crowds really started to appear despite some inclement weather. We had a good soaking rain on Friday and some residual on Saturday. 

 
Some of the folks there on Friday morning.

More people Saturday morning near the main stage and directly in front of the old Town Hall.

Friday night the show dealers and folks from Mindat were treated to a large dinner at the Sports Hall.  There the Mayor delivered a message to the group and Tomasz interpreted it for those of us less linguistically capable.

Saturday evening the Mindat group and several show organizers were treated to a special evening high in the nearby mountains bordering the Czech Republic.  An evening dinner and experience at the Chata Walonska (House of the Valonians). The Valonians were the early seekers of minerals and responsible for the early mining history of this region of Poland. They wore a large, long red coat and jet black leather hat.  We were treated to a retelling of the history of these people and their customs includng the determination that women were more intelligent than men and should have dominion of the tribe.  Witches were selected to mete out punishment for wrong doing.  In this case the term "witch" means that the selected women were smart and filled with common sense.  It was great fun to watch everyone be part of the play acting of these ancient people's traditions.

 
The carved stone at the entrance of the building.

Malcolm Southwood and Mark Mauthner getting what they deserved from two of the witches.

Tom and Jolyon getting the rough end of an elk antler!

We all enjoyed a bbq of wild boar and vegetables including some incredible sour kraut!

You gotta love that traditional Polish costume!

Katya, Joanna and Tomasz starting to wind down.

The final moments of the show came and the show organizers, Malcolm, Jolyon, and myself all received our 15 minutes of fame.

The closing laser light show was off the top crazy good!  This is just the first three minutes of a 20 minute show.

I have to say that I was very impressed with the organization of this show and the competent people behind it - especially Tom Praszkier.  I also want to extend my heart felt thanks to Tom and Asia as two of the best hosts I have ever had the pleasure of being around.  Also to my traveling partners Mark Mauthner, and Malcolm and Ange Southwood. 

Crystal days is not a great mineral show yet but it is growing and including Mindat as part of the program will certainly increase the number of mineral people who attend over time. If you want to experience a remarkable slice of Polish tradition and meet some of the friendliest people around then I would encourage you to mark your calender for the second weekend in July 2014 to Lwowek Śląski, Poland for Crystal Days 2014.  I know I will be there and I hope to see some of you there next year also!

Cheers,  

John Veevaert