I did not move one step from Paradise today at the Agroturystyka Barnilka in Klimkowka, Poland. This lovely wooden house, built in the Lemko style, is owned by Peter and his partner, Jose, who is an amazing chef. My room is very comfortable, leading out to a wrap-around balcony overlooking Lake Klimkowka. Originally from western Croatia, the Lemkos settled in the Carpathian mountains in Poland in the 14th century. In 1947, they were driven from their homes and farms after World War II ended. Peter grew up in northern Poland and spent some time in Spain. In the 1960's his grandmother returned to the area and gave the land to him about 15 years ago to build his dream home.
This house is truly spectacular, with a lovely dining room with upholstered deep purple chairs and antiques. There are comfortable wicker couches and chairs on the veranda with a view of the lake and the miniature chicken house. 
The food is fresh and delicious, with a Spanish flair. For the breakfast buffet, there are scrambled eggs, bacon, freshly baked lemon cake and bread, with marmalade and
clotted cream. There is also cheese and ham to make a sandwich for later.
For dinner, I have soup with garbanzo
beans, sausage, and potatoes, a specialty from Madrid. The main course is the most tender
piece of marinated baked chicken I have ever tasted, with roast potatoes,
and a salad made with finely chopped cabbage, corn, red peppers,
tomatoes, and cucumbers. Dessert is a strawberry torte with raspberry
sauce and vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce.
If you get the sense my day revolves around eating, it's not entirely
true. In the morning, I
watch the sun burn off the morning fog over the lake, and the goats
and the chickens do whatever goats and chickens do. In the afternoon, I pet the two friendly Labradors, read, write, and take several naps, content to watch other guests go hiking in the hills or canoeing on the lake. And guess what? I'm not ashamed to say I'm planning to do the exact
same thing tomorrow and the next day.
If you get the sense my day revolves around eating, it's not entirely
true. In the morning, I
watch the sun burn off the morning fog over the lake, and the goats
and the chickens do whatever goats and chickens do. In the afternoon, I pet the two friendly Labradors, read, write, and take several naps, content to watch other guests go hiking in the hills or canoeing on the lake. And guess what? I'm not ashamed to say I'm planning to do the exact
same thing tomorrow and the next day. 
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