For decades, Pieter was friend with Czechian Mushroom Scientist Miroslav Stanĕk.
Mind you, this was still during the era of Communism!
Dr. Stanĕk participated at several ISMS Congresses, like in 1969 in Hamburg where he lectured about 'The effect of cellulose-decomposing microorganisms on the growth of the mushroom'.
ISMS London in 1972 where Dr. Stanĕk lectured about 'Microorganisms Inhabiting Mushroom Compost during Fermentation'.
ISMS Tokyo and Taipei 1974 'Bacteria Associated with Mushroom'. Pieter missed that one, due to his kidney stone problem he ended up in the hospital and one of his teachers presented his lecture instead.
ISMS Bordeaux in 1979 was another where Dr. Stanĕk lectured.
Dr. Stanĕk's wife also was a microbiologist but, during Communism it was never allowed for husband AND wife to travel both outside of the country! Just imagine that...
Equally complicated it was for entering from the FREE WEST into any communist nation!
They could be very nasty behind the Iron Curtain.
When Pieter produced an invitation for lecturing, with his name and photo, he suddenly became a most welcome 'Comradsky'...
Here, Pieter is seen in the 1970s in Prague at one of their Conferences, Dr. Stanĕk is seen on the right.
Prague
The participants in Prague, and keep in mind, this was during the Communism era!
When Pieter asked what he could bring them, due to scarcity of certain items, he got asked to bring zippers and panty hose.
Nobody in the Free World understands such lifestyle...
After one of such meetings in the Prague area, with local mushroom growers, several of them rushed to purchase a large folkloristic doll to give to Pieter's little (adopted) daughter Lizzy.
At times, Pieter did travel with her and his ex and Dr. Stanĕk, who had no children himself, loved her very much and always took her by her hand to walk with her.
He also begged Pieter to put her on the train for traveling to Prague, to stay with the Stanĕk couple but his ex never liked that idea... SAD!
Miroslav Stanĕk got mentioned in the MGA Literature list about the mutual relationship between cultivated fungi and micro-organisms published 1976 in German in Der Champignon, 174, 10-20
Symposium 2-5 October 1979 in the ČSSR or Czechoslovak Socialist Republic
Both of us met Dr. Stanĕk last in Budapest, Hungary in 1984 during the Conference there.
Book received about FRANTIŠEK KOŽÍK
COMENIUS (1592-1670 )
Budapest, Friday, October 26, 1984...
Christmas card
The Castle of Prague
Wishing us a Happy New Year 1987
Sadly this great Scientist friend died on February 21, 1987...
Molto interessante,buona giornata!
ReplyDeleteCara Olga,
DeleteBei ricordi dell'era comunista di un grande scienziato.
Un abbraccio,
Mariette
That was sad Mariette, he was quite young too, 63 is not old these days. Always so sad to lose a good friend too soon ✨
ReplyDeleteDearest Grace,
DeleteYes, very sad to die at barely 62 and he was a great loss for the mushroom world.
Hugs,
Mariette
What an amazing life story, Mariette! Yes, so many of us do remember the horrors of communism, yet I see this nation today moving down that slippery slope. Praying every day that America will stand strong, a beacon of hope and freedom for all.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Dearest Martha Jane,
DeleteThis was a very valuable and much respected scientist friend.
Oh how we both wish that the younger generations would understand more about true communism or socialism as they call it. Loosing all of your Freedoms is the worst that can happen and yes, so many sided with that slippery slope, especially MSM and Big Tech.
May God protect our beacon of hope and freedom!
Hugs,
Mariette
Hello Mariette, Poor Pieter! Kidney stones officially come under the category of "No Fun"!
ReplyDeleteAlthough those were terrible times, it is nevertheless exciting that Pieter was able to witness it. Since they rejected much of Western science, it is even more of an accolade that they to such an extent honored Pieter's work and presence.
Comenius was a great educator and philosopher, so that was a nice and appropriate gift. Was the book in a language that Pieter could read?
--Jim
Dearest Jim,
DeleteIndeed, missing the Tokyo and Taipei Congress due to kidney stones was bad. Pieter has had a total of about 14 of those attacks; very painful.
Yes, it was heartbreaking to go behind the Iron Curtain where people not even had the freedom to 'speak openly', everywhere you could get listened to by hidden devices.
It sure worked both ways, Pieter had the ability for Dr. Stanĕk to get out of the country by sending him official invitations and Dr. Stanĕk returned the same courtesy.
Yes the book about Comenius was in German, that was also the main language spoken with the mushroom growers in Prague and of course English.
Hugs,
Mariette
How Cool And Very Touching - These Photos Really Caught My Eye - The One With The Participants Stands The Test Of Times - I So Appreciate You Sharing These - Be Well And Smile Often
ReplyDeleteCheers
Dearest Travis,
DeleteYes, that were quite touching experiences for going behind the Iron Curtain.
People got so deprived from any freedom, it is hard to imagine for spoiled Westerners, till they too one day have to hand in a big part of their freedom.
These photos still tell a story.
Yes, we both have smiled often and try to be well, being positive is the best option but it kind of touches your soul big time when encountering such situations...
Hugs,
Mariette
Great memory.
ReplyDeleteDearest Anne,
DeleteYes, and above all, from a great scientist! Too bad he had to live his life behind the Iron Curtain, he died before the Berlin Wall came down...
Hugs,
Mariette
Compartió una gran experiencia , con una figura brillante en la especialidad. Me parece bastante enriquecedora, para su labor.
ReplyDeleteBesos
Querida Antónia,
DeleteTienes tanta razón, este amigo científico fue brillante y Pieter aprendió mucho de él. Esta es una buena manera de honrarlo.
Abrazos,
Mariette
Like your new header - my guess is you like black coffee with your chocolates:) What a revealing post, Mariette - I like the "comradsky":)
ReplyDeleteDearest Jesh,
DeleteThank you, but actually I always use a bit of creamer in my coffee and also love to have hot chocolate, Dutch Droste cacao with the chocolates! https://mariettesbacktobasics.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-surprising-power-of-our-social.html
It is a most revealing post with a lot of sadness in it. Think about the mediocre medical treatment they got back then behind the Iron Curtain; hence he only managed a good 62 years... The 'comradsky' sounded like the greatest relief! One never knew what could happen next.
Hugs,
Mariette
What a great memory you have Mariette to remember all that. You lived through history.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Dearest Victor,
DeleteAny person that caliber one never ever forgets! We worked by his knowledge, he was a true scientist.
Hugs,
Mariette
An interesting story about the autobiography of a scientist and his friend.
ReplyDeleteTheir work which is very meaningful and useful can be felt by the present generation.
Have a nice week
Regards
Dearest Justcherry,
DeleteThis is not an autobiography but a wonderful and respectful memory by both of us about a remarkable scientist.
The present generation has not yet yielded any like him...
Hugs,
Mariette