In today's episode, we visit an extraordinary man who is a living chronicle of the past century. Mr. Jan (Iwan) was born in 1926 and is celebrating his centenary. He spent his entire long, hard-working life in his native village of Hraboły in Podlasie. He still lives in the same house where he was born, smilingly greeting guests over hot coffee and cake. He has lived through several eras and regimes – he remembers the Sanation era, the Soviet occupation, and the German occupation. In his youth, he worked on a farm, mowing with a scythe, and following horses when the entire village was bustling with agricultural life. By profession and passion, he was a handyman – he worked as a foreman and mechanic, repairing complex machinery without formal training. For 72 years, he maintained a happy marriage with his beloved wife, Nadzieja, with whom he shared his entire adult life. During our conversation, Mr. Jan reminisces about old traditions, village dances to the pedal accordion, and local crafts, notably the making of the famous roof tiles. He also shares memories of how the village used to play New Year's tricks and how they used to cope with harsh winters. Despite his advanced age, he still impresses with his sharp mind, energy, and incredible memory for people and dates. With great emotion, he looks through a commemorative photo album, which captures generations of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. It's not just a record of a century, but above all, a beautiful lesson in respect for tradition, work, and fellow human beings. We invite you on a nostalgic, warm journey into the world of the old Podlasie village, witnessed by Mr. Jan. Leave a few kind words and best wishes for our wonderful 100-year-old in the comments! Table of contents / Chapters: 00:00 - Visit to Mr. Jan and the 100th anniversary 01:04 - Awards, letters of congratulations and thanks 02:13 - The family home in Hraboły and numerous generations 03:26 - Three governments and the history of bygone eras 04:18 - The old village, farm work and the tastes of childhood 05:46 - The days of a bachelor's apartment, country games and harmony 07:26 - Old health, herbs and the oldest patient in the center 08:42 - Love for life: how I met my wife, Hope 11:46 - Rural traditions: looms, weaving and felt boots 12:56 - Famous roof tile specialists in Hraboły 14:24 - Working on a collective farm and a talent for repairing machines 16:14 - The first bicycles and a traveling cinema in Podlasie 18:36 - Speaking my own way and The harsh winters of yesteryear 20:43 - 72 years of marriage and family support 23:22 - Women's groups, Frania's washing machine, and New Year's jokes 26:20 - The first Pioneer radio and the history of Hrabołów 28:20 - How the village has changed over the past 100 years 30:10 - What to wish for a centenarian? The daily life of a senior 32:23 - Reading newspapers without glasses at 100 33:40 - A family keepsake album and a summary of the visit

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