Currency in Poland

The Zloty is the currency of Poland. Notes and coins of the following denominations are in circulation:

Coins
1, 2 and 5 zloty and denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 groszy.

Notes
The PLN appears in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 zloty.

	200zł = 48,4 EUR
	20zł = 4,83 EUR
	50zł = 12,09 EUR

Polish Style Coffee

Would you like a cup of kava?

"Tak, Tak, Prosze", I reply.

The Poles make coffee very strong, like the Greeks. In a tall flat bottomed glass, they place one or two large spoonfuls of coffee grounds. Pour boiling water over the coffee, add a little bit of sugar or a lot, then let the coffee steep. If you want milk or cream, pour it slowly right before your ready to drink the coffee

Of course, some Poles have an electric coffee makers with filters but I found the opposite to be true among the several of my cousins. I was careful not to drink all the coffee and leave the sludge at the bottom of the cup.

Male or Female

I've learned something while in Poland that is very interesting. If your father has a surname that ends in "ski" than all females of that family will have the same surnames but with "ska". That is a polish tradition and you see it used commonly throughout Poland.

This happens to be very common across Russian as well. In Russia women usually adopt the surname of their husband. Most of Russian last names ending change depending on gender, for example, male - Ivanov, but female - Ivanova. In most cases ending "a" is added in female last names.

Somewhere along the journey to America our family lost that tradition. Did our system just get lazy or was the concept to difficult to accept? It does make sense to me that all male names should end in "ski" where all female names end in "ska".

With this thought in mind, I am almost considering going to the court house in America and changing my name back to the customary surname with the "ska". What do you think?

Finding Family

My trip has been very successful. I have learned the names of my grandfathers brothers. My grandfather was the oldest of 5 boys and I have listed them by their birth order (Adam, Impol, Tomasz, Franciszek, and Jozef). All of the boys were born in Belarus and slowly moved to other parts of the world after World War 1.

I have met all my cousins from Jozef's family and they live in Poland. Except for Marta who lives in London. Some day I hope to meet her face to face as I have done with the other cousins in Poland.

Tomasz family lives in Argentina and I am happy to have found them. Thanks for the internet and their curiosity, we have been searching for one another for some time. Now we have the opportunity to communicate through email and other online tools.

Franciszek family is in Italy. It's so exciting to see the puzzle pieces coming together and learning so much about my cousins. I love Italy so you know I'll make the trip to visit them one day soon.

Adam's family is all in the United States. My gift to my cousins in America is the gift of knowledge so that they have the opportunity to make a connection to our other cousins if they wish. I will make it possible for everyone to be active or not in connecting with our family. It is their choice.

I do all of this to honor my Mother Josephine. She was always so good at keeping everyone in Poland informed as to events within our family in the United States. Once mom is gone that connection would be lost. Now it is not lost but can begin a new life through the internet and all the cousins we have around the world. It is very exciting and the possibilities are endless.

Thinking About My Trip

It's been a very eye-opening trip. First to meet my cousins, that was amazing. I had met my one cousin Jon because my mom invited him to US several times but to finally meet his wife and son, that was nice. Also other cousins in the area and I was surprised that all of the younger ones could speak English.

Life in Poland is very modern, I don't know exactly what I was expecting or maybe not expecting. There is one thing that is different and that is they do not use clothes dryers. Apparently you can buy them but no one does. Everyone washes their clothes in a washing machine just like what we use then hang dries all their clothes outside on the balcony. When I was a kid, mom would wash the clothes and then carry the basket to the back yard to hang the clothes on our clothes line.

I have walked many stairs on this trip. Each night when I go to sleep I can feel the ache in my legs. My ankle has been holding out fairly well considering I had surgery back in September. It does swell during the day just slightly but once I feel that happening I decide it's time to take a break and have a coffee at a local cafe. Just sitting down for an hour helps relieve the pain and I am able to continue on my journey.

I am tired of sleeping on other peoples beds.They all feel so hard to me and I'm just so spoiled with my swedish sleeping system at home. That is one thing that I will truly enjoy when I get back to Texas...My Bed!

I only have 3 days left to my Polish trip. It has gone by fast and just last night I was thinking how it would change me and my perspective on life. Each time I travel to a new country, I can feel a small part of myself left behind. But I can also feel that I have gained a new layer of complexity that I am unable to explain.

Royal Treatment at the Salt Mine

Today I purchased a ticket to tour the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Little did I know that I would be the only person on this tour. I walk to the bus stop to wait for my tour guide and it's only me. Yes, only me. The gentleman that is driving the bus tells me that I'll be the only one on this tour. Okay. The drive to the mine takes about an hour and once we arrive, a young woman approaches me and introduces herself as my guide. Okay.

As we approach the entrance to the mine there are hundreds of people standing around waiting in line for tickets. My guide walks past all these people and tells me to follow her. Here I am looking at hundreds of people and they are all staring back at me with that look on their faces with the question "Who is this woman that gets to cut in front of us and allowed to enter the mine solo?" I'm looking at them wondering, "Why is this happening to me?"

I'm not the type of person that enjoys the spot light nor do I seek that attention. I enjoy blending into the groups as it's been a way for me to survive all these years. But here I am now the center of attention with everyone looking at me and I'm uncomfortable. We enter the mine and happily I am guided away from the crowds which does give me a sense of relief. Now that we have spaced ourselves far from the large groups of people I am happy to enjoy all that the guide tells me and look at my surrounds.

The mine is amazing. After walking down 800 steps so that we may enter the third camber far below the surface, you notice the air quality has changed and I can taste salt in my mouth. Everything surrounding me is salt. The floors, walls, ceilings, statues, carvings are all made from the salt. It's definitely a sight to behold. I have never seen anything like this in my life. It will always be a moment that I remember.

After we walk approximately 3.5 km we enter into a chamber that has a restaurant. I'm told that my tour includes a traditional Polish meal and welcome drink. The dinning room is filled with people waiting in line. Oh no, not again I think to myself. I am lead to a table sectioned off from the rest of the groups behind a panel. Everyone can see me enter this cage and I feel their eyes looking at me. My guide is ready to leave me and I ask her to please stay with me as I'm uncomfortable with all the attention. She says, "You're receiving the Royal Treatment, Enjoy!" I whisper to her, "Please stay." She smiles and agrees.

First I was brought a shot of vodka. A plate of Smalec which is partially double fried lard with onion, marjoram and spread on bread served with pickled cucumbers. Followed by a bowl of Zurek soup (sour rye soup with sausage floating on top) and fresh bread. After several minutes the girl returns with a plate of Pierogi, a very traditional small white dumplings filled with sauerkraut with mushrooms. All I could think was, "This is too much food." I tried everything but I did not finish anything. Once I was finished, we could continue our tour, which of course I had to be lead once again in front of all these people.

At the end of the tour, we stood in line to take the elevator to the surface. At least this time I got to share an elevator with a few other people. There are 2 elevators that can hold only 8-9 people, you step inside the elevator and it's a wire cage that quickly moves to the surface. It's like taking a ride at six flags but it's dark and you don't know where you're going or what's around you. Very exciting. I would definitely advise everyone to take this tour. Over all I really enjoyed everything I saw and I'm sure most of you would have loved the "Royal Treatment".

Zupa grzybowa

I found my mushroom soup today. After walking through Wawel Castle, I stopped at a cafe and noticed on their menu they had mushroom soup. It's very good. I love the way they served it in a bread bowl.

Jajo (egg)

The egg in Poland is important. It's used in many dishes from soups, breads, dishes, salads, or just boiled. I also understand that sometimes since the eggs are not pasteurized in Poland that you can also purchase eggs that have a partial embryo.

I walked to the local market to pick up a few items for breakfast and purchased 2 eggs. Not a dozen or 6 like you can in America but just 2 single eggs. I didn't think anything about it because well, I'm in Poland. But now after consideration of what I have learned over the last couple of weeks, I'm wondering if these eggs have the partial embryo. Guess I'll find out tomorrow. I'll keep you posted.

My cousin Anna made an unusual dish the other day. I wanted to share a photo of the dish and then list the ingredients so you can ponder over the multiple flavors of the dish.

Hard-boiled eggs

pineapple

cabbage with mayonnaise and dill

corn

chopped ham

I've listed the ingredients from top to bottom so if you want to try this salad, start with the chopped ham on the bottom and work your way up.

The ingredients are placed in the bowl in layers so when you look at the salad from the side of the bowl, you see each color. I decided to taste this and was delighted that it was delicious.

Jan's whole family.

Jan, Jan, and Henry

Family

Magda, me, Irene.

When I was a small girl, my mother would make these jam filled doughnuts for us on special holidays.

Three Generations

Family Visit

Each time I visit a new cousin, their tables are filled with cakes, kava, kerbata, and wodka.

Graffiti Art of Pila

Along airplane hanger on old base.

Food of Pila

Golonka w piwie: fat, but tasty pork knuckle, sometimes in beer sauce, always with horseradish; very traditional, originally from Bavaria. Served with boiled potatoes & dill and tomatoes.

Family Traditions

I remember my grandmother always said, “When you have a guest in the house, Jesus is visiting.” I believe she thought if you welcome visitors into you home that it shows God that you are welcoming his blessing.

With that said, I will be traveling to Pila Wednesday afternoon. My cousin Jan insists that I stay with him and his family at their home. If I don’t stay with them, then it is an insult toward my family. So off I go on my new adventure. My mother taught us that if you go to another’s home that you should always take gifts.

My objective for today was to find something that I could take to their home as a gift.

Walking to the Planetarium I noticed a chocolate shop. Everyone likes chocolates so I ducked inside the shop just as it was starting to rain and purchased an assorted box of chocolates. Once the girl behind the counter help me select the chocolates, she carefully arranged them in a box, wrapped the box with pretty paper then placed a ribbon and flower on top of the box. Done! Magically, the rain had stopped so my task was almost complete.

Back to my hotel, I ducked my head into a coffee shop own by a young couple (John-American and Magda-Polish). It was nice to make friends and talk about what I experienced during the day. I told them about my visit to Pila and they suggested I pick up some gingerbread from a local shop because everyone in Poland knows if you visit Torun you better bring back some cookies. Done. I think I’m prepared to meet Jan’s family now that I have something to present to them as a thank you for letting me stay with them.

Now, I’m on my way to experience a little Indian Food and a little nightlife in this beautiful medieval town.

Day 4: Torun

In 3 days I have come to love what Warsaw has to offer: museums, music, metropolitan life style, up-scale restaurants, industry, and promise of the future.

Moving forward on my journey to Torun definitely gives me a sense of adventure and the unknown. The train ride lasted 2 hours and 45 minutes; we pass by small villages, vacant buildings, and fields of corn. I notice the landscape changing from pine trees and weeping willows to birch trees with their distinctive white bark. This vision reminds of the trip that mom and I took to Minsk. Ivan was driving us to the village to meet his mother and we stopped for a quick sack lunch in the birch forest. I daydream of those moments then suddenly without consideration of time, we have arrived to my new destination.

You don’t see the lovely city from the train station, but as my taxi driver weaves through the outer city we come upon a bridge that connects us to the other side and from this point the churches and castle rise out from the land colored in dark red brick. It is beautiful and I feel like I have stepped back into time when Kings, Queens, and Knights ruled the land. The streets are lined with cobblestones and are narrow compared to the wide avenues of Warsaw. The buildings are brightly decorated with flower boxes, heavy wooded doors, and large black hardware. The streets are scented with cinnamon and gingerbread. People are casually sitting at outside cafes drinking coffee or beer enjoying the warm weather.

After getting settled in my new location, I walk down to the Palace and scale up the tiny staircase to get a view from the top of the tower. Not only is the climb to the top breath taking but also so is the view it provides of the entire city. I walk for hours on the cobblestone streets absorbing the beauty and mystery of the city. I visit the Monstrance Tower, Ruins of Teutonic Castle, Church of the Holy Spirit, and end my walk at Saint Johns Cathedral before retiring for the night.

Another Day, Another Adventure.

Out With the Old

Hey you know what....they have all the lastest greatest stores in Poland. I saw many high fashion clothing stores, not to mention watches, gadgets, and more. I've seen people dress very fashionably. The most impressive is their enthusiasm for change and advancement in today's world market.

I'm surprised how "matter of fact" the people are in their beliefs and everyone seems to have the "of course we are modern" attitude. The younger generation just accepts that everyone will embrace change and if not well then they are "old people with old thinking". It's very refreshing but almost to the point of embarrassment for me being an American visiting a nation that is moving forward at a quick pace.

Makes me wonder how America has advanced as much as we have when we have a nation hell bent on staying the same. Is progress that bad or scary that we can't embrace the unknown?

Day 3 Warsaw: Chopin Concert Rain or Shine

The weather almost canceled the concert today. It couldn't decide if it should stay sunny or rain. It rained three times during the 45 minute concert but we all survived, no one left the garden. Of course, I was not prepared for the quick weather change so I had to huddle under a tree with the other people without umbrellas. Lesson learned, carry a jacket and bring a hat.

Warsaw: New Friends

In Poland, Sunday is a day spent with family. The stores are not open. A few restaurants are available but it is limited. This is the day everyone spends time with family at the local parks, museums, and churches.

Helen, one of the guests staying at the B&B asked if she could join me on my walk to the Chopin concert. I was happy to have the companionship for the long walk and learn a few things about Helen. She and her husband Michael are from New Zealand. They have been traveling for 5 weeks locating Helen's family in Poland. She is of Polish Jewish origin. Her mother's family survived the holicost by hiding their identity and using false papers. She said it was easy for her mother to hide for she was born with blond hair and blue eyes. To blend into situations is always important for survival.

I think one of the best parts of traveling to Poland is meeting people like Helen. It was a special afternoon.

Day 2: Warsaw, Trains and Old Town

Do you remember days before clothes dryers were available? I was reminded of that fact when after taking a nice shower I reached for the fresh towel and rubbed it against my skin. The towel was so clean and had the freshest smell, not like what you get from Bounce or Downy but from hanging outdoors on a clothes line. Yes, the towel was stiff and rough against my skin but I smiled as I remember seeing mom carry the basket of freshly washed linens to our family clothes line. It's nice to remember those days before our lives got so complicated with electronics and the internet. When family would sit around the dinner table and talk about their day or ask questions about what they read in the paper early that morning.

Are those days lost forever?

Have we become so complex and happy with disassociating ourselves with our family that we would rather read something posted on the internet then pick up a phone and ask?

I wonder what will happen in 20 years or 50 years from now?

Will be become so independent that we forget about family and the importance of staying connected?

My goal for this trip is to reconnect. To keep those lines of communication with my family in the USA with our family in Europe. My cousin Jan is so excited that I have made the trip to Poland. He's called at least 5 times since I have arrived and I don't think if I got on a train this second I wouldn't arrive any faster for him. In his eyes, he wants me to be there with them in Pila (pronounced Pee-wa), now, not later, not tomorrow, but now.

I also spoke with my cousin Bartec (he speaks English). He'll be the person responsible for translation. He'll get the opportunity to brush up on his English but what a burden it will be for him to keep track of all conversations. I don't envy him at all but do appreciate his willingness to accept this role.

I'm dedicated to arrive in Pila on Wednesday this week. I still want a couple of days in Torun especially since it's on my way to their house. It is exciting and I know it's going to be really wonderful to finally meet Jan's family. I'm sure to have great stories and lot's of photographs.

Day 1 : Warasw

I arrived in Warsaw about 2:45pm there time and just trying to keep my eyes open long enough to walk around the city for 2 hours has been a real chore. Looking around the city with the clean streets and modern buildings it is amazing that just 20 years ago, this city was still fighting for progress. Lots of people walking downtown, shopping, eating in outdoor cafes, coffee shops, book stores, markets, women selling fresh flowers, groups of musicians playing old polish songs, young guys break dancing, Warsaw could be any modern city in the world, but if you listen closely you'll hear the language which definitely sets it apart.

I'm glad to report while I was out sight-seeing my cousin Jan called and I'm expecting a return call tomorrow morning. It will be exciting to travel to Pila (pronounced Pee-wa) and meet his family. I'll be sure to take many photos and post them more than likely on flickr.

Tomorrow I take a city tour, Royal Palace, and a few other sights. I'll report more tomorrow but for now my pillow is calling my name and I'm not sure I can keep my eyes open any longer.

sweetdreams

Transportation and Lodging

My plans are slowing falling into place. Booked 4 nights in a Bed & Breakfast in Warsaw and renting an apartment for 5 nights in Krakow. What shall I do in between these cities is pretty much up for grabs. Hopefully I'll find my cousins in Pila and Poznan...I know where they live. It will be a big surprise for them and for me if I can actually locate the address.

Received my Poland Rail pass in the mail the other day. I'm not too sure about the time tables and if the trains will meet my needs traveling around Poland but I guess that is all apart of the romance of the journey. I keep telling myself, "It's not the destination but the journey".

My Planned Journey Through Poland

* Blue dot marks the cities I want to visit.

These are the cities I hope to visit on my travels around Poland. Still working through all the details as to where I will be on what day. I'll start my adventure in Warsaw (Warszawa) and remain there the first 4 days of my trip.

Gdansk – Situated with seaside resorts and spas along the Baltic Sea.

Torun – Recognized for pristine Gothic architecture, an impressive collection of redbrick churches, and birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus.

Warszawa – Capital of Poland. This city was completely rebuilt after WW II, includes the Royal Castle plus it’s bar, clubbing and music scene is suppose to be unmatched in the country.

Lodz – Known for it’s Famous Film School, underground arts scene and the impressive architecture.

Poznan - Górka Palace, baroque Franciscan Church, international business center, and huge student population.

Wrocław – This city lies in the middle of the Silesian Lowland, where the Oder River branches out to form 12 islands. The city is spanned by more than 100 bridges.

Krakow – The royal capital for 500 years, the city was able to absorb much history and talent over the centuries and is today a treasure trove of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Wieliczka Salt Mine, Wawel Castle, Auschwitz, and Black Madonna.