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.