So, who thought that Christmas was only one day? Come on, own up! Well, kiddies -here in Poland with my family it seems to have lasted from 24/12 - 27/12! We have eaten, drunk, talked, laughed, and generally had the best Christmas we could ever have.
Our latest adventure took us east from Lodz to stay overnight with Monika and Jacek and their two daughters. The roads were fairly empty and we only made one error - we set off west instead of east! Luckily, one SMS later we did a U-turn and were heading in the right direction. Thanks to Jacek and my trusty mapa!
We first met Jacek and Monika last year and were very pleased to see them again as they live in a little village, which in English terms might be said to have 'charm'. Godzianow lies fairly close to Lodz (see map) and it was lovely to get out of the city again and into the countryside.
http://mapa.szukacz.pl/?x=552022&y=437118&m=Brzeziny&w=%b3%f3dzkie&p=brzezi%f1ski&g=Brzeziny&z=3
Despite the freezing weather (and it is getting colder) we had a wonderful obiad, and just imbibed far too much wodka - as usual - and excellent food of course. All the young disappeared and left us to it so we put the world to right and finally fell into bed sometime after midnight.
I was wakened by two things - first the cat wanted in and then I heard that lovely country sound - crowing of cockerels! Breakfast was rather leisurely and we then had a lovely walk around the village and through fields.
Weather report - VERY cold, iced-up puddles, perfect for stomping in! Cold enough to freeze chins and noses. Excellent! Unfortunately we had to get back to Lodz to hand in our hire=car so we left our friends and headed back.
All in all this has been another excellent block. First in Krakow and now in Lodz. And tomorrow we head of again to Poznan to be tourists. Again we have a friend there - Agnieska - who has very kindly offered to meet us tomorrow night and show us Poznan Rynek at night. Fantastic'ne!!
My Poznan report will follow in a couple of days. For those of you who are reading this don't forget that comments are welcome, as are questions! And still NO SNOW!!!!
Thursday 28 December 2006
Tuesday 26 December 2006
The Unfamous Five spend Christmas with family.
Not sure what happened to the last 4 days really. We seem to have been incredibly busy and then we had wigilia and Christmas Day, so here's an attempted update on all our activities.
On the 23rd we spent a rather dull time on a train from Krakow to Lodz. We had been looking forward to the travel 'cos we love train travel. But... the best aid plans. I think the train was on a pre Christmas go-slow! The trip should have taken about 4 hours, from 07.43 (such precision!) to 12.08 (ditto). Yes, we had the train which went slower and slower then stopped in the middle of fields and finally was over an hour late due to a broken rail. Ironically this was just outside Lodz! In addition there was NO buffet car or even a trolley so if David hadn't made some sandwiches then we would have been forced into cannibalism!
Anyway we finally got off the train and staggered under the weight of cases, bags and accumulated junk to the taxi rank. [There is a law which states "All luggage taken on holiday will, by its own method expand by at least 50% for each day travelled" The second law states "People called Chris will collect souvenirs such as tickets and these will occupy a disproportionate amount of space in luggage"]
Thanks to Andzrej and Kasia for coming to meet us! It was great to see them and in addition it helped immensely and we got into our hotel 'Qubus" with much less effort then we anticipated.
Travellers' note: the hotel is split new with very comfortable rooms - but is mainly for single businessmen. However, it is only 10 minutes walk from Galeria and from ul. Piotrowska, a very attractive street to walk along.
Lodz itself is not an attractive city but with investment has promise (NO! I'm not an estate agent!!) For more info see the website. Anyway, we had a wander, did some shopping and then finally found a decent restaurant in which to indulge our hunger!
http://www.uml.lodz.pl/wersja_angielska/indeksik.php3
So, we come to wigilia!!!! 24/12. WE started our day very slowly and since all shops were shut here a[art from Galeria, we simply strolled along. After a snack we went back to the hotel to wrap presents, and then got organised for the evening.
Our warm thanks to Agnieska and Ludek (sorry if that's wrong!!!) for the best ever wigilia! Sitting around the table there were 11 of us. I had been brought up with the custom of laying the extra place at the table in case someone came - in fact my father told me it was also to represent the Christ Child - and there it was.
We had the traditional 12 dishes which were just amazing. I'm not sure which I liked best - too difficult. We had not eaten Karp before and it is actually very tasty - but beware the bones!! Cakes with poppy seeds, herrings, pierogi, the tastiest mushrooms from the fields, fruit compote from home grown fruit at the family farm.... and lovely biscuits baked by Agatka (aged 7).
Overall our hosts could not have done more to make us welcome - there's no doubt that this is a time for family and mine is amazing.
But wait! What was that? Did we hear bells ringing? Sleigh bells? Wow! Mikolaj! Santa Claus!! He does exist! Santa came and delivered presents to all of us. Now that was something we were not expecting. I'll even forgive him for trying to give away my gloves which had somehow ended up in his sack!! After all, he has a very busy and tiring time on wigilia.
After a wonderful evening we went to Andrzej and Czesia's house for a drink. There we had a hilarious time with our beginner Polish - but ay least this year we do have some language! And A. very kindly drew a map for us to get to Uniejow for Christmas Day.
And so to bed at about 01.00!
Christmas Day....
WE had to be at the cemetery for 10.30 so it was a rather early start! The roads were empty and our hire car, Opel went smoothly. We visited the family graves to show the boys another part of their heritage. It is very important that they see where they come from.
But after that it was on to Zosia's house for obiad (11.30). It was wonderful to see Zosia and family again and we managed to understand so much more of what was said this year. Our thanks also to Anja who came to act as interpreter. Just like last year, my cousin Zosia and all her family offered us the most amazing dishes, including home made hams and kielbasa form the family pigs and chicken and ...and.... And the wodka simply flowed................. Markus, Will and Alisa were welcomed and Alisa was able to use her Russian skills just like wigilia. Then obiad simply flowed into kolatsja, so more food and drink.
The lads were invited to a party by the men of the house (ahem!) but we had to move on as we wanted to see my late cousin Bogdan's family. So at about 5.30pm we were off to Krystyna's house where we met Adam, Eva, Amelia; and Anna,as well renewing acquaintance with Agnieska (diff. one) and her parents. It was sad that Bogdan was not with us but he was there in spirit. We have been offered the chance to spend time staying in the village to earn Polish so who knows....
But we were not finished at all. We still had one place to go - to Wojtek's family. It as not about 7.30pm. Another short drive and we had no chance of leaving without eating some of Wojtek's home made kielbasa - simple delicious. Woolies and Coles - eat your heart out! By this time we were simply full to the brim but could not resist just a smackeral as Winnie the Pooh might say. So much food and so little time!! Wojtek has 3 daughters - my sincere apologies for no names here!! All speak excellent English and a fair to large bit of Russian. What a wonderful ending to the day.
So when did we get back to the hotel? Well, about 11.00pm! What an amazing day! No pics as yet but hope to get some on here soon!
It's not possible to thank my family enough as words cannot explain our gratitude. The best present this year has been just to be with all my family- something that we will never forget.
"Bardzo dzenkuje".
On the 23rd we spent a rather dull time on a train from Krakow to Lodz. We had been looking forward to the travel 'cos we love train travel. But... the best aid plans. I think the train was on a pre Christmas go-slow! The trip should have taken about 4 hours, from 07.43 (such precision!) to 12.08 (ditto). Yes, we had the train which went slower and slower then stopped in the middle of fields and finally was over an hour late due to a broken rail. Ironically this was just outside Lodz! In addition there was NO buffet car or even a trolley so if David hadn't made some sandwiches then we would have been forced into cannibalism!
Anyway we finally got off the train and staggered under the weight of cases, bags and accumulated junk to the taxi rank. [There is a law which states "All luggage taken on holiday will, by its own method expand by at least 50% for each day travelled" The second law states "People called Chris will collect souvenirs such as tickets and these will occupy a disproportionate amount of space in luggage"]
Thanks to Andzrej and Kasia for coming to meet us! It was great to see them and in addition it helped immensely and we got into our hotel 'Qubus" with much less effort then we anticipated.
Travellers' note: the hotel is split new with very comfortable rooms - but is mainly for single businessmen. However, it is only 10 minutes walk from Galeria and from ul. Piotrowska, a very attractive street to walk along.
Lodz itself is not an attractive city but with investment has promise (NO! I'm not an estate agent!!) For more info see the website. Anyway, we had a wander, did some shopping and then finally found a decent restaurant in which to indulge our hunger!
http://www.uml.lodz.pl/wersja_angielska/indeksik.php3
So, we come to wigilia!!!! 24/12. WE started our day very slowly and since all shops were shut here a[art from Galeria, we simply strolled along. After a snack we went back to the hotel to wrap presents, and then got organised for the evening.
Our warm thanks to Agnieska and Ludek (sorry if that's wrong!!!) for the best ever wigilia! Sitting around the table there were 11 of us. I had been brought up with the custom of laying the extra place at the table in case someone came - in fact my father told me it was also to represent the Christ Child - and there it was.
We had the traditional 12 dishes which were just amazing. I'm not sure which I liked best - too difficult. We had not eaten Karp before and it is actually very tasty - but beware the bones!! Cakes with poppy seeds, herrings, pierogi, the tastiest mushrooms from the fields, fruit compote from home grown fruit at the family farm.... and lovely biscuits baked by Agatka (aged 7).
Overall our hosts could not have done more to make us welcome - there's no doubt that this is a time for family and mine is amazing.
But wait! What was that? Did we hear bells ringing? Sleigh bells? Wow! Mikolaj! Santa Claus!! He does exist! Santa came and delivered presents to all of us. Now that was something we were not expecting. I'll even forgive him for trying to give away my gloves which had somehow ended up in his sack!! After all, he has a very busy and tiring time on wigilia.
After a wonderful evening we went to Andrzej and Czesia's house for a drink. There we had a hilarious time with our beginner Polish - but ay least this year we do have some language! And A. very kindly drew a map for us to get to Uniejow for Christmas Day.
And so to bed at about 01.00!
Christmas Day....
WE had to be at the cemetery for 10.30 so it was a rather early start! The roads were empty and our hire car, Opel went smoothly. We visited the family graves to show the boys another part of their heritage. It is very important that they see where they come from.
But after that it was on to Zosia's house for obiad (11.30). It was wonderful to see Zosia and family again and we managed to understand so much more of what was said this year. Our thanks also to Anja who came to act as interpreter. Just like last year, my cousin Zosia and all her family offered us the most amazing dishes, including home made hams and kielbasa form the family pigs and chicken and ...and.... And the wodka simply flowed................. Markus, Will and Alisa were welcomed and Alisa was able to use her Russian skills just like wigilia. Then obiad simply flowed into kolatsja, so more food and drink.
The lads were invited to a party by the men of the house (ahem!) but we had to move on as we wanted to see my late cousin Bogdan's family. So at about 5.30pm we were off to Krystyna's house where we met Adam, Eva, Amelia; and Anna,as well renewing acquaintance with Agnieska (diff. one) and her parents. It was sad that Bogdan was not with us but he was there in spirit. We have been offered the chance to spend time staying in the village to earn Polish so who knows....
But we were not finished at all. We still had one place to go - to Wojtek's family. It as not about 7.30pm. Another short drive and we had no chance of leaving without eating some of Wojtek's home made kielbasa - simple delicious. Woolies and Coles - eat your heart out! By this time we were simply full to the brim but could not resist just a smackeral as Winnie the Pooh might say. So much food and so little time!! Wojtek has 3 daughters - my sincere apologies for no names here!! All speak excellent English and a fair to large bit of Russian. What a wonderful ending to the day.
So when did we get back to the hotel? Well, about 11.00pm! What an amazing day! No pics as yet but hope to get some on here soon!
It's not possible to thank my family enough as words cannot explain our gratitude. The best present this year has been just to be with all my family- something that we will never forget.
"Bardzo dzenkuje".
Friday 22 December 2006
Auschwitz I and II
This is a long day but well worth the travel. We walked to the bus station, which like most in Poland is right beside/under the main railway station. We caught the 08.40 bus to Osweciem -7 zlotych each and then sat back for the next hour and a half. Eventually we were let off about 100 meters fr0m the camp.
Auschwitz I was originally a Polish barracks which was taken over by the Germans. There are many things to see and it is NOT for the faint hearted. You really do see the suitcases, spectacles, clothing, brushes, and hair. Although we had been there last year we still found it all extremely thought provoking. You can also see punishment cells, the execution wall and there are many pictures and descriptions of the horrors that took place.
We needed a break before going to Auschwitz II-Birkenau, so we had some lunch and then caught a taxi driven by a crazy man. He told us stories about living and working in the area during the war. Birkenau was the liquidation camp where thousands were shot or gassed. The camp was huge and we took over an hour to walk around. Although most of the barracks were destroyed as they were wooden, the brick ones remain and are being preserved. The gas chambers and crematoria were badly damaged in an attempt to blow them up but you can see the layout. Unless you are a person of absolutely no sensitivity you cannot help but feel repulsion for what was done there.
Our taxi driver met us at his church which was the Commandants HQ and drove us to the station. We just made the 3.45 train which was obviously on a go-slow as it took us 2 hours to get back!!
Our time in Krakow is nearly over - we've one day left so will take snaps and do some Christmas shopping. On Saturday we go to Lodz to spend wigilia with my family and then do the rounds of the cousins, which will be great as this time we just might be able to speak in sentences - unlike last year!!
Thursday 21 December 2006
where does time go?
Well, it's Tuesday evening and I am wondering where time has gone. We have finished school and can honestly say that we had a brilliant time. Our last lesson with our second teacher was such a lot of fun and we are now determined to keep up the good work. With this in mind I have been able albeit with mistakes to 'chat' or czat to one of my cousins. This is something I could not do a year ago.
As you can see, St Kinga's Chapel is quite amazing - no picture can do it justice. Everything is mad from salt -the floor, ceiling, walls, ALL carvings etc etc. And at this time of year the local children enter a competition to make the best Nativity scene. There are some wonderful entries and of course going through all the passages was very interesting as you can lick the floor or walls or ceiling if you so choose.
We now have much more confidence in regular situations and the majority of people are very helpful. They smile and then ask simple questions where needed. However, what else has happened?
Well, our elder son and his girlfriend arrived on Tuesday morning after something of a mega-journey from Korea. They were to join us in our apartment (No 2) but Jerzy, owner of the set has given us a separate apartment for them ------- FREE OF CHARGE!!!!!! Obviously we recommend him! http://www.sodispar.pl/en/prices.html (we are now in 'Dublin')
Yesterday after our last class we went to see the 1939-1945 Museum. This included the detention cells that the Gestapo used for interrogation and torture, as well as a permanent exhibition of pictures, documents and explanations of the general government under Hans Frank. Whilst it is not a 'touristy' experience it is worth seeing if you are at all interested in history. An added plus is that all cases and posters have very clear English language explanations.
Today we went to Wieliczka Salt Mine. Although we had visited a year ago we really enjoyed it a second time and saw things we missed first time around. We went on an organised tour which we don't normally do but this was just fine for convenience.
As you can see, St Kinga's Chapel is quite amazing - no picture can do it justice. Everything is mad from salt -the floor, ceiling, walls, ALL carvings etc etc. And at this time of year the local children enter a competition to make the best Nativity scene. There are some wonderful entries and of course going through all the passages was very interesting as you can lick the floor or walls or ceiling if you so choose. 
There are so many figures both religious and secular. Pope John Paul II as well as Josef Pilsudski and all the saints bit especially St Barbara, patron saint of miners. Highly recommended. Even the trips down and up - steps and lift are fun. It's over 800 steps down then a lift trip of 40 seconds up at the end!! Yahoo!
Tomorrow we turn to a more serious time in Poland and the world's history. We are going to Oswiecim -a little village which became better known for a barracks which was a Polish Army Barracks until the Germans turned it into Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II Birkenau. We were there last year but go again to take our sons and girlfriend. This is no joyride. We know. However, many Poles, Gypsies, political and religious persons and Jews were murdered there and frankly, no visit to Poland especially the south, is made without going to this place. Report follows. Till then, if you are interested look here:
Tuesday 19 December 2006
Weekend & beyond!
Well, it's been a busy few days and I now have time to sit and review what we have done. First. we had the best possible day on Saturday. Our tour to Zakopane consisted of only us! We turned up at the meeting point and Dave and Will went off for a stroll as we had 20 minutes to spare. I was just admiring a very smart Mercedes 300 series, shiny black and rather cool, when the driver, who had been lovingly polishing it, came up to me and asked if I was going on the Zakopane tour. It turned out this was our driver!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! yahoo!!!!!! A day touring in a Merc! What more could one ask for.
The driver, Stanislaw, took us to the oldest wooden built village in Poland.http://www.zakopane-life.com/guide/Podhale/Chocholow.php This is amazing. It looks as though it is a wooden LEGO village. You MUST visit it! Stas took us to a friend's house built in 1885 and part is a museum with original documents all in German (Austro-Hungarian Empire) releasing the man of the house from the army!! In addition, there are original utensils, wooden artifacts etc.
Then we went into the modern part of the building (1906) where the descendant of the owner is a wood carver! His work is just amazing. of course we bought a few things - with no pressure at all.
Next, we carried on to the top of a hill from where we could see the highest point of the Bieskady Mountains. As if this wasn't enough, as soon as we drove over a hill we saw the Tatras! Although the sun was behind them they were truly stunning. We had the prefect weather - brilliant sunshine and no wind.
I was brought up on tales from my father about escaping from the advancing German and Soviet forces in the early days of WW2, so to see the range of mountains he crossed was truly awesome. They are well worth seeing - even though there was very little snow.
We had a great morning going up in the funicular railway to view across to the Tatras, and then before we had some lunch we went to a cemetery. Now this one is really different. Each headstone is carved in a different way - wood, boulder, marble, stone. Each had a different inscription - not at all like the headstones I saw last year up in Uniejow and environs. We could have done with more time to look at them. Again, if you go to Zakopane you must not miss this place.
In addition, the local church is the oldest wooden church existing here. Everything is wooden - everything. We also saw a tiny church, again of wood, which looked really small from the outside, but when we went in was really large! Again, it was truly beautiful.
The market sold everyting frm cheese (YUMM!) to tablecloths and St Bernard puppies!! Honestly!
Away from wood we saw the four ski jumps where Polish ski-jumpers train. They start as little people on really tame jumps (!!!!) and progress to bigger and bigger, finally reaching the World Championship jump!! I tell you, it is amazing. You have to see it to believe it. I reckon anyone who does this is either as nutty as a fruitcake or incredibly brave!
The drive home was pretty good but as ever it was dark by the time we got back. We decided to try out another restaurant - this time a Ukranian one near Wawel. all went well, I ordered in Polish then came the below the belt blow ^&*()_ in Polish!!!!! Turned out she wanted to know if we wanted potatoes and salads etc. She was terribly confused - thought I was Polish then I uttered the magic phrase "Nie rozumiem" I don't understand. Ho hum! But we got everything.
A word on service... there are a number of places that really need a few lessons in post-Communist service. Never mind... they will get it right and frankly, we have been having such a good time that we can forgive them. After all, the women in the markets smile and are very sympathetic to our Polish attempts and we have been asked for help as well as directions (Will).
And that was Saturday!
Sunday we went shopping in our favourite shopping centre. Will bought a digital camera - prices are VERY cheap here... I am seriously considering a new camera myself. It was very cold and raining so we spent the morning there, had calzone for obiad and then wandered home. Not a very exciting day but there was homework to do and since I had done mine on Friday Dave did his.
Now you are asking about pictures of the Tatras? Okay - I confess I forgot my camera! Sorry! So you'll just have to visit for yourself!! Meanwhile try this:
http://alamy.com/stock_photography/6/1/look+Galeria/AMERT5.html
And that's enough for now. I will do a catch up tomorrow - the last day of school. And coming up -our elder son appears tomorrow, we visit the salt mines and Auschwitz, and Will does the Communist tour of Nowy Hute!
Stay tuned for more exciting adventures!
The driver, Stanislaw, took us to the oldest wooden built village in Poland.http://www.zakopane-life.com/guide/Podhale/Chocholow.php This is amazing. It looks as though it is a wooden LEGO village. You MUST visit it! Stas took us to a friend's house built in 1885 and part is a museum with original documents all in German (Austro-Hungarian Empire) releasing the man of the house from the army!! In addition, there are original utensils, wooden artifacts etc.
Then we went into the modern part of the building (1906) where the descendant of the owner is a wood carver! His work is just amazing. of course we bought a few things - with no pressure at all.
Next, we carried on to the top of a hill from where we could see the highest point of the Bieskady Mountains. As if this wasn't enough, as soon as we drove over a hill we saw the Tatras! Although the sun was behind them they were truly stunning. We had the prefect weather - brilliant sunshine and no wind.
I was brought up on tales from my father about escaping from the advancing German and Soviet forces in the early days of WW2, so to see the range of mountains he crossed was truly awesome. They are well worth seeing - even though there was very little snow.
We had a great morning going up in the funicular railway to view across to the Tatras, and then before we had some lunch we went to a cemetery. Now this one is really different. Each headstone is carved in a different way - wood, boulder, marble, stone. Each had a different inscription - not at all like the headstones I saw last year up in Uniejow and environs. We could have done with more time to look at them. Again, if you go to Zakopane you must not miss this place.
In addition, the local church is the oldest wooden church existing here. Everything is wooden - everything. We also saw a tiny church, again of wood, which looked really small from the outside, but when we went in was really large! Again, it was truly beautiful.
The market sold everyting frm cheese (YUMM!) to tablecloths and St Bernard puppies!! Honestly!
Away from wood we saw the four ski jumps where Polish ski-jumpers train. They start as little people on really tame jumps (!!!!) and progress to bigger and bigger, finally reaching the World Championship jump!! I tell you, it is amazing. You have to see it to believe it. I reckon anyone who does this is either as nutty as a fruitcake or incredibly brave!
The drive home was pretty good but as ever it was dark by the time we got back. We decided to try out another restaurant - this time a Ukranian one near Wawel. all went well, I ordered in Polish then came the below the belt blow ^&*()_ in Polish!!!!! Turned out she wanted to know if we wanted potatoes and salads etc. She was terribly confused - thought I was Polish then I uttered the magic phrase "Nie rozumiem" I don't understand. Ho hum! But we got everything.
A word on service... there are a number of places that really need a few lessons in post-Communist service. Never mind... they will get it right and frankly, we have been having such a good time that we can forgive them. After all, the women in the markets smile and are very sympathetic to our Polish attempts and we have been asked for help as well as directions (Will).
And that was Saturday!
Sunday we went shopping in our favourite shopping centre. Will bought a digital camera - prices are VERY cheap here... I am seriously considering a new camera myself. It was very cold and raining so we spent the morning there, had calzone for obiad and then wandered home. Not a very exciting day but there was homework to do and since I had done mine on Friday Dave did his.
Now you are asking about pictures of the Tatras? Okay - I confess I forgot my camera! Sorry! So you'll just have to visit for yourself!! Meanwhile try this:
http://alamy.com/stock_photography/6/1/look+Galeria/AMERT5.html
And that's enough for now. I will do a catch up tomorrow - the last day of school. And coming up -our elder son appears tomorrow, we visit the salt mines and Auschwitz, and Will does the Communist tour of Nowy Hute!
Stay tuned for more exciting adventures!
Saturday 16 December 2006
Christmas is coming!
Well, things are hotting up slowly for Christmas. The angels are up around the old town and shops now play Christmas songs. People are carrying bags with Santa and snowmen on them although there is NO sign of snow.
We met a guy in the school - a Dutchman -who lives in Zakopane. He said it is about 15C instead of -15C! So tomorrow's trip may be easy to travel but lacking snow.
We were told today that we are getting through a 50 hour course in 30 hours! We are 'Express' students. Aneta also said that when we come back we will be able to do a few days revision then join a regular class. I think they want us back and we want to come back. We have only 2 days classes left and we will miss them . We recommend the school very highly if you want to learn Polish. They are friendly, efficient and the teachers we have had - Aneta and Eva are just fantastic.
http://www.polishsummer.com/index.htm
So this weekend we will do our homework like the good students we are and have fun too. We have found two or three good watering holes here and will continue to hunt until we go to Lodz.
More after our trip.
We met a guy in the school - a Dutchman -who lives in Zakopane. He said it is about 15C instead of -15C! So tomorrow's trip may be easy to travel but lacking snow.
We were told today that we are getting through a 50 hour course in 30 hours! We are 'Express' students. Aneta also said that when we come back we will be able to do a few days revision then join a regular class. I think they want us back and we want to come back. We have only 2 days classes left and we will miss them . We recommend the school very highly if you want to learn Polish. They are friendly, efficient and the teachers we have had - Aneta and Eva are just fantastic.
http://www.polishsummer.com/index.htm
So this weekend we will do our homework like the good students we are and have fun too. We have found two or three good watering holes here and will continue to hunt until we go to Lodz.
More after our trip.
Friday 15 December 2006
Jutro jest piatek!---Hurrah!
Yes - tomorrow is Friday!Well, nearly another week over and we have now been beaten over the knuckles with the Instrumental case and the Accusative case and personal pronouns which also decline depending on who/what/ where etc you are speaking.
The classes have been fantastic - hard to believe that we only have 3 more to go! Our Polish is definitely getting much better and we are having fun in shops and restaurants. This evening we all went to a bar for a drink or two.... and although we were talking English we really managed to confuse some English tourists by then talking to the kelnerka in Polish!!
We are going to go to Zakopane on Saturday just for the day, but this time on a proper tour. we don't normally do that but it will save us time and we can all sit back and leave the organisation to others.
http://www.discoverzakopane.com/
We have really got to grips with trams and now know which ones to get to go to Wawel, school, Tesco (!), dworzek glowny (Main railway station), etc etc. This coming weekend we will also do a bit of shopping as we join family in Lodz in 8 days time!
Weather - disappointing - no more snow in sight and very unseasonably mild. Crisp in the morning but we can go out without hats again.
We moved apartments to a much larger one for 'when we are five'. Unfortunately the hot water went phut! so we have been going next door to the old one for showers. At least we do washing of clothes free.
Check out the pic! I took it this evening - sorry about the blur. It's in the Rynek Glowny - main square - where there is an Advent Market on. I'll try to do better in future. Look out for photos of Zakopane after Saturday. If you have any questions about Poland please feel free to ask. I'll try to answer them. Go for it Kylie -you never know till you try! Keep in touch!
Tuesday 12 December 2006
A new week
Nothing exciting to report today. We came out of class quite shell shocked after more of the Instrumental case. So many endings...ium. iem. a. etc etc. Then we managed to get around the market and buy what we wanted. No mistaken sausages this time.
After that, it was home for a bite to eat and then we managed to get all the homework done - it took us 2 hours! Will appeared after his flights with Austrian Air - he sat next to Lauren Jackson!!!!!!!!!!! Seriously!!!! Yes--- she of the olympic/Australian basketball team fame. He recommends Austrian Airlines.
We took him for obiad then into stary miasto for a walk around. Now it's 20.40hrs here and he's off to bed with jet lag and I am cutting this short today. Tomorrow we will move into a bigger apartment and then spend some time being tourists after class.
Weather report - DEFINITELY colder - gloves and scarf weather. Snow still forecast but we'll see. More in a couple of days.
After that, it was home for a bite to eat and then we managed to get all the homework done - it took us 2 hours! Will appeared after his flights with Austrian Air - he sat next to Lauren Jackson!!!!!!!!!!! Seriously!!!! Yes--- she of the olympic/Australian basketball team fame. He recommends Austrian Airlines.
We took him for obiad then into stary miasto for a walk around. Now it's 20.40hrs here and he's off to bed with jet lag and I am cutting this short today. Tomorrow we will move into a bigger apartment and then spend some time being tourists after class.
Weather report - DEFINITELY colder - gloves and scarf weather. Snow still forecast but we'll see. More in a couple of days.
Monday 11 December 2006
Czestochowa weekend
The weekend has been very interesting here, both travelwise and sitewise. We recommend the train journey to Czestochowa; relatively cheap (43,-zly per person) one way, and we were on a direct train. We left Krakow at 07.45 - ON TIME - and were in Czestochowa at 09.47.
I had booked in what was advertised as the Patria hotel -the only one with vacancies online, without realising its position. What a stroke of luck x 2. First it was one block and a bit away from Jasna Gora (the mon
astery) and second, it is now a Mercure hotel.
We spent most of Saturday afternoon walking all around the monastery, seeing the basilica, the museums, walking 320 steps up the clock tower and 320 down again, seeing all the memorials in the basilica and also walking all around the walls.
We didn't see the Black Madonna as she was covered up when we were in that bit - but having seen her last year we weren't upset. She is covered between 1.00pm and 2.00pm. There is a fair bit of renovation going on but we were also very taken by some creative carpentry. Men were buildings an entire wooden farm which was for Advent. It looked like a little set of house, and out buildings, which are big enough to take real animals and people.
Apart from that, Czestochowa doesn't have much and we really could have done a day trip. However, we stayed over and decided to catch the 09.22 train back to Krakow today. Well, the best laid plans etc etc. The old timetable only went to 09/12/2006 and the receptionist at the hotel didn't quite get it right. We got up, sorted ourselves out and headed off to the station to catch said train - only to find it didn't exist and we appeared to be stuck till the 13.31 train - not a pleasant prospect as it was raining and cold. We nipped around the corner to the bus station at 09.10, discovered there was a bus leaving at 09.15, dashed across to the platform....and caught it. This was a mere 30,- zloty each. We were back in Krakow about 11.40am.
Left luggage still exists in Poland. We left our little backpacks in a locker and went into Galeria Krakowska - a huge shopping mall. It is new and full of modern bright shops and eateries. It even has a small (by UK standards) C & A!!. I bought 2 shirts for the princely sum of about GBP10.00!
Which brings me to Advent here. There is NO huge commercialism and only this past week have places been putting up lights and trees. Shops are occasionally playing carols etc but not since October! Houses are not covered in glaring lights and full of strange displays and this still has a feel of the real Christmas. Yes, there are Santas around but emphasis in the square for example is on the nativity, not Santa's grotto.
And now for a Polish parking slot. Beware Polish drivers!!!!! They believe that the only place to park is on the pavement - and at any angle which ensure they are up there. This simply means that the boring old pedestrians have to avoid cars and end up in the road. As for pedestrian crossings.... the general rule is 'Whoever gets there first has right of way!!!!!' But at least there are some with lights. Our guide for first timers is this: watch the little old ladies - when they cross, go for it!
Weather forecast is promising. It's getting colder and according to the internet light snow is expected on Wednesday. This is good news for us!! Just what we wanted.
Tomorrow, our younger son turns up in the afternoon, so we can take him around and show him 'stuff'. School of course in the morning.
http://www.krakow-info.com/dama.htm (da Vinci's picture from Friday!)
http://www.marypages.com/Czestochowa.htm
I had booked in what was advertised as the Patria hotel -the only one with vacancies online, without realising its position. What a stroke of luck x 2. First it was one block and a bit away from Jasna Gora (the mon
astery) and second, it is now a Mercure hotel.We spent most of Saturday afternoon walking all around the monastery, seeing the basilica, the museums, walking 320 steps up the clock tower and 320 down again, seeing all the memorials in the basilica and also walking all around the walls.
We didn't see the Black Madonna as she was covered up when we were in that bit - but having seen her last year we weren't upset. She is covered between 1.00pm and 2.00pm. There is a fair bit of renovation going on but we were also very taken by some creative carpentry. Men were buildings an entire wooden farm which was for Advent. It looked like a little set of house, and out buildings, which are big enough to take real animals and people.
Apart from that, Czestochowa doesn't have much and we really could have done a day trip. However, we stayed over and decided to catch the 09.22 train back to Krakow today. Well, the best laid plans etc etc. The old timetable only went to 09/12/2006 and the receptionist at the hotel didn't quite get it right. We got up, sorted ourselves out and headed off to the station to catch said train - only to find it didn't exist and we appeared to be stuck till the 13.31 train - not a pleasant prospect as it was raining and cold. We nipped around the corner to the bus station at 09.10, discovered there was a bus leaving at 09.15, dashed across to the platform....and caught it. This was a mere 30,- zloty each. We were back in Krakow about 11.40am.
Left luggage still exists in Poland. We left our little backpacks in a locker and went into Galeria Krakowska - a huge shopping mall. It is new and full of modern bright shops and eateries. It even has a small (by UK standards) C & A!!. I bought 2 shirts for the princely sum of about GBP10.00!
Which brings me to Advent here. There is NO huge commercialism and only this past week have places been putting up lights and trees. Shops are occasionally playing carols etc but not since October! Houses are not covered in glaring lights and full of strange displays and this still has a feel of the real Christmas. Yes, there are Santas around but emphasis in the square for example is on the nativity, not Santa's grotto.
And now for a Polish parking slot. Beware Polish drivers!!!!! They believe that the only place to park is on the pavement - and at any angle which ensure they are up there. This simply means that the boring old pedestrians have to avoid cars and end up in the road. As for pedestrian crossings.... the general rule is 'Whoever gets there first has right of way!!!!!' But at least there are some with lights. Our guide for first timers is this: watch the little old ladies - when they cross, go for it!
Weather forecast is promising. It's getting colder and according to the internet light snow is expected on Wednesday. This is good news for us!! Just what we wanted.
Tomorrow, our younger son turns up in the afternoon, so we can take him around and show him 'stuff'. School of course in the morning.
http://www.krakow-info.com/dama.htm (da Vinci's picture from Friday!)
http://www.marypages.com/Czestochowa.htm
Saturday 9 December 2006
TGIF!!!
Yahoo! It's the weekend. Another day which began with a visit to the railway station to buy tickets for our trip tomorrow. First pick your queue. Then make sure you have written down the instructions you need as you WILL suffer from brain jellification. However, once you have the tickets check them...and don't faint when it looks as if you are about to pay the equivalent of a small country's GDP for the pleasure. It isn't so.
Next to school where we were terrorised by the Instrumental case!! Why can't we just have the Nominative for everything???? Mind you, yesterday's vocab has stuck in the old cells so we aren't doing too badly. The woman in the cafe even said "Dwa kawa" (2 coffees) as we walked in the door too! Overall the morning flew past again.
We went straight into town today for obiad in a little local cafe. We avoid tourist spots as much as possible. The Rynek - square - is lovely but full of tourists so we use it as a cut through like the locals and try to ignore the Poms because we don't want to speak English. (We speak basic Polish to each other on the tram etc).
We found a little museum of art today and even looked at a Da Vinci! Impressed? Some very nice pics etc as well as Roman and Egyptian artifacts. Strange mix. Then back on the tram to our little area and to market to buy kielbasa and ser (sausage and cheese). And this was where I made a bit of an error. I really wanted some ham but mispronounced it and got another sausage - this tme a REALLY strong one!! OK so now we are really well off for sausage! But I redeemed myself by managing to ask about the price of a pair of 'house shoes' for Dave. And got the price right too.
A couple of times people have looked at me strangely and then spoken to me in Polish. I am wondering if they think I am a Pole married to an English speaker. I hate to disillusion them but one of these days I'm going to be found out!
Weather report: much colder this morning but sunny. This evening it is very clear so maybe it will start to get cold enough for snow. An early start tomorrow for our trip - the 07.45 train. No blogging till Sunday and maybe some pics then and a tourist report!
meantime--- miledgo weekendu! Have a good weekend!
http://www.krakow-info.com/czestoch.htm
Next to school where we were terrorised by the Instrumental case!! Why can't we just have the Nominative for everything???? Mind you, yesterday's vocab has stuck in the old cells so we aren't doing too badly. The woman in the cafe even said "Dwa kawa" (2 coffees) as we walked in the door too! Overall the morning flew past again.
We went straight into town today for obiad in a little local cafe. We avoid tourist spots as much as possible. The Rynek - square - is lovely but full of tourists so we use it as a cut through like the locals and try to ignore the Poms because we don't want to speak English. (We speak basic Polish to each other on the tram etc).
We found a little museum of art today and even looked at a Da Vinci! Impressed? Some very nice pics etc as well as Roman and Egyptian artifacts. Strange mix. Then back on the tram to our little area and to market to buy kielbasa and ser (sausage and cheese). And this was where I made a bit of an error. I really wanted some ham but mispronounced it and got another sausage - this tme a REALLY strong one!! OK so now we are really well off for sausage! But I redeemed myself by managing to ask about the price of a pair of 'house shoes' for Dave. And got the price right too.
A couple of times people have looked at me strangely and then spoken to me in Polish. I am wondering if they think I am a Pole married to an English speaker. I hate to disillusion them but one of these days I'm going to be found out!
Weather report: much colder this morning but sunny. This evening it is very clear so maybe it will start to get cold enough for snow. An early start tomorrow for our trip - the 07.45 train. No blogging till Sunday and maybe some pics then and a tourist report!
meantime--- miledgo weekendu! Have a good weekend!
http://www.krakow-info.com/czestoch.htm
Friday 8 December 2006
Nic nie szkodzi!*
What a day! Class was fantastycnie! Our second teacher was so full of energy and enthousiasm and spoke ONLY Polish!! The pace is fast, non-stop and there's nowhere to run and nowhere to hide in a class of two! Brilliant stuff - so much so that we came out and have been talking to each other in Polish! And the woman in the cafe now smiles at us as we order our drinks etc. Mistakes don't matter at all as Poles really appreciate the fact we are trying.
For any of you interested in the pedagogical side..... this communicative method really works. In fact I didn't realise that she wasn't talking English at all till the end, when she said in English "Do you have any questions?"
It's been much colder today but I still ask "Gdzie jest sneg?" Where's the snow? Had to put on the scarf and gloves AND hat. We went to the Muzeum Narodny this afternoon after class and saw part of it. Trust us to choose the day they close early - 3.30pm. Never mind, it's free entry so we'll go back again. Then we wandered along and found ourselves in the old Jewish town. But at 4.00pm it was getting very dark so we found a little cafe, had a beer and then caught a cab back to the Stary Miasto Old town, for obiad. Poles still eat the main meal of the day sort of late afternoon and we enjoy that too. Of course we are also into the way of picking up a begel en route from the tram to home which fills the gap till obiad. Heaps of people do it so we feel very at home.
Big events of today - the taxi driver thought I was Polish! Hurrah, and the teacher says I have accurate pronunciation like a Pole, so I must have picked that up from my father. Dave managed to put his trousers in for dry cleaning - we aren't exactly sure when they'll be ready either 6 hours ago or on the 16th!! Alternatively, we may never see them again if we mistook the place for the Polish equivelent of St Vinnys!
Found a lovely restauracje and ate a very good dinner -more beer. The waiter liked the fact we spoke only Polish to him! Then back home to do my homework. Lots of practice of gender and adjectives today. I'm enjoying reading your comments Kylie - it's a big world out here, full of exciting adventures and opportunities.
Tomorrow is the last day for school for this week and then we have a chance to do something on the weekend. Maybe Zakopane, or Czenstchowa...will keep you posted.
Do widzenia!
*It doesn't matter
For any of you interested in the pedagogical side..... this communicative method really works. In fact I didn't realise that she wasn't talking English at all till the end, when she said in English "Do you have any questions?"
It's been much colder today but I still ask "Gdzie jest sneg?" Where's the snow? Had to put on the scarf and gloves AND hat. We went to the Muzeum Narodny this afternoon after class and saw part of it. Trust us to choose the day they close early - 3.30pm. Never mind, it's free entry so we'll go back again. Then we wandered along and found ourselves in the old Jewish town. But at 4.00pm it was getting very dark so we found a little cafe, had a beer and then caught a cab back to the Stary Miasto Old town, for obiad. Poles still eat the main meal of the day sort of late afternoon and we enjoy that too. Of course we are also into the way of picking up a begel en route from the tram to home which fills the gap till obiad. Heaps of people do it so we feel very at home.
Big events of today - the taxi driver thought I was Polish! Hurrah, and the teacher says I have accurate pronunciation like a Pole, so I must have picked that up from my father. Dave managed to put his trousers in for dry cleaning - we aren't exactly sure when they'll be ready either 6 hours ago or on the 16th!! Alternatively, we may never see them again if we mistook the place for the Polish equivelent of St Vinnys!
Found a lovely restauracje and ate a very good dinner -more beer. The waiter liked the fact we spoke only Polish to him! Then back home to do my homework. Lots of practice of gender and adjectives today. I'm enjoying reading your comments Kylie - it's a big world out here, full of exciting adventures and opportunities.
Tomorrow is the last day for school for this week and then we have a chance to do something on the weekend. Maybe Zakopane, or Czenstchowa...will keep you posted.
Do widzenia!
*It doesn't matter
Thursday 7 December 2006
po Polsku
Day 1 of lessons. We have now learned more in our 3 x 45 minutes lessons than we thought possible. Amazing the confidence we now have. In addition we are enjoying the tram rides all over the place. Trams are very cheap and plentiful andw e leave the apartment at about 08.45, walk to the tram stop, catch No 3 to one street then any tram to Bronowicka. total travel time is about 20 minutes and total cost is PLZ 3, 60 = AUD 1,70 (?).. Very cheap. That's for an hour ticket. The normal ticket (bilety normaly) is 2,50 - that's a one ride ticket.
We can eat dinner here for about PLZ 35. That was 2 large and 1 small beer, 1 tea, 2 soups and 1 x bigos and 1 x globoke. No diacritics so some of this may look weird. Not at all bad.
Tomorrow we have class then plan to be tourists. This weekend we may go to Cestochowa to see the Black Madonna and the famous monastery there. Being winter there are nor quite so many pilgrims around.
Thanks Kylie for the comments - when we stop for breath we WILL have a wodka for you! And hopefully I'll work out how to post pictures too!!!
I see it's 06.09 at home and as it's 21.09 here i can proudly say I have done ALL my homework - 2 full pages of a workbook plus a speaking preparaiotn for our second teache tomorrow - no! we haven't scared the first away but they are team teaching us. So today was Anyta and tomorrow is Ewa. And I am now Krysia!!
General: the weather is mild and we are enjoying that. It's been about 13C today tho' tomorrow is forecast light rain and 9C. Not a hint of snow. So that's it for today. As ever any comments are gratefully received.
Czesc!
We can eat dinner here for about PLZ 35. That was 2 large and 1 small beer, 1 tea, 2 soups and 1 x bigos and 1 x globoke. No diacritics so some of this may look weird. Not at all bad.
Tomorrow we have class then plan to be tourists. This weekend we may go to Cestochowa to see the Black Madonna and the famous monastery there. Being winter there are nor quite so many pilgrims around.
Thanks Kylie for the comments - when we stop for breath we WILL have a wodka for you! And hopefully I'll work out how to post pictures too!!!
I see it's 06.09 at home and as it's 21.09 here i can proudly say I have done ALL my homework - 2 full pages of a workbook plus a speaking preparaiotn for our second teache tomorrow - no! we haven't scared the first away but they are team teaching us. So today was Anyta and tomorrow is Ewa. And I am now Krysia!!
General: the weather is mild and we are enjoying that. It's been about 13C today tho' tomorrow is forecast light rain and 9C. Not a hint of snow. So that's it for today. As ever any comments are gratefully received.
Czesc!
Wednesday 6 December 2006
Witamy!
First - remember that I am now about 8 hours behind you all!!!!!
Well, for those of you who might bother to read this.... we are now in our apartment in Krakow. Small but cosy and comfortable. Jerzy, the manager is very helpful and speaks excellent English, French and probably German too!
...but now for the real update. We had a rather boring journey - I don't recommend either Singapore Air or Lufthansa. Stage 1: Brisbane -Singapore. Food - dull and boring, entertainment dicey. Dave's set kept shutting down and not a Gremlin in sight! Staff were just a tad unhelpful. Stage 2: Singapore - Frankfurt. Food..truly YUK! Entertainment was non-existent as their computer system wasn't workng...I suppose we were just lucky that the plane stayed in the air! Staff were uninspired. Thank goodness for sleeping tablets as 12 odd hours would have been Tooooooo much to bear. Stage 3: Frankfurt - Warsawa. I think I slept again but really that was ok and then the last leg from Warsawa to Krakow was just fine. LOT were just great and I have to show off. I ordered my tea in Polish!
We also met a Kiwi who has moved to Krakow to live for a while. good guy and hopefully we'll meet up with him and his wife over the next week or so.
Yesterday then we arrived here and being the lunatics we are we went straight out to buy: Polish 'Orange' SIM card, groceries from the Delikates, Obiad -late Polish lunch. I ordered from the menu and only one thing went wrong - I THOUGHT I'd ordered two Zupa pomedore..tomato soup ...BUT only one came!! But never mind. All was TASTY and Dave loved watching me eat the soup. Poles are brusque but helpful and love it when we try to speak to them.
Today we managed to walk from the Stary miasto -old city to the school-----BIG mistake. It was much further than we thought--about 5 kilometers. So no need for gym today folks. we start out lessons tomorrow. we have the newly published book and it's excellent. It reminds us of Headway.
We also took trams everywhere and went to shop in Tesco!! Hurrah for a real supernarket., eat your heart out Australia - Tesco knocks spots off any grotty supermarket there. we could have bought anything - even exercise bikes and car tyres, but we made do with CHEAP fruit - cheaper than at home - and beautiful bread and cold meats and...and..... and then treated ourselves to a taxi home.
And that's it for today. If any of my friends are reading this - ask questions and I'll try to answer them - same for my students back in Australia - enjoy the last 2 weeks of school.
Well, for those of you who might bother to read this.... we are now in our apartment in Krakow. Small but cosy and comfortable. Jerzy, the manager is very helpful and speaks excellent English, French and probably German too!
...but now for the real update. We had a rather boring journey - I don't recommend either Singapore Air or Lufthansa. Stage 1: Brisbane -Singapore. Food - dull and boring, entertainment dicey. Dave's set kept shutting down and not a Gremlin in sight! Staff were just a tad unhelpful. Stage 2: Singapore - Frankfurt. Food..truly YUK! Entertainment was non-existent as their computer system wasn't workng...I suppose we were just lucky that the plane stayed in the air! Staff were uninspired. Thank goodness for sleeping tablets as 12 odd hours would have been Tooooooo much to bear. Stage 3: Frankfurt - Warsawa. I think I slept again but really that was ok and then the last leg from Warsawa to Krakow was just fine. LOT were just great and I have to show off. I ordered my tea in Polish!
We also met a Kiwi who has moved to Krakow to live for a while. good guy and hopefully we'll meet up with him and his wife over the next week or so.
Yesterday then we arrived here and being the lunatics we are we went straight out to buy: Polish 'Orange' SIM card, groceries from the Delikates, Obiad -late Polish lunch. I ordered from the menu and only one thing went wrong - I THOUGHT I'd ordered two Zupa pomedore..tomato soup ...BUT only one came!! But never mind. All was TASTY and Dave loved watching me eat the soup. Poles are brusque but helpful and love it when we try to speak to them.
Today we managed to walk from the Stary miasto -old city to the school-----BIG mistake. It was much further than we thought--about 5 kilometers. So no need for gym today folks. we start out lessons tomorrow. we have the newly published book and it's excellent. It reminds us of Headway.
We also took trams everywhere and went to shop in Tesco!! Hurrah for a real supernarket., eat your heart out Australia - Tesco knocks spots off any grotty supermarket there. we could have bought anything - even exercise bikes and car tyres, but we made do with CHEAP fruit - cheaper than at home - and beautiful bread and cold meats and...and..... and then treated ourselves to a taxi home.
And that's it for today. If any of my friends are reading this - ask questions and I'll try to answer them - same for my students back in Australia - enjoy the last 2 weeks of school.
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