Monday and Wednesday nights are best times to spend in Empik in the city centre. My favourite one is in Galeria Centrum. It's a three level store with books, magazines, cd's, dvd's, school supplies and games. Best of all, on the top level is a café, with power points and a view of the Palace of Culture and Science.
I love to come here and write, among other people, among the books which I can reach out and read. Café's and book stores in one are a weakness of mine.
I always take the escalators to the third floor, browse through the English books, sometimes I make a purchase, but most of the time I read the back covers and move on.
Taking a seat by the window, overlooking Marszalkowska Street and the Palace of Culture and Science, with Central Station and Zlote Tarasy just over in the distance.
Traffic zooms past in both direction, people rushing home to their families, while many others – tourists and locals alike – stroll the streets, browse through shops – Zara, H&M, Reserved and Sephora – a couple buy flowers from the old man selling tulips and forget-me-nots. He's so sweet looking, I wonder how long he's been standing there for, and I remind myself to bring some change next time and buy a bunch from him. He's always smiling.
Warsaw with it's bustling lights, the place has come so far and still has such a long way to go. I reach over and bite into my Byron Bay cookie (I loved them in Australia), and I take a sip of green tea. This alone is proof that Warsaw is emerging from its 20 year post communism era, into the globalised future and may one day soon form its place as a modern state in the EU.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
One Unfine June Day
Summer has started in Poland, yet it feels like it's autumn instead. It's wet, raining and so depressing I can't stand looking outside, might have to change my desk around to face a wall with a pretty picture painted on it.
Middle of June and it's about 12 degrees outside. Yesterday it was 30. This rapid change of weather is driving me crazy and everyone else around me. There's a continuous run of the sniffles, shivers and it's difficult to plan what to wear to work when the weather is this awful. All I want to do is sunbathe a little, work on my tan, and relax in the sun, that's what one is supposed to do during the summer. Right now I'm wondering if we're going to get any at all.
Luckily I took my washing in last night. But that's another story, not meant for today. And my aunt's cat gave birth for the fifth time in the last 24 months, to four brand new kittens. I'm not a fan of cats but my younger cousins are pretty excited.
So what is one to do in Poland when it's cold and wet outside? One thing is to snuggle in a warm jumper, watch a good movie or snuggle up to your partner. He's at work, darn it. Oh well, I guess I just have to keep on working and hope that tomorrow the sun will shine and I won't be freezing my butt of in summer.
The internet connection isn't working very well either. Bummer. I've got some many emails to send and pictures to put up. I'm beginning to wonder if I'm ever going to be able to put up photos again.
OK, now that I'm done with the complaining it's time to start writing again, and TEFL lesson plans for tomorrow. Might be a good idea to get started on report writing too, all the students reports are due next week. So much work and so little time.
Middle of June and it's about 12 degrees outside. Yesterday it was 30. This rapid change of weather is driving me crazy and everyone else around me. There's a continuous run of the sniffles, shivers and it's difficult to plan what to wear to work when the weather is this awful. All I want to do is sunbathe a little, work on my tan, and relax in the sun, that's what one is supposed to do during the summer. Right now I'm wondering if we're going to get any at all.
Luckily I took my washing in last night. But that's another story, not meant for today. And my aunt's cat gave birth for the fifth time in the last 24 months, to four brand new kittens. I'm not a fan of cats but my younger cousins are pretty excited.
So what is one to do in Poland when it's cold and wet outside? One thing is to snuggle in a warm jumper, watch a good movie or snuggle up to your partner. He's at work, darn it. Oh well, I guess I just have to keep on working and hope that tomorrow the sun will shine and I won't be freezing my butt of in summer.
The internet connection isn't working very well either. Bummer. I've got some many emails to send and pictures to put up. I'm beginning to wonder if I'm ever going to be able to put up photos again.
OK, now that I'm done with the complaining it's time to start writing again, and TEFL lesson plans for tomorrow. Might be a good idea to get started on report writing too, all the students reports are due next week. So much work and so little time.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Corpus Christi
The Feast of Corpus Christi or Boze Cialo as it is named in Poland is one of the most important Roman Catholic traditions celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday. It began in around 1247 in France and has continued to this day throughout the world.
The purpose of this custom has changed throughout the years, initially it was a celebration for adoring Jesus Christ. A specific 'adoring prayer' was said, but now the 'begging prayer' has also been added, where the people ask for good weather and harvest for the upcoming season. Worshipers range among men, women and young children. It is also popular for tourists who may not have a similar celebration in their home town or country.
This year Corpus Christi fell on 11 June. It's one of the prettiest Catholic celebrations where young girls in their First Communion dresses walk the streets with other believers and church goes, sprinkling rose petals and other flowers on the street. As they walk around the towns, they stop at temporary shrines to pray and take a twig of birch back to their homes for luck.
Here are some photos of the celebrations in a small suburb of Warsaw, my current home town.
The purpose of this custom has changed throughout the years, initially it was a celebration for adoring Jesus Christ. A specific 'adoring prayer' was said, but now the 'begging prayer' has also been added, where the people ask for good weather and harvest for the upcoming season. Worshipers range among men, women and young children. It is also popular for tourists who may not have a similar celebration in their home town or country.
This year Corpus Christi fell on 11 June. It's one of the prettiest Catholic celebrations where young girls in their First Communion dresses walk the streets with other believers and church goes, sprinkling rose petals and other flowers on the street. As they walk around the towns, they stop at temporary shrines to pray and take a twig of birch back to their homes for luck.
Here are some photos of the celebrations in a small suburb of Warsaw, my current home town.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Why Visit Poland?
Earning in the zloty is not the best. Especially when the exchange rate is not your favour. Even though I earn above the average income most months of the year, it's a lot less then I was earning in Australia. This isn't great if I want to send money to my account back home. Sometimes it doesn't seem worth it.
Poland is an interesting place, but unless you're taking up a managers position and going to be earning over 20,000 zloty a month, don't come here for the money. So why would you bother?
- A different culture. Poland is different, the people are different. Life is different. Two years later, I am still getting used to the attitude and behaviour of the majority I have come in contact with. It's always good to open yourself up to new ideals, a new way of life. While the place has been modernised over the past 20 years, they still have a long way to go.
- A sense of history. Poles have battled it out for centuries. Wars, uprisings and having their land taken away from them, given back, taken away again, and once again restored. Since World War II, Poland has changed somewhat, it has lived under Stalin rule, Military Rule and Communism, and survived. Get a taste of the history by visiting some of the famous sites like Auschwitz, Krakow, Warsaw Uprising Museum and much more.
- The exchange rate. If you're coming from England, Australia, America or anywhere that has the Euro. 1 Euro = 4.54 zloty or 1 USD = 3.25 zloty (6.6.09). Not bad if you want to have some fun.
- The spring time. This has to be the best part of the year. All the flowers are blooming, the sun is shining and I wake up with a smile on my face, especially when I can go for a nice long morning run in the forest.
- Vodka. Polish folk are big drinkers. Young and old. Unfortunately many don't know their limits and will end up sleeping at bus stops, on the side of the street or in front of the shop. However you will have a good time if you go out. Just be ready to down those shots (and remember your limits, no point in getting so plastered that you forget the experience).
- Natural habitats. Polish is rich when it comes to beautiful places to visit. Zakopany and Tatra Mountains is one of the most popular destination but Poland has much more to offer than that. Check out Bieszczady and Lake Solina, Bialowierza National Park in Hajnowka, Wieliczka salt mine, and much more.
Poland is an interesting place, but unless you're taking up a managers position and going to be earning over 20,000 zloty a month, don't come here for the money. So why would you bother?
- A different culture. Poland is different, the people are different. Life is different. Two years later, I am still getting used to the attitude and behaviour of the majority I have come in contact with. It's always good to open yourself up to new ideals, a new way of life. While the place has been modernised over the past 20 years, they still have a long way to go.
- A sense of history. Poles have battled it out for centuries. Wars, uprisings and having their land taken away from them, given back, taken away again, and once again restored. Since World War II, Poland has changed somewhat, it has lived under Stalin rule, Military Rule and Communism, and survived. Get a taste of the history by visiting some of the famous sites like Auschwitz, Krakow, Warsaw Uprising Museum and much more.
- The exchange rate. If you're coming from England, Australia, America or anywhere that has the Euro. 1 Euro = 4.54 zloty or 1 USD = 3.25 zloty (6.6.09). Not bad if you want to have some fun.
- The spring time. This has to be the best part of the year. All the flowers are blooming, the sun is shining and I wake up with a smile on my face, especially when I can go for a nice long morning run in the forest.
- Vodka. Polish folk are big drinkers. Young and old. Unfortunately many don't know their limits and will end up sleeping at bus stops, on the side of the street or in front of the shop. However you will have a good time if you go out. Just be ready to down those shots (and remember your limits, no point in getting so plastered that you forget the experience).
- Natural habitats. Polish is rich when it comes to beautiful places to visit. Zakopany and Tatra Mountains is one of the most popular destination but Poland has much more to offer than that. Check out Bieszczady and Lake Solina, Bialowierza National Park in Hajnowka, Wieliczka salt mine, and much more.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Fourth of June
4 June 1989 marked moments in history that changed the lives of many people.
Beijing's Tianenman Square protests, China
The Russian Railway Catastrophe
Fall of Communism in Poland and the start of a democracy, first elections are held
All significant events that changed the course of history. Each one important to people around the world. Tianenman Square people were massacred for voicing their opinions. In Russia, people died from a catastrophe that could have been avoided. In Poland, the people were given a choice.
Twenty years on, what does it all mean?
4 June 2009
The date marks 20th Anniversary of several significant moments in history.
European Parliamentary Elections are held
20 years democracy in Poland celebrated
Twenty years is a long time. It's one generation. Poles had huge expectations back in 1989, or maybe they had no idea what to expect and that is why Poland is the way it is to say. I can not be completely negative about the country's position, for it is beautiful, filled with good souls, and opportunities for all. The potential for growth here is enormous. Maybe the next 20 years the right things will happen.
Twenty years ago Poland entered into a democratic state without adequate guidance to be successful, without the right support which would lead them in the right direction to health, wealth and prosperity. Now, Poland knows that many things have to change in order to make up the losses in the next twenty years, and so that 2029, people will be proud to call themselves Poles.
This morning I was reading the 'Metro' complimentary newspaper, handed out to around 500,000 individuals on the streets of Warsaw. They mention five goals for Poland for the next twenty years -
1 – Educational Reform with the intention of teaching trust and open mindedness while using modern and innovative methods of teaching.
2 – Creation of strong centres of science and innovation.
3 – Realistic democracy with a free market, and the protection of human rights, laws and the
rights of citizens. Politicians have been looking after themselves far to long and in turn neglecting
the needs of their citizens.
4 – Development in infrastructure for roads, railways, airports, and energy. These are important elements for the development of any country.
5 – Family friendly politics in order to guarantee access to kindergartens and pre-schools, for mothers not having to choosing between motherhood and a career.
Education, infrastructure, politics, science and innovation, human rights among others are critical for a successful society, without them a state is incapable of providing today's basic needs of their citizens. Let's hope that these goals will become priority for the country, the politicians and it's people.
Beijing's Tianenman Square protests, China
The Russian Railway Catastrophe
Fall of Communism in Poland and the start of a democracy, first elections are held
All significant events that changed the course of history. Each one important to people around the world. Tianenman Square people were massacred for voicing their opinions. In Russia, people died from a catastrophe that could have been avoided. In Poland, the people were given a choice.
Twenty years on, what does it all mean?
4 June 2009
The date marks 20th Anniversary of several significant moments in history.
European Parliamentary Elections are held
20 years democracy in Poland celebrated
Twenty years is a long time. It's one generation. Poles had huge expectations back in 1989, or maybe they had no idea what to expect and that is why Poland is the way it is to say. I can not be completely negative about the country's position, for it is beautiful, filled with good souls, and opportunities for all. The potential for growth here is enormous. Maybe the next 20 years the right things will happen.
Twenty years ago Poland entered into a democratic state without adequate guidance to be successful, without the right support which would lead them in the right direction to health, wealth and prosperity. Now, Poland knows that many things have to change in order to make up the losses in the next twenty years, and so that 2029, people will be proud to call themselves Poles.
This morning I was reading the 'Metro' complimentary newspaper, handed out to around 500,000 individuals on the streets of Warsaw. They mention five goals for Poland for the next twenty years -
1 – Educational Reform with the intention of teaching trust and open mindedness while using modern and innovative methods of teaching.
2 – Creation of strong centres of science and innovation.
3 – Realistic democracy with a free market, and the protection of human rights, laws and the
rights of citizens. Politicians have been looking after themselves far to long and in turn neglecting
the needs of their citizens.
4 – Development in infrastructure for roads, railways, airports, and energy. These are important elements for the development of any country.
5 – Family friendly politics in order to guarantee access to kindergartens and pre-schools, for mothers not having to choosing between motherhood and a career.
Education, infrastructure, politics, science and innovation, human rights among others are critical for a successful society, without them a state is incapable of providing today's basic needs of their citizens. Let's hope that these goals will become priority for the country, the politicians and it's people.
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