After hanging in Kostrzyn, I came home to Wroclaw for a few days before taking the train to Krakow. Narina and Marshall hopped on the train as it passed through Gliwice and the three of us headed to the former Polish capital. Krakow was painfully cold for the 3 days we were there, but we still managed to see the sights and have some fun. Sadly, my camera battery died so I didn't take as many pictures as I hoped. Narina and I decided to get our first Polish haircuts in Krakow. After finding a proper frzjer (salon), the hair was washed and cut and we were both pleased. I was a touch worried b/c Narina's hairdresser was quite old and didn't speak any English - but that didn't stop her from talking in Polish nonstop ... read more

Tis the season for some parties and snowy getaways. I attended my first Polish birthday party early in the month. Michal (Mee-how) turned 23 and hosted a great party. For a Polish birthday, the bday boy/girl is responsible for paying for everyone else's drinks at a bar. They also supply snacks and are to ensure all guests have a lovely time. So I announced that I would NOT be hosting a Polish birthday party. No way am I buying drinks for everyone else on my birthday. Poor Michal was stressed making sure everyone was having fun on HIS birthday. The Speed school held a teachers' weekend get away in snowy Szcyrk (please note the lack of vowels). The resort was about 7 hours away from Wroclaw and we picked up about 50 other teachers from the ... read more

Due to harassment from someone who will remain nameless (Bri Keeney), here is the much anticipated Polish Halloween/election installment of my travel blog. To answer a few questions: NO, the Poles don't celebrate Halloween. The Poles celebrate All Saints' Day on Nov. 1. The vast majority of Poles spend the day with family traveling to the cemeteries where relatives are buried. This also meant that all the stores and restaurants were closed all weekend, which would have been handy to know beforehand. NO, I didn't bring a costume with me to Poland so I didn't have one to wear on Halloween. I did not think it would be a prudent choice to pack a suitcase full of props, costumes and practical jokes. YES, the Poles were interested in the election and for the most part were ... read more

While the sun still shines in Wroclaw (pronouncd Vra-Swaf or Vra-Swav), I have been taking long walks around the city, snapping pics. Rumor has it that when the winter sets in, the sun won't be seen for months....... read more