Zakopane Adventures Begin

We all arrived in Zakopane about 6:30 PM on Saturday night. Life is normal here too -- rain and road construction made it slow going sometimes. We had a supper of Polish crepes. Everyone is about ready to crash. But poor Dorota, she has to drive the 2 hours back to Krakow to pick up a volunteer whose first flight leg was late and caused her to lose her connections. They will not be back here until about 2 AM. More later when there is time and the wireless gets fixed.

Food, Glorious Food

I did some walking more in the business area of the city to learn how things are laid out, to plan for when I arrive back in Warsaw in mid-July. I visited St. Alexander's Church, a new one to me. Its design is based on the Pantheon. The rounded ceiling is covered with rows and rows of flower designs. I marveled at the variety and also the math that was needed to design each row to get smaller as it moved towards the summit. I thought this church is small enough that it feels like a place one could really worship and feel like one belonged. Then I walked across the street and got an iced coffee. I pulled out the guidebook and found that originally this church was cathedral size and was dedicated to Alexander of Russia when he was also king of Poland. After WWII it was restored only to this small size. I was right about its feeling. It is highly sought for weddings.

It was hot and humid! I was ever so grateful when I reached the Hotel Jan Soebieski, the place I'll stay upon my return. I went into the cafe for lunch. Oh,the lack of prepositions in Polish produce some interesting translations. I ordered potato and zucchini pancakes with smoked trout and Balkan yogurt. Well, the dish that came was a complete filet of smoked trout on a pancake with a side of yogurt garnished with sprouts. It was beautiful, it was delicious! In English we would feature the trout, not the pancake. My waiter gave me elegant service, but when I ordered he said, "Is that all?" One can see that the serving is quite enough.

But I had room for dessert. This is Pear Charlotte. It also was delicious, and notice of the garnish of chocolate lattice.

Almost decided to take a taxi back to the B&B, but the halfway destination didn't look to far. 30 minutes later I wished I had grabbed a taxi. The streets are busy, and so the crossings are done in tunnels under the street-- up and down stairs, through tunnels.

I was glad when I found my favorite Coffee Heaven. I needed a rest. And thankful cold drinks are making their way to Poland-- Central Europe has a traditional aversion to cold drinks. I ordered a Pina Colada, non-alcholic since this is a coffee shop not a bar. I did fine in Polish until the question of here or take away. In response to my blank look, the barista changed to English.

Rainy evening. I completed a form that Hungary Fulbright asked for just on Monday before my leaving. So I have only two work tasks left to accomplish now. I curled up in my duvet and read a book. Now it's midnight Polish time, but only 4 PM by my clock and I'm wide awake.

Got word my real estate agent is showing the property to three more buyers, and also I'm totally approved for the apartment to which I'll be moving.

Traveling Adventures

Photos appear backward -- Curious wall art in Warsaw
Sandwich presentation on KLM plane
Sunrise colors
About 20 minutes before I left home, the signs to sell my house were posted. (Today, June 25 my agent tells me she has two showings for the property.) I walked up to the #23 bus. I like this one for it has a layover, and so there is no rush to get the luggage on the bus. The bus driver asked me if I was running away. Since the For sale signs just went up, I told him yes. When he found out it was Poland, he told me his parents met in Chicago, found they were both from Warsaw. They would like to return, but he thinks since they are in their 80s, the trip would be too difficult. I agreed that a long plane ride with a significant time shift could be challenge. He said, "No, the food." I laughed and told him the food in Poland was better than ours. He waa shocked. People still carry the old images of the post WWII and Communist days.

My next adventure begins at the airport. I observed the escort service to bring a blind woman to the Northwest gate desk. Since we were 90 minutes away from flight time, no one was there. She was wearing a heavy back pack. I walked over and asked if she was would like to sit with me until someone came to the desk. I learned she grew up in Iowa just like me, but had lived in Norway for the past 30 years. We had a very nice visit, got her escort arranged for the plane boarding. When I got on I found her in the row ahead of me. I surely enjoyed meeting her.

We ended up leaving 2 hours late due to "breaker" problem, but other than that the flight was uneventful. Because it is so close to mid-summer, and we were flying very far north, there really was no true darkness. The colors of the sunset and the sunrise were magnificent.

The delay at the beginning meant I really needed to move along in Amseterdam. I got to the Warsaw flight just as the boarding began. We were served little cheese sandwiches in a very classy package.

Found Warsaw to be cool and rainy. My driver said another guest was shortly expected, so he fixed me up with a cup of tea in the coffee shop. Shortly a guest from Texas arrived, and we were off to the B & B. It seems like home now.

I went across the street to the shop and got orange juice and yogurt. Came back and had a snack and then settled down for a nap. About 5 PM I got up and went out to supper. I had spinach tortelli with prosciutto(spelled wrong!) in cream sauce, along with a glass of my favorite black currant juice. Poor food indeed!!!

Up and down night, since my bio clock is all mixed up. Went to breakfast about 9:30 AM and then off to get my train ticket for tomorrow. Look for more news when I hit the wireless in Zakopane on Saturday or Sunday.

Leavin' on the Jet Plane

The Twin Cities are under a heat index warning. It's ugly hot! In 5 hours I'm walking to the corner and getting on tne bus on tne way to the airport on the way to Poland. I've worked very hard getting everything to move when I return. My property all goes on sale today. It's time for a change! Better stories to come!

New LIving Space

This morning I signed the paper giving me an apartment for any time after August 15. That is the day I return from Poland, and a Saturday besides. Certainly won't move that day. Even though I've downsized and got rid of lots of things I still have too much!

Let the Adventure Begin

Today I signed the papers to put all my property up for sale on the same day that I leave for Poland. The realator is quite optimistic this will sell, since this is a very desirable part of the city.

Tomorrow I'm going to look at an apartment. So check back then.

Expensive Adventures

I went back to the car service this morning and a new computer, called a PCM, was installed in my car. They also fixed a transmission leak we've been following. The bill was expensive, but less than I anticipated. However, buying a computer for car costs as much as buying one with a keyboard!

I got home in time for the 1-800-Got Junk Guys. Four college age guys came and moved out a mattress, box spring, a dresser, a very heavy bottom of a computer hutch desk, and a very, very heavy freezer. They had to take off the back door to get some of this out, and even take off the latch for the screen door. This bill with tax was right at $300, and they earned every penny of it!