I never used to be afraid of flying - and then I flew LOT Polish Airlines....

The Polish people do not speak my language. Oh wait, that's obvious, let me rephrase that. The Polish people don't speak any other language. No wait, that's not what I'm going for. How about, Polish people can't understand people talking to them unless it is other Polish people? Ah, yes, that seems like what I want. Just ask the lady at the bus station who directed me to the wrong bus (when I was already late), even after I very clearly asked (in Polish, none the less) where I needed to go and then preceded to make sure she absolutely understood me. She said 'tak' 3234u020 times, was it wrong for me to trust her? Long story short - I almost missed my one means of transportation to Krakow because the, well, let's face it, the person giving me instructions was Polish. Now I know what you're thinking, that sounds rather harsh, and if I had heard that two months ago I would have agreed. But now, after living here and fully experiencing everything there is to offer in the country, I feel no shame in bluntly saying that many (please note I say 'many' not 'all') Polocks are a bunch of dumb (censor). The other day we were walking by some Polish workers painting a wooden pole, and here I must ask, 'How many Polocks does it take to paint a pole?' Oh no, not one, but three. Because you see, one must do the painting, one must hold the can of paint, and the other must watch and make sure that the pole is painted perfectly (where do they get the money to pay all these workers? Because they really should invest it in updating their public transportation). Absolute true story.


Now, I am only sharing my personal view of the country. Don't get me wrong, living here has been fine - but after spending a weekend in Vienna, it is hard to come back here and not notice every little thing.


Back to Vienna. It was my first trip to Austria, and it was absolutely worth it (even though it took me 12 hours to get back - don't ask, I will only get all heated about the transportation in Poland). OOOOOH VIEEENNNAAAAAA, you (really) don't know how much you mean to me. It was great to be back with the rest of the world, and to use the euro again - my long lost friend (if only the exchange rate was a little better with my American dollar). Regardless, it was such a wonderful weekend - and my 4.5 star hotel definitely helped (I didn't even know there were half stars...always learning). The weather was phenom, dare I say it, but Spring is in the air :) I actually got sunburned on Friday when I was sitting in Krakow, the short shorts are coming out soon! I was worried that the Polish didn't wear shorts, but after seeing this years spring/summer collection, my shorts could actually be shorter. God Bless summer and summer attire!


Although it was Easter weekend, there were still many things open in Vienna, and the streets were crawling with tourists - sometimes it's so great to be a tourist! I went to mass at St. Stephan's - yes, it was all in German, but I figured it was something I might not get the chance to do it again, so why not. Sadly, Easter Sunday was the only time that it rained in the city, and it just so happened to rain right when we were coming out of Mass. So, of course we sprinted through the streets of Vienna, sundresses billowing, flip flops sliding, and hair a matted mess, all the way back to our hotel. Only in Vienna! Also, I almost got hit by a tram, slammed in the subway doors, and run over by not one, but two, horse and buggy carriages - although the last one would make a great story. I ate my weight in schnitzel and in strudel and in sausage and in everything else that screams Viennese, it was beautiful.


Stepping on the plane to come back to Poland was one of the most heart wrenching moments I have had in a while - thank goodness I have another long weekend coming up (still unsure of where to go) and then after that, Munich (I have an inkling that that weekend could very well be the beginning of the end).

She wears high heels when she exercises (and when she grocery shops, and when she walks the dog, and when she cleans...) ain't that beautiful?

First things first, I am alive, Grandpa :) Life has just been a little hectic and I haven't really had the time, or I suppose I just haven't really made the time, to blog - but here I go, I shall try again (yes, shall, not will, shall). So many weeks have gone by that I have completely lost track - I suppose it has been 'almost two months' now, at least that is what I am going with and I am proud to say that within those two months I have started to drink beer (alright alright, it has to have raspberry juice in it, but believe me, it's a start). So much for my 'losing weight' in Poland idea, seeing as how all I do is eat perogies and drink beer there's a slim (to none) chance that will happen. Oh, wait, I'm active now - I'll just climb mountains and I will be fine. Speaking of, weather permitting, I will be 'mountain' climbing (sounds more daring) again this weekend. Emphasis on the weather permitting. This past week has been a nice mixture of rain, sleet, hail, and snow - in no particular order. I don't know why I always think that April is this amazing month, it really never is! No matter where I am, MI, PA or Poland, it just flat out sucks! On the brightside, we are halfway through the month - meaning, better weather is right around the corner? Made it to Wroclaw last weekend (pronounced VROTSWUAF) and it was fantastic. And it just so happened that the two days we were there were the only two sunny days in April! The city was good fun - not as great as Krakow, but it was still nice to be in a 'big city'. Trying to figure out all the last minute details for Vienna, which is happening over Easter weekend. It is rather hectic. The original thought was to rent a car and roadtrip there, which in theory is a great idea, but in practice, would most likely turn into a complete disaster. Thank goodness for air travel. Needless to say, I'm really looking forward to the trip. Not to mention, it will be nice to get out of Poland - I get to use the Euro again! And rumor has it Austrian boys are dreamy (and trust me, it's been two months, I could use some eye candy). There is talk of going to Copenhagen the weekend after, which, again, in theory sounds wonderful, but seeing as how the weekend after that I am going to Munich, I might have to pass the trip up. Which really is a shame, because if Austrian boys are dreamy then Denmarkians are drop dead gorgeous! Teaching is going alright. It's not typical teaching, we use a particular method, and sometimes classes are great, and sometimes they are so boring that I want to throw something. I try to always make things interesting, but sometimes there is only so much you can do. I now get to teach little kiddies though, and I really do enjoy that! There is one class in particular that I am absolutely in love with. So they're all teachers pets, who cares, they are so much fun. Justin Bieber is quite often belted in the classroom and actually last time I taught them one little boy put on Shakira's WAKA WAKA on his phone and we all did the dance (great fun, look up the video if you haven't seen it yet). So the Polock Kiddies are usually the highlights of my days. Supposed to be going to a 'football match' (I'm turning rather English/European now, AH!) this evening, but if it doesn't stop raining there is no way I am leaving the warmth of my bed. Oh, wait, I might get up for a beer...NA ZDROWIE!

I feel so at home in 'The Land of The Shnauz'

The past few days have been, plain and simple, emotionally draining.

Training in Krakow ended, longest two weeks of my life, although, a very informative two weeks. Last Friday I had to pack up my things from my shower-curtainless bathroom and move to my new apartment in Bielsko-Biala (where I am happy to say I not only have a 'shower curtain' but my shower - or incubator as I prefer to call it - actually has an amazon rain forest setting along with high powered jets. Yes, all in my shower). My apartment is livable, the location, slightly less desirable, but Bielsko itself is by far the best city I could have been placed in - so I'm so thankful for that. I have gone out and taken some pictures, but I have yet to actually go out and 'get lost' in the city. I have Friday off (it's like they knew that St. Patty's day is my favorite holiday and I would need a breather) so I am planning on wandering around and I definitely plan on getting lost. There is a statue of Martin Luther that I am rather keen to hunt down, I can't explain why.

Alright, enough of that. Now on to the good stuff - teaching. First off, I am a teacher. I have to write it because I don't actually believe it, but it seems more likely to be true if I read it. Every day I go into the classroom and I write my name on the board. Not because it is actually helpful to the students, but because I am a teacher, and that is what you do! My first class, on Monday, was great. The students were talkative and funny and I really enjoyed it. I then had a class right after, and it was downright terrible. It was like pulling teeth to get the students to talk (which is the main method of teaching used here). In the end, I decided to (possibly) abuse my teacher rights and have them not only do a dictation exercise but also a spelling test (two things that the students here hate). I suppose that I should probably try to focus more on being liked, but I just couldn't help but use (note: not abuse) my power that day. Other than that, my classes have been reasonable. I had a class yesterday and one older man really stuck out. He has been to Alaska, so instead of always trying to pronounce his name (which is virtually impossible for me) I just call him 'Alaska' (creative, I know), but he is quite possibly already one of my favorites; he doesn't know it but I have adopted him as my surrogate Grandpa. I taught a group of teenagers today, enough said. I basically couldln't get them to shut-up. Only problem, they were talking in Polish (beyond frustrating, especially when the only phrases I understand are 'Excuse Me, Thank You, and One Beer Please'). Apparantly I have another group of teenagers tomorrow - Lordy!

Oh, this should really be mentioned. Went out last weekend with the roommates and some of the other teachers from the school (all of whom are fantastic) and woudln't you know, we ended up at some grunge, headbanging club. We walked in to a DJ playing Polish metal (have I mentioned that Polish is not the most attractive language, now imagine it being sung (screamed)along with a heavy metal band). Needless to say, it was an excruciating night for me. I spent half of it trying not to step on the broken glass all over the floor and the other half trying not to be sucked into the mosh pitt! Grunge, so not my thing (however, it was an experience, and memories were made that I will not soon forget, and at the end of the day, that is what is important).

So far teaching has been bearable. I think that the head teacher is going to observe me tomorrow, so I really should make sure I am extra prepared (na, I'd rather sleep in). I will be hiking the mountains this Sunday, I'm ready to get my active on (heaven's knows I need it after my diet of paczki's and perogies the last three weeks). Oh, and I already found my favorite cafe in Bielsko that serves mead, and there are huge wooden swings in the restaurant to sit on - that's right, swings! Mead and swings, basic necessities in anyone's life.


Well, it is officially St. Patty's Day. My roommate just asked me if I would like some "Tea? No thanks, I'll have a beer!"

(which really does bring us back to 'doe')

10 zloty, I only have 10 zloty. What can you make me for 10 Zloty?

Well - my first week and my first weekend in Poland has already come and gone, and at 9am this morning it was time to get back into the daily grind - nothing like starting the day off with a 30 minute presentation. Probably the most beneficial aspect of studying communications, the endless presentations I had to do - putting all that practice into good use now!

How should I do this, start with what happened last night and go back, or start with what happened last week and move forward? Oh what the heck. Last night we had a 'family dinner' and by that I mean, lots and lots of pasta was made! Reminded me a lot of Italy (with the best five roommates ever), although, our food here was a lot more simple than what Ricky and Brends created for us, and we didn't set anything on fire, but it was delicious none-the-less. Had a night out in Krakow on Saturday, reminded me again of the good 'ol days in Europe - I am not sure why but I like going out in Europe so much more than at home - I think the biggest reason is the walking - don't have to worry about that driving nonsense.

Saturday was actually a very sobering day. Early in the afternoon we took a trip to Auschwitz and Birkenau - the largest concentration camps. If you ever have the opportunity, go. The vastness of evil in the world, and the lowest depths that man is willing to stoop are not new concepts to me, in fact, I am well aware of the disgusting nature of mankind, but to see it that close was an experience in and of itself. To think that such actions went on, and in the very backyard, is astounding. So many of the people that were taken to the camps honestly believed that they were being relocated, because slaughter of that extent had never happened before in history, no one could even begin to guess what was going on behind the barbed wire fences. The part of the tour/trip that really shook me the most was the fact that the head SS officer who ran the camp actually lived directly next to Auschwitz where he raised his family, literally a stone's throw away from the first gas chamber. I cannot even imagine being a child growing up with that happening right outside my window. They actually had to move the first gas chamber out of Auschwitz (one of the reasons Birkenau was built) because the townspeople could actually hear the cries of those being murdered and it was a disruption - evil to that extent cannot be masked and hidden. These are not stories that I enjoy hearing about, but they are stories that I (and everyone) need to be made aware of - inaction and unawareness are the reason that evil prospers. It is important to become knowledgable, not so we can defeat evil, but so that we can slow down its progress.

First week of training has been completed. It was long, it was exhausting, but it was (in the long run) worth every single heart wrenching moment. Am I a perfect teacher, of course not. Do I understand every part of grammar, not a chance. But am I truly learning and progressing, absolutely. Have a live lesson with Spanish students this week, and a live assessment in front of the head teachers - nerves nerves nerves. And one week from today, Lord willing, I will be living in Bielsko-Biala (in a swanky apartment) and having my first lesson.


But for right now: I shall take a nap.

still on the hunt for white chocolate bueno bars...

I have made a discovery - I am in love with steaming hot mulled mead. If I had my bear skin rug to curl up on next to a blazing fire in my mountain lodge, my life would be complete (well, a gorgeous Irishman is also a necessity). To those who don't know what mulled mead is - google that, the definition should go a little something like this, "sent directly from heaven."


Well, I have arrived - and I was welcomed to Krakow (pronounced krakoV) to a blanket of snow and some brisk, fresh air. Nothing I can't handle, Northern Michigan has more than prepared me, but I can't help but miss those 70 degree days I was enjoying my last week in VA.

Because it is - to be frank - the dead of winter, the city itself is not overly hustling and bustling - but I have still enjoyed my walks on the cobbled streets (oh how I missed the cobbled streets) and the many (hours) I have already spent people watching at the mall. Oh dear, did I just say that? I'm rather embarrassed. Woke up on Sunday - hungry and still jet-lagged, we all wandered out to look for food, and where did we end up? The five story shopping center (you'll be happy to know mum that there are actually clothing stores in Poland, ha). It is apparant that Old Town Krakow (where I am staying for my two weeks during training) is quite the breathtaking scene. There is a lot of history here - obviously good and bad - apparant from the WWII bullet holes that are covering the outside of my apartment building. This is what I have missed, standing, living, and walking in places where historic events took place. I have already travelled to the castle in hopes of finding the dragon, but alas, I was unsuccessful in that attempt (one day pictures will go up). I am desperate to go wander and get lost in this city, but I haven't even had the time - how strange, I don't have the time to go and get lost! The two week training is incredibly intensive, lasting every day from 10-6ish, that does not leave many daylight hours to work with. So far, the training is, long, I am already crossing off the days until the end - however it is incredibly helpful.

I am currently shacking up in an apartment with 6 other people - one American, two Scots, one Brit, one Aussie, and a Polock - quite the mixture - and one shower that is somehow missing a shower curtain (trust me, you don't want to know, but I can guarantee a picture of that will go up as well). I can't quite figure that math out myself, but seeing as how we basically only sleep (and occasionally shower if there is an opening) there, it hasn't been too terrible. There are 9 of us total being trained right now in Krakow and at the end of the two weeks we will move to our 'new homes', mine being Bielsko-Biala in the mountains. Yes, I did bring my boarding stuff - already planning on some gnarly shredding (wow, that sounded absurd).

So, basically my life will be pretty monotonous for the next two weeks - training training training. Thank goodness there is a weekend in between, because there will be some memories made -pictures optional :) There are actually a lot of great restuarants and nightclubs right in the Old Town, there is nothing better than being right smack dab in the middle of all the hub-bub (the center square quickly became my favorite place in the city - I have already scoped out what I want to buy from the vendors) There is talk of planning a day trip to Auschwitz on Saturday with the group - not a trip that I am looking forward to, per say, but a trip that will be well worth it.

Pub quiz on Thursday at an Irish Bar, it almost feels like I am back in the 'Noke, almost...

all I want is to travel to the end of the world, and beyond...

When I jump, I leap (although not as high as Erin) - when I jog, I run (not literally, because those who know me know I haven't done strenuous physical exercise in years) - and when I decide to do something, I attack it headfirst and relentlessly (that is actually accurate)! That is how I have ended up here, in the 'eastern' west, my home for the next five months: Poland.

I cannot even recall the amount of times I have been asked "Why Poland?" And my response, "Why not?" I will admit, it seems rather strange, almost 'random', but as I have been preparing for my trip I have realized, Poland is the right destination for me. As many know, I was originally going to the Republic of Georgia in January - a rather bold move, to be honest, and it was at the last moment that I altered my plans and landed on Poland - I have felt nothing but peace about my decision (I'd like to think I can handle The Republic of Georgia, but I will be honest, a European country - no matter how far east - is much more comforting) My change of plans reminds me of a G.K. Chestorton (thank you Dr. Edwards and Grove City College) quote, "The only way of catching a train I ever discovered is to miss the train before." And on that note - I journey to Poland.

I have yet to learn where in the country I will be positioned, as of right now the only thing I am sure of is that I will be in Krakow for 16 days. After an intensive two week training I will be assigned a city and I will move there for the next five months. It has not been easy to not have all the answers, but I am relaxed and calm, everything will work out in the end.

I am going to try to keep this blog updated as much as possible, and I can only hope that my life will be interesting enough to write about. In case it is not clear - I am going to Poland to teach English as a second language (no critiquing my blog, this is my place to vent and share, not to be graded :) a safe place, so to speak - I'm a teacher now, for heaven's sake, cut me a break!). I did not study education in college, I have never had my own classroom, and I basically have no experience! I have only just tonight completed my TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) Certification, and along with my undergrad degree, that is all the training I have had - meaning, I will most likely have many stories to share (flops and successes). What I do have is spunk and spirit - let's hope they will be enough...