Hi all...
I have just come back from: Arizona, Nevada and California ....
I must admit you have a beatiful things in your country ....;-)
Does anybody have myspace account?
Greetings from Poland...
Marianna
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Bruce gets his t-shirt
As a happy Harley-Davidson owner I have done my best to collect t-shirts from the cities I've visited. Of course the more "exotic" the better and I'm thrilled to add a Polish one to my collection.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
It's been a many few days since the other girls, Lauren, Becca, Sarah, Johanna (and MISTER Bruce) left Poland. I was lucky enough to stay an extra week. Lucky, because my family lives in Poland, and it was a chance that rarely has been presented to me to see my grandmother, to meet my family for the first time, to see them and have them see me, even though we couldn't speak a similar language and ALSO lucky because I find that Poland is one of the most transitional countries that I have gotten educated about.
I'm in New Hampshire, getting trained as a camp counselor for when the kids arrive in a few days, but am very excited to jot down thoughts on a country that rocks, and my extra week in a less populated town on the west side of Poland, Piechowice and the slightly larger Jelenia Gora.
Olivia
I'm in New Hampshire, getting trained as a camp counselor for when the kids arrive in a few days, but am very excited to jot down thoughts on a country that rocks, and my extra week in a less populated town on the west side of Poland, Piechowice and the slightly larger Jelenia Gora.
Olivia
Friday, June 15, 2007
Oh Polska
I want to first start by saying that i had a great time in Poland with everyone. I really enjoyed all the sites we saw and the people we met. I hope we'll all be able to keep in touch with the Martins and Marek and the rest of the gang. I had such a wonderful time. I now am encouraging everyone i know to go to Poland for vacation.
I just started a new job and 2 people i work with are from Poland. I have been telling them all about the trip and all the cites we've been to. They were really excited to hear that i went to Poland for class. One of the guys i work with is from a little south of Krakow. Another is from a town in between wroclaw and poznan. Everytime i see them they tell me hi and bye in Polish and think it's the funniest thing in the world. It's so cool to be able to tell someone that you went to their country and absolutly loved it.
I also went to the Polish deli by my house and guess what i bought... Apple Juice! and i ordered it in Polish. I think they were surprised to hear someone order in polish that wasn't actually from Poland.
I hope everyone is enjoying the rest of their summer. Please fill out those surveys i haven't gotten any back yet and i think Bruce would like our opinons before we forget everything.
ta ta for now
Lauren
I just started a new job and 2 people i work with are from Poland. I have been telling them all about the trip and all the cites we've been to. They were really excited to hear that i went to Poland for class. One of the guys i work with is from a little south of Krakow. Another is from a town in between wroclaw and poznan. Everytime i see them they tell me hi and bye in Polish and think it's the funniest thing in the world. It's so cool to be able to tell someone that you went to their country and absolutly loved it.
I also went to the Polish deli by my house and guess what i bought... Apple Juice! and i ordered it in Polish. I think they were surprised to hear someone order in polish that wasn't actually from Poland.
I hope everyone is enjoying the rest of their summer. Please fill out those surveys i haven't gotten any back yet and i think Bruce would like our opinons before we forget everything.
ta ta for now
Lauren
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Last Thoughts from Poland:)
CZESC!
For me traveling is the best way to learn other cultures, try new ways of life, see the differences between people so that we can become more open-minded and tolerant to others. Without getting to know people in other country you don't know the country at all. So that Im happy to say that you've all done a good job and accomplished your Study Tour Mission:D You came to Poland for the first time, managed to find yourself here, traveled all around the country, survived...;) And now you have friends here as well.
Personally I enjoyed time spent with you and also learnt from you as well. My Polish Team misses you guys too so hope to see you some day back in Poland;)
Take care/ Narazie
For me traveling is the best way to learn other cultures, try new ways of life, see the differences between people so that we can become more open-minded and tolerant to others. Without getting to know people in other country you don't know the country at all. So that Im happy to say that you've all done a good job and accomplished your Study Tour Mission:D You came to Poland for the first time, managed to find yourself here, traveled all around the country, survived...;) And now you have friends here as well.
Personally I enjoyed time spent with you and also learnt from you as well. My Polish Team misses you guys too so hope to see you some day back in Poland;)
Take care/ Narazie
Last Thoughts
Ah yes we are all back in America now, and I have to say I want to go back. Poland was a beautiful country, right Olivia? My opinion is definatly cahnged and I encourage anyone who ever has the chance to go to Poland, even if you aren't Polish. It is a very unique experience and some of the sites we went to were even more beautiful than the places in France!!!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Final Thoughts
Well, since it’s been about a week since returning from our Poland excursion, it is a great time to jot down some thoughts about the experience. All in all, it was very worthwhile and has opened up a large window in my mind in the way that it has allowed me to gain insight into a culture that is, in some ways, very different from that of the United States (but in other ways, the same- it was really interesting to see these similarities and differences!). If nothing else, it has successfully planted the traveling bug in me, and I can’t wait for the next opportunity to visit a different country and learn about its culture. Fortunately, though, the trip did accomplish more than that, which is to teach me a lot about Poland itself and the people who live there, and definitely spark my interest about learning more. I would love to become involved in planning the trip and going again next year, but that topic we shall leave for a later date…
One of the most interesting parts of the trip, for me, was being able to sit in on lectures in the university. It was very cool to sit in a room full of graduate students who were all, with the exception of a few international students, individuals who had devoted their academic careers to the study of tourism. The lecture I attended was the last lecture and thus a perfect one for me to attend, since in wrapping up the course, Professor Owen tried to touch on previous material they have talked about in the class, the present state of the tourism industry, and the future. He mentioned changes in climate, the issue of depletion of natural resources, political issues including global terrorism, the aging of the world’s population, and the increasing economies of up-and-coming countries (i.e. China) whose inhabitants will soon be spending their growing amount of disposable income on travel. All of these, and more that I’m sure I have omitted, are factors that will be affecting tourism in the future, and he made sure to stress that our generation will be the one responsible for addressing them. Yeesh! That’s enough to scare someone away into…well, I don’t know, I guess all industries are interrelated in some way, so perhaps everyone will have to be dealing with these issues!- but I would say I am up for the challenge.
One thing that made the experience difficult is the lack of knowledge most of us had of the Polish language (although Bruce made a good point in reminding me that this communication barrier will be the case for the vast majority of traveling one does in a lifetime). Since I love to learn languages though, this point was very frustrating to me, and I wish I had done at least a little crash course on key phrases before embarking on the journey, but actually, I think it would be much easier to do that now that I have been there and at least have an idea about Polish pronunciation and the (very very basic) structure. Side note: I never realized that the Polish language is derived from Latin, a fact that one of the students mentioned, as he was saying it is very easy for Poles to learn how to speak Spanish since they are both derived from Latin. I just always associated Latin with Romance languages, but anyway, I asked him if he thinks it would be as easy to learn Polish from Spanish (or English). He wasn’t very sure on that, haha. Somehow it seems like Polish would be a hard language to learn, but that may just be from my own lack of exposure to it. An interesting point to note, though, is that I had a couple of friends that were backpacking around Europe at the same time that we made the trip. They were able to hit 5 countries total, and their observation was that Poland spoke the least English out of all the European countries they visited (Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, and… I can’t quite remember the last country.) Anyway, so I’m not sure if the language barrier issue is actually more prevalent in Poland due to the fact that their tourism industry is just beginning to be on the rise, but it would be interesting to find out.
Other thoughts on the tourism industry itself… it is definitely making headway in Poland, with Zakopane seeming to be at the top, although that I probably because it is such a hotspot within the country itself. As for international tourism, though, the country is still in the process of becoming tourist friendly, and one suggestion that we could definitely make as a group is to increase the acceptance of credit cards! Also, the currency seemed to cause quite the amount of confusion within our group, as the bills that come out of the ATM are really large, but most of the meals, ticket fares, etc. require smaller amounts that we never seemed to have. Also, the Polish people, as Olivia pointed out, seem to have a very different outlook on providing change—that is, they don’t like to do it, haha. Seems they place more emphasis in paying with exact currency than we do in the States, but hey, can’t blame them for wanting to be efficient. J Also, the train systems aren’t quite as developed as other nations, I gather, since it took 8 hours for one journey, when I hear you can take a train from London to Paris in what people make out to be the speed of light as compared to Polish trains. They got the job done, though, and I actually get a little nostalgic for those days (last week, haha) when I get disembark a train these days, and I realize I’m not on a new leg of the Polish adventure…
Hm, well I think I will leave it at that. Again, it was a great experience and would like to thank everyone that was involved in the planning of this trip for allowing us this opportunity to visit a wonderful country. I hope that tourism in Poland continues to grow, allowing more and more people to appreciate the contemporary beauty and uniqueness of the country and its people as well as the depth of the area’s history.
Do widzenia!
One of the most interesting parts of the trip, for me, was being able to sit in on lectures in the university. It was very cool to sit in a room full of graduate students who were all, with the exception of a few international students, individuals who had devoted their academic careers to the study of tourism. The lecture I attended was the last lecture and thus a perfect one for me to attend, since in wrapping up the course, Professor Owen tried to touch on previous material they have talked about in the class, the present state of the tourism industry, and the future. He mentioned changes in climate, the issue of depletion of natural resources, political issues including global terrorism, the aging of the world’s population, and the increasing economies of up-and-coming countries (i.e. China) whose inhabitants will soon be spending their growing amount of disposable income on travel. All of these, and more that I’m sure I have omitted, are factors that will be affecting tourism in the future, and he made sure to stress that our generation will be the one responsible for addressing them. Yeesh! That’s enough to scare someone away into…well, I don’t know, I guess all industries are interrelated in some way, so perhaps everyone will have to be dealing with these issues!- but I would say I am up for the challenge.
One thing that made the experience difficult is the lack of knowledge most of us had of the Polish language (although Bruce made a good point in reminding me that this communication barrier will be the case for the vast majority of traveling one does in a lifetime). Since I love to learn languages though, this point was very frustrating to me, and I wish I had done at least a little crash course on key phrases before embarking on the journey, but actually, I think it would be much easier to do that now that I have been there and at least have an idea about Polish pronunciation and the (very very basic) structure. Side note: I never realized that the Polish language is derived from Latin, a fact that one of the students mentioned, as he was saying it is very easy for Poles to learn how to speak Spanish since they are both derived from Latin. I just always associated Latin with Romance languages, but anyway, I asked him if he thinks it would be as easy to learn Polish from Spanish (or English). He wasn’t very sure on that, haha. Somehow it seems like Polish would be a hard language to learn, but that may just be from my own lack of exposure to it. An interesting point to note, though, is that I had a couple of friends that were backpacking around Europe at the same time that we made the trip. They were able to hit 5 countries total, and their observation was that Poland spoke the least English out of all the European countries they visited (Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, and… I can’t quite remember the last country.) Anyway, so I’m not sure if the language barrier issue is actually more prevalent in Poland due to the fact that their tourism industry is just beginning to be on the rise, but it would be interesting to find out.
Other thoughts on the tourism industry itself… it is definitely making headway in Poland, with Zakopane seeming to be at the top, although that I probably because it is such a hotspot within the country itself. As for international tourism, though, the country is still in the process of becoming tourist friendly, and one suggestion that we could definitely make as a group is to increase the acceptance of credit cards! Also, the currency seemed to cause quite the amount of confusion within our group, as the bills that come out of the ATM are really large, but most of the meals, ticket fares, etc. require smaller amounts that we never seemed to have. Also, the Polish people, as Olivia pointed out, seem to have a very different outlook on providing change—that is, they don’t like to do it, haha. Seems they place more emphasis in paying with exact currency than we do in the States, but hey, can’t blame them for wanting to be efficient. J Also, the train systems aren’t quite as developed as other nations, I gather, since it took 8 hours for one journey, when I hear you can take a train from London to Paris in what people make out to be the speed of light as compared to Polish trains. They got the job done, though, and I actually get a little nostalgic for those days (last week, haha) when I get disembark a train these days, and I realize I’m not on a new leg of the Polish adventure…
Hm, well I think I will leave it at that. Again, it was a great experience and would like to thank everyone that was involved in the planning of this trip for allowing us this opportunity to visit a wonderful country. I hope that tourism in Poland continues to grow, allowing more and more people to appreciate the contemporary beauty and uniqueness of the country and its people as well as the depth of the area’s history.
Do widzenia!
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Photos
Where can we dump all of our photos? I know some people took pictures that others did not. Is there any place we can all login and use the same account? Marcin has some very ... interesting photos from Wroclaw, among others. Hope you all are enjoying the States, welcome back to reality... :o)
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Well things are drawing to a close can't believe we have been gone 2 weeks. The good news is that our train rides are over as is hauling luggage up and down many flights of stairs but it will be a little sad to leave so many new and great friends. We will have a little reunion this evening then four head home early tomorrw and Olivia and Sarah stay a little longer to visit with family.
For those following our blog please don't think it is over, we will have a lot more to post later as we reflect on our trip.
For those following our blog please don't think it is over, we will have a lot more to post later as we reflect on our trip.
At Morskie Oko a beautiful lake in the Tatra mountians that is a very popular destination for Polish folks. A six mile up-hill hike to get there and then six back down in a light rain. We were all pretty tired after this one. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate and allow us full views of the surrounding mountains.
Last Day in Poland and Picture Update
I took a lot of pictures at Auschwitz but really don't see the purpose of posting them as the discussion and emotion associated with each would be too much. If you want those pictures email me. b.Wednesday, May 30, 2007
There has been so much to blog about these past few days...it's almost like we're in POLAND or something.
I woke up today from the most incredible nap up in the mountain town of Zakopane where the air is tingly with goodness and the scene is vibrant--and I thought to myself, "Man. Where do I even start in terms of discussing the sun of Krakow and the hazy mountain calm of the South of Poland OR how much we all love and miss the Marcins and our Marianna and Marek and the Magda's we met and that cool chick Monika OR how every single name that I just listed starts with an M (my dad's name is Miroslaw, too) AND how there are a ton of other awesome Polish names we come across--like Helena and Stanislaw and Jadwiga and Pawel. Note: we love these names so much that we name our favorite inatimate objects with them. Examples: Janusz the Seal (named after my father's sleazy old school friend) or Tadeusz the Fleece (very handy down here in the colder hills).
Since I last blogged: Poznan, Gdynia and Gdansk and Sopot, Warszawa y Krakow. Now, I write from Zakopane. What is most fascinating to me right now is the differences in international tourism and intranational tourism. AKA--my dad came here as a kid to ski--this is the winter capital of Poland! And the richness and the visitor atmosphere shows that clearly! But we also see a lot of English or German adaptations made. Our menu today at a little (expensive) restaurant off the main street was translated in to both English and German. So for whom has this city been developed--the tourists of northern, central, eastern and western Poland, or for abroad travelers?
But also---I got some rad video of breakdancing MONSTA'S rippin' up Krakow's Main Square! Needless to say, I'm in love with about 6 very Typical Polish Bad A$$ES. Video will be posted as soon as I have capabilities. You haven't seen stuff like this in the states. And these kids can draw CROWDS!
Talk about creating your own flavor of tourism.
OLIVIA! with utmost excitement!
Since I last blogged: Poznan, Gdynia and Gdansk and Sopot, Warszawa y Krakow. Now, I write from Zakopane. What is most fascinating to me right now is the differences in international tourism and intranational tourism. AKA--my dad came here as a kid to ski--this is the winter capital of Poland! And the richness and the visitor atmosphere shows that clearly! But we also see a lot of English or German adaptations made. Our menu today at a little (expensive) restaurant off the main street was translated in to both English and German. So for whom has this city been developed--the tourists of northern, central, eastern and western Poland, or for abroad travelers?
But also---I got some rad video of breakdancing MONSTA'S rippin' up Krakow's Main Square! Needless to say, I'm in love with about 6 very Typical Polish Bad A$$ES. Video will be posted as soon as I have capabilities. You haven't seen stuff like this in the states. And these kids can draw CROWDS!
Talk about creating your own flavor of tourism.
OLIVIA! with utmost excitement!
I am told Zakopane is beautiful and the pictures seem to prove it however, as Bruce said we are overrun with clouds. I will have to trust those who have seen it. :o) It will be a balmy 10 degress C tomorrow. (read, cold) Did I mention there is a chance for snow?? Snow at the end of May, perhaps it is the mountians or global warming. As Uncle Jurek said, 'all this means is you have to come back.'
Bruce, it sounds like you have a mission for round two: see the mountains.
Love to all espically Uncle Jurek, Aunt Martha, and my littlest Uncle. Now to find Aunt Wladzia :o)
Bruce, it sounds like you have a mission for round two: see the mountains.
Love to all espically Uncle Jurek, Aunt Martha, and my littlest Uncle. Now to find Aunt Wladzia :o)
Tatra Mountains
Well here we are in the most scenic part of Poland and we can't see a thing, low clouds and some rain are not conducive to mountain viewing. We hope for improving weather tomorrow with some great pictures to follow. Fingers are crossed.
Our accommodations here are the best yet but at a cost. This place is over-run by student groups that I didn't anticipate. Nothing against 10- 16 year olds - guess I was there once, but so many?
Everything going well as the adventure unfolds. I am taking notes on how to make next year's trip even better. Lauren is going to play a big part in that effort. Right Lauren?
b
Our accommodations here are the best yet but at a cost. This place is over-run by student groups that I didn't anticipate. Nothing against 10- 16 year olds - guess I was there once, but so many?
Everything going well as the adventure unfolds. I am taking notes on how to make next year's trip even better. Lauren is going to play a big part in that effort. Right Lauren?
b
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Calcium
While the pictures may show that we eat a lot we do other things too, like shopping, touring, and eating.... :o) I think by far and away the food of choice is, wait for it, calcium. Today was our first adventure with Polish milk and no issues thus far. However we do not get our lovely calcium from milk. That comes from the ice cream!! Yeah ice cream. I have personally had three cones in one day. I like Poland. :o)
Śarah
Śarah
Monday, May 28, 2007
Traveling
So it has been a while since my last blog. This entry is dedicated to Bruce. Ok, so Since last time we have moved to two different citites. We have been to Gdansk and Warsaw. I really liked Gdansk and i really appreicated the help that Mariana's mom gave us and all the beautiful sites that we were able to see. I really enjoyed the Baltic sea, even though it was freezing cold. Our last night in Sopot was really nice, i really like the night walk we took to the pier and the cute little coffee shops that were all around.
In Warsaw we saw antoher castle, i think it was realyl nice. i wish we would have been able to see more than just a few rooms. I really liked the short tour and the guide was nice. I really liked the Old Town area in Warsaw. Everything looked classic and really nice. I liked the shops and the hand made pieces of art that seemed to be every where around us. i really thought it was nice to see somewhere that has been kept up for so long. I don't really think that we have anywhere like that around us. We certainly don't have any Castles!
I also liked the Downtown area in Warsaw. it was really nice and very highly developed. i was surprised to see how many stores and little restaurants that lined the streets. I would have really liked to have seen an Opera or a show, but i wouldn't understand it anyways. I had a great time in Warsaw, i think that it has been my favorite city so far.
We now have a new guide, Marek! i really like that Marek is our age he can better relate to the things that we would be interested in versus what some one older may think. I really like that our guides change every couple of days, i think you get to know more people that way!
This hopefully is enough blog fun for a couple of days. Today we go to the salt mines, which i'm pretty excited about and tomorrow is Auschwitz....yikes! I'm also not looking forward to the "train ride from hell" Every day is an adventure!
Lauren
In Warsaw we saw antoher castle, i think it was realyl nice. i wish we would have been able to see more than just a few rooms. I really liked the short tour and the guide was nice. I really liked the Old Town area in Warsaw. Everything looked classic and really nice. I liked the shops and the hand made pieces of art that seemed to be every where around us. i really thought it was nice to see somewhere that has been kept up for so long. I don't really think that we have anywhere like that around us. We certainly don't have any Castles!
I also liked the Downtown area in Warsaw. it was really nice and very highly developed. i was surprised to see how many stores and little restaurants that lined the streets. I would have really liked to have seen an Opera or a show, but i wouldn't understand it anyways. I had a great time in Warsaw, i think that it has been my favorite city so far.
We now have a new guide, Marek! i really like that Marek is our age he can better relate to the things that we would be interested in versus what some one older may think. I really like that our guides change every couple of days, i think you get to know more people that way!
This hopefully is enough blog fun for a couple of days. Today we go to the salt mines, which i'm pretty excited about and tomorrow is Auschwitz....yikes! I'm also not looking forward to the "train ride from hell" Every day is an adventure!
Lauren
Krakow
Hi friends and family of the Poland crew! We've found ourselves a great internet cafe that allows us to post photos and navigate the internet a lot better with computers that are set for English-speakers. Krakow is great; my favorite city so far. I think I just really like the ambiance of the market square. It is much bigger and has an endless amount of shops and vendors to peruse. Also, it seems like there's always something going on in the middle of it, be it break dancing, accordian players, a puppeteer, or what have you. Yesterday there was even a British guy on his Bachelor's party but I don't think his intention was to entertain the Square. ;)
Pictures:
Pictures:
The top is a shot of our current living arrangements for Krakow- all five girls in one room! How cozy. :) The rest are all of the beautiful and vibrant Market Square of Krakow.
Anyway, it's really very interesting to be able to travel around Poland at a time when its tourism industry is just beginning to take off. Will have more to say in the next few days. For now, enjoy the pictures! Take care!
Anyway, it's really very interesting to be able to travel around Poland at a time when its tourism industry is just beginning to take off. Will have more to say in the next few days. For now, enjoy the pictures! Take care!
The Legend of The Wawel Dragon / Krakow
Hello
I had a lot of fun with the group!!!!
Here is the legend about Krakow I tried to tell in Warsaw:)
In a cave at the bottom of Wawel Hill there once lived a terrible fire-belching dragon. This dragon roamed around the countryside and did whatever he wanted to. He ate sheep and cattle and scared the farmers so much that they didn't let their animals graze in the field near the Vistula River. Many brave knights had tried to kill the monster, but before they could get close enough to him, he blew fire on them and they were burned to death.
The king wanted this dragon destroyed. He invited knights and noblemen to come and slay the dragon, promising that whichever one killed the dragon could marry his beautiful daughter and become king when he died. Many tried to slay the dragon so that they could marry the princess, but the dragon killed them. The people became even more frightened; they were afraid to leave their homes and the country became poorer.
One day, a young, handsome but poor shoemaker's apprentice named Krak asked the king if he could try to slay the dragon. The king said he could try, but noted that he had no armor, no horse and no sword. The apprentice had only his shoemaker tools and a plan. He didn't need armor, a horse, or a sword.
Krak bought a dead sheep from the butcher and some sulphur (a powder that is used in making matches) from a miner. Then he cut the sheep open with his sharp shoemaker's knife, stuffed it with the powdered sulphur and then sewed the sheep up with the shoemaker's thread. He put the sheep by the dragon's cave and waited behind a rock for the dragon to come out. After a while, the greedy dragon came out from his cave. He saw the dead animal and greedily ate it. The sulphur caught fire, like a match, and the dragon felt his stomach burning. He ran to the river to quench the fire in his stomach, but drank so much water that he filled up like a balloon. He kneeled down and was very sick. Krak came out from behind the rock, and began to throw stones at the dragon. The monster tried to blow fire at him but because of all the water he drank, all that came out from his mouth was steam. The dragon kept trying to breathe fire, but because he was so swollen, he exploded and died. At last the people were free of him. Krak and the princess married. After her father, the King, died, Krak became King, as promised. He built a castle on top of Wawel Hill and for hundreds of years it was where the Kings of Poland lived. Around the hill, the people built a city which they named Krakow, after their new king.
I had a lot of fun with the group!!!!
Here is the legend about Krakow I tried to tell in Warsaw:)
In a cave at the bottom of Wawel Hill there once lived a terrible fire-belching dragon. This dragon roamed around the countryside and did whatever he wanted to. He ate sheep and cattle and scared the farmers so much that they didn't let their animals graze in the field near the Vistula River. Many brave knights had tried to kill the monster, but before they could get close enough to him, he blew fire on them and they were burned to death.
The king wanted this dragon destroyed. He invited knights and noblemen to come and slay the dragon, promising that whichever one killed the dragon could marry his beautiful daughter and become king when he died. Many tried to slay the dragon so that they could marry the princess, but the dragon killed them. The people became even more frightened; they were afraid to leave their homes and the country became poorer.
One day, a young, handsome but poor shoemaker's apprentice named Krak asked the king if he could try to slay the dragon. The king said he could try, but noted that he had no armor, no horse and no sword. The apprentice had only his shoemaker tools and a plan. He didn't need armor, a horse, or a sword.
Krak bought a dead sheep from the butcher and some sulphur (a powder that is used in making matches) from a miner. Then he cut the sheep open with his sharp shoemaker's knife, stuffed it with the powdered sulphur and then sewed the sheep up with the shoemaker's thread. He put the sheep by the dragon's cave and waited behind a rock for the dragon to come out. After a while, the greedy dragon came out from his cave. He saw the dead animal and greedily ate it. The sulphur caught fire, like a match, and the dragon felt his stomach burning. He ran to the river to quench the fire in his stomach, but drank so much water that he filled up like a balloon. He kneeled down and was very sick. Krak came out from behind the rock, and began to throw stones at the dragon. The monster tried to blow fire at him but because of all the water he drank, all that came out from his mouth was steam. The dragon kept trying to breathe fire, but because he was so swollen, he exploded and died. At last the people were free of him. Krak and the princess married. After her father, the King, died, Krak became King, as promised. He built a castle on top of Wawel Hill and for hundreds of years it was where the Kings of Poland lived. Around the hill, the people built a city which they named Krakow, after their new king.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Poland
While we might be partly done with our trip there is still much more to see. Poland is beautiful, strangely it is similar to Illinois with all the flatness - that said it has much more history. For me, it has much more to explore. Each and every city is beautiful. From stepping in the Baltic Sea and making sand castles to exploring 13th century castles Poland has many things to offer. - I may have made this sound like a travel agency ad, sorry. Hi my family and friends, I miss you! :o)
Friday, May 25, 2007
Teeth
So, poor ol' Becca keeps being made fun of because she grinds her teeth in her sleep. Apparently it is very frightening, but I highly doubt that. It isn't bad, they are just over exaggerating!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Some random thoughts from Bruce
The trip to O'Hare on Sat. was a disaster for me - if it could have gone wrong it did but I made it in time. Suffice it to say I would never recommend the Lex shuttle service from C-U. The trip over was fine but a bit nasty in Heathrow. So much for the negative.
Since ariving everything has really gone well with a few minor exceptions (one noted below). The group really has come together which is wonderful and makes for good traveling. As expected, time if flying by and sleep is scarce.
Of greatest impotance is the fantastic support from the Poznan students, particularly Marcin, and Marianna ( U of I) - with asssitance from her mother in Gdynia. True Polish hospitality at its very best. My sincerest thanks to all. Oh yes, it was a distinct pleasure to again meet Prof. Golembsky and his faculty. I think we may be able to collaborate more in the future with some projects.
So far most of this trip has been over ground I'd traveled before with the exception of today's trip to Hel and back. It was great to just have a few moments to sit on the sand and absorb the sights and smells of the Baltic Sea on this beautiful day. Speaking of which, we have had absolutely perfect weather that has helped make the trip so enjoyable. How long it will last is anyone's guess but there has been flodding in the south of late that I hope we will avoid. Starting tomorrow it will be all new for me so I'll be a wide-eyed tourist again, but isn't that what travel is all about?
Spealing of Hel, I had the pleasure of having my first European driving experience today. Marianna's father was kind enough to lend us his car and her mother and I each drove to the Baltic Sea with our crew. Having grown up in New Jersey my "city" driving skills quickly returned as we navigated narrow streets in Gdansk, crazy drivers and traffic jams. Frankly, I'll take the corn fields and the wide-open spaces of central Illinois any day.
Thanks for looking at our blog and please leave a message if you wish.
Bruce
Since ariving everything has really gone well with a few minor exceptions (one noted below). The group really has come together which is wonderful and makes for good traveling. As expected, time if flying by and sleep is scarce.
Of greatest impotance is the fantastic support from the Poznan students, particularly Marcin, and Marianna ( U of I) - with asssitance from her mother in Gdynia. True Polish hospitality at its very best. My sincerest thanks to all. Oh yes, it was a distinct pleasure to again meet Prof. Golembsky and his faculty. I think we may be able to collaborate more in the future with some projects.
So far most of this trip has been over ground I'd traveled before with the exception of today's trip to Hel and back. It was great to just have a few moments to sit on the sand and absorb the sights and smells of the Baltic Sea on this beautiful day. Speaking of which, we have had absolutely perfect weather that has helped make the trip so enjoyable. How long it will last is anyone's guess but there has been flodding in the south of late that I hope we will avoid. Starting tomorrow it will be all new for me so I'll be a wide-eyed tourist again, but isn't that what travel is all about?
Spealing of Hel, I had the pleasure of having my first European driving experience today. Marianna's father was kind enough to lend us his car and her mother and I each drove to the Baltic Sea with our crew. Having grown up in New Jersey my "city" driving skills quickly returned as we navigated narrow streets in Gdansk, crazy drivers and traffic jams. Frankly, I'll take the corn fields and the wide-open spaces of central Illinois any day.
Thanks for looking at our blog and please leave a message if you wish.
Bruce
!Poznan!
Tuesday: UIUC team as the Giants:) - Park near to the Castle in Poznan
Tuesday: The interior of the Restaurant in Hotel Sheraton Poznan
Sunday:UIUC Team on the Old Poznan Biker Monument "Stary Marych"
Monday: Goats on Poznan Town Hall Tower hit each other every day at 12:00:D
Sunday:Probably the biggest bear mug in the World;)
Poland: so far so good
Great to finally get a chance to post on the blog.
Poland has been wonderful so far. The first couple of days, we stayed in Poznan, and that was a great experience, especially because the university was there. We were able to meet all the members of the Tourism Department at the Poznan University of Economics, and hang out with a lot of the students. It was really great to interact with the students, because it allowed us to get a lot better taste of the culture than if we had just come to visit without contacts.
Then the next few days were spent in the Tri-cities of Gdansk, Gdynia, and Zopot. So far all have been beautiful. We've seen castles and spent time on the beach of the Baltic. Taken hundreds of pictures, but we might have to wait until we get home to post those. For now, check out the ones that Bruce has been posting. Tomorrow, we leave for Warsaw, and we're very excited.
Alright, have to run. We'll check back again soon, I'm sure.
Poland has been wonderful so far. The first couple of days, we stayed in Poznan, and that was a great experience, especially because the university was there. We were able to meet all the members of the Tourism Department at the Poznan University of Economics, and hang out with a lot of the students. It was really great to interact with the students, because it allowed us to get a lot better taste of the culture than if we had just come to visit without contacts.
Then the next few days were spent in the Tri-cities of Gdansk, Gdynia, and Zopot. So far all have been beautiful. We've seen castles and spent time on the beach of the Baltic. Taken hundreds of pictures, but we might have to wait until we get home to post those. For now, check out the ones that Bruce has been posting. Tomorrow, we leave for Warsaw, and we're very excited.
Alright, have to run. We'll check back again soon, I'm sure.
Polska
So i am having an awesome time in Poland. I can't believe how beautiful it is here. On Moday we had our first official day in Poznan. Our guide Marcin, was very attentitive and took us to the college that he goes to. We had a really good time talking with students and faculity. From there we went on to tour the town square area. We saw thwe goats fighting at noon. I thought it was really cool. It was really nice to see all of the old buildings. We saw this nice old Church it was really beautiful inside and we took a lot of pictures. i had such a great time seeing the sites and meeting some new people. i really liked the night life in Poznan. i found it very interesting that some bars don't close until very early in the morning. I really appreiate what Marcin and Mariana did to set this trip up.
On Tuesday we visited the Sharaton and had a tour of the only 5 star hotel in Poznan. i thought the tour was very nice and the hotel was really great. I liked the castle we went to after the tour and i really didn't like the 5 hour train ride to Gdynia, but it could have been a lot longer. I am having a lot of fun in Gdynia and Gdansk. The castle we visited was so beautiful i can't believe the restoration that the people in Poland did. It is such a shame that the war destroyed the castle. I can't wait to see what other interesting and historic sites we visit next. Get ready for more blog fun from our next destination: Warsaw!
Do widzenia
Lauren
On Tuesday we visited the Sharaton and had a tour of the only 5 star hotel in Poznan. i thought the tour was very nice and the hotel was really great. I liked the castle we went to after the tour and i really didn't like the 5 hour train ride to Gdynia, but it could have been a lot longer. I am having a lot of fun in Gdynia and Gdansk. The castle we visited was so beautiful i can't believe the restoration that the people in Poland did. It is such a shame that the war destroyed the castle. I can't wait to see what other interesting and historic sites we visit next. Get ready for more blog fun from our next destination: Warsaw!
Do widzenia
Lauren
The Legend; The Myth--A Reminiscence
A slightly late, but ever-wonderfully interesting note about our first day in Poland; one that we like to call--MONDAY IN POZNAN.
After scoffing at the sanitary conditions of tap water in this southern Polish town, dear comrade and friend Olivia drinks half a bottle of said tap water. By 11am that day, Olivia had made her vomiting debut at the Poznan University building during the introductory meeting of UIUC student and Poznan tourism staff. By noon, she had enjoyed part of the famous clock tower goat performance and had also rushed the beautiful Antyka Gallery's marble restroom approximately two and a half times. Her coup d'etat came outside Poznan's most ornate cathedral, post pharmacetical adventure involving the purchase of herbal remedies for stomach ailments. They did not work as quickly as they could have, and only the grace of Marianna, guide extraordinaire and truest, bluest friend, allowed Olivia the dignity of a nearby closed-door bathroom.
Thus ends the legend of drinkable European tap water.
Yours,
Olivia
P.S. Poznan was wonderful, and we LOVE Gdansk, too! It's gorgeous (very simply put).
After scoffing at the sanitary conditions of tap water in this southern Polish town, dear comrade and friend Olivia drinks half a bottle of said tap water. By 11am that day, Olivia had made her vomiting debut at the Poznan University building during the introductory meeting of UIUC student and Poznan tourism staff. By noon, she had enjoyed part of the famous clock tower goat performance and had also rushed the beautiful Antyka Gallery's marble restroom approximately two and a half times. Her coup d'etat came outside Poznan's most ornate cathedral, post pharmacetical adventure involving the purchase of herbal remedies for stomach ailments. They did not work as quickly as they could have, and only the grace of Marianna, guide extraordinaire and truest, bluest friend, allowed Olivia the dignity of a nearby closed-door bathroom.
Thus ends the legend of drinkable European tap water.
Yours,
Olivia
P.S. Poznan was wonderful, and we LOVE Gdansk, too! It's gorgeous (very simply put).
Greetings to all. It appears the pictures we posted on Monday never actually made it. However we will try again today but obviously they will be out of order.
Everything is going very well and by all accounts we remain healthy, happy and enthused as we explore this wonderful country. With some Internet Cafe time later today I hope we can get some great student posts as I know they have a lot to say. If they don't I'd be extremely surprised as excepting naps on the train lively conversation never appears to stop.
The schedule today (a drive up the Baltic coast) will be a bit more laid back so we can catch up on things. Our Polish hosts have been exceptional and we really apprecaite the reception in Poznan.
Everything is going very well and by all accounts we remain healthy, happy and enthused as we explore this wonderful country. With some Internet Cafe time later today I hope we can get some great student posts as I know they have a lot to say. If they don't I'd be extremely surprised as excepting naps on the train lively conversation never appears to stop.
The schedule today (a drive up the Baltic coast) will be a bit more laid back so we can catch up on things. Our Polish hosts have been exceptional and we really apprecaite the reception in Poznan.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Monday, April 30, 2007
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Blogging
Ok guys i have reinvited everyone except sara, i don't know her gmail account. If someone could post it i can invite her and then we can all have blog fun! we can post the list of items we'll bring and then we can help each other out to make sure no one forgets anything. we can give the link to this blog to our families and they can read about each fun day we have.
First Meeting.. Introductions
April 29
Hi everyone =) It’s Sunday morning, and I’m feeling a little Poland fever, so I thought I’d post about our first meeting a couple of weeks ago. From the looks of our first gathering, the trip is going to be boisterous, instructive, and generally a great experience. There are 5 undergrads going on the trip: Becca, Olivia, Sarah, Lauren, and me (Johanna).
Becca is an Animal Sciences and History double-major (wow!). She espouses the importance of thinking critically about History and is very excited to see all that pertains to the history of Poland. She plans to spend at least one year on each continent, which, I think, is a very cool aspiration.
Olivia is an English Major. She’s of Polish descent, and used to speak the language as a kid and will therefore be very handy throughout the trip. =) I also think it was Olivia, if I’m not mistaken, that is very well traveled, so we’ll have a chance to learn a lot from this lovely lady.
Sarah is a Communications Major and is also Polish. I believe she’s actually going to be spending time with family after the rest of us depart for (are dragged back to) Illinois. She plans to wake up early every morning and go for a run as well as attend church every Sunday. Basically, Sarah is the “Responsible One.” ;)
Lauren is in the college of ACES and is interested in International Relations and the development of countries through Tourism. She also had a brilliant idea about dividing up and sharing supplies such as hair appliances, shower materials, shoes, prescription drugs… just kidding.
And I am Johanna.. I’m a Recreation, Sport, and Tourism Major with a concentration in Tourism Management. I’m also interested in Tourism Development as well, but am especially concerned with learning about the industry as a whole, including its political and cultural dimensions. Also, I’ve never been to Europe. So basically I am so happy that you all signed up for the trip! =)
In addition to the 5 undergraduates, Marianna, a doctoral candidate, will also be traveling with us. She is actually an exchange student from the Poznan University of Economics and has planned this trip for us in partnership with Marcin Bajkiewicz, another doctoral student who is now at the University of Poznan and was a past exchange student at the University of Illinois. Thank you Marianna and Marcin for all the work you did planning this trip. We are all so very excited.
Last but definitely not least, Bruce Wicks is will be our knowledgeable Instructor and Tour Guide Extraordinaire! He is a Professor in the Department of Recreation, Sport, and Tourism and has extensive knowledge of the developing tourism industry in Poland as he has been cultivating a partnership with the Poznan University of Economics for some years.
Thanks again to everyone for planning, participating, creating the blog…anything and everything involved with this trip. I will see you all at the next meeting!
By the way… who did create this blog?
Not everyone is on it and I’m not sure how to send invites.
Help! =)
Hi everyone =) It’s Sunday morning, and I’m feeling a little Poland fever, so I thought I’d post about our first meeting a couple of weeks ago. From the looks of our first gathering, the trip is going to be boisterous, instructive, and generally a great experience. There are 5 undergrads going on the trip: Becca, Olivia, Sarah, Lauren, and me (Johanna).
Becca is an Animal Sciences and History double-major (wow!). She espouses the importance of thinking critically about History and is very excited to see all that pertains to the history of Poland. She plans to spend at least one year on each continent, which, I think, is a very cool aspiration.
Olivia is an English Major. She’s of Polish descent, and used to speak the language as a kid and will therefore be very handy throughout the trip. =) I also think it was Olivia, if I’m not mistaken, that is very well traveled, so we’ll have a chance to learn a lot from this lovely lady.
Sarah is a Communications Major and is also Polish. I believe she’s actually going to be spending time with family after the rest of us depart for (are dragged back to) Illinois. She plans to wake up early every morning and go for a run as well as attend church every Sunday. Basically, Sarah is the “Responsible One.” ;)
Lauren is in the college of ACES and is interested in International Relations and the development of countries through Tourism. She also had a brilliant idea about dividing up and sharing supplies such as hair appliances, shower materials, shoes, prescription drugs… just kidding.
And I am Johanna.. I’m a Recreation, Sport, and Tourism Major with a concentration in Tourism Management. I’m also interested in Tourism Development as well, but am especially concerned with learning about the industry as a whole, including its political and cultural dimensions. Also, I’ve never been to Europe. So basically I am so happy that you all signed up for the trip! =)
In addition to the 5 undergraduates, Marianna, a doctoral candidate, will also be traveling with us. She is actually an exchange student from the Poznan University of Economics and has planned this trip for us in partnership with Marcin Bajkiewicz, another doctoral student who is now at the University of Poznan and was a past exchange student at the University of Illinois. Thank you Marianna and Marcin for all the work you did planning this trip. We are all so very excited.
Last but definitely not least, Bruce Wicks is will be our knowledgeable Instructor and Tour Guide Extraordinaire! He is a Professor in the Department of Recreation, Sport, and Tourism and has extensive knowledge of the developing tourism industry in Poland as he has been cultivating a partnership with the Poznan University of Economics for some years.
Thanks again to everyone for planning, participating, creating the blog…anything and everything involved with this trip. I will see you all at the next meeting!
By the way… who did create this blog?
Not everyone is on it and I’m not sure how to send invites.
Help! =)
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Pre-Panic Phase Preparation.
How am I preparing for Poland?......being childishly excited for a glimpse into the motherland. Remember: we should all buy some sort of travel manuals, like Fodor's or Lonely Planet's. These will provide us with a few basic, key language advantages like how to say "help me, oh god!" or "toilet. please." and great background info on the cities we're exploring.
Hey guys welcome to the blog!
So i started this blog on google today. I hope i did it right. I'll send it out to everyone and then we can all post our thoughts and invite our families to read about our trip!
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