1. This morning on the way to work I saw three dachsunds (all different types of the breed), but not one nun.
2. I think I am going to play basketball tomorrow night for the first time in Krakow. I wonder if I'll understand all the yelling that goes on, on the court, in Polish. You don't know how excited I am to be playing basketball.
3. Polish cheese is very, very good. I am going out to dinner with my team tonight, and I plan to have the baked cheese with red currant sauce. I classify it as a hard cheese, therefore can justify eating it, even though I am supposedly lactose-intolerant.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Pictures
My computer arrived with the rest of my stuff on Monday, and I just spent a while uploading the 176 pictures I have taken since I arrived. However, I still have to connect that computer to the internet (it's not as simple as just plugging it in), before I can upload anything to the blog or online.
But I promise to do it soon - I know several of you have asked for the photos. And I know I've promised this before, but really, this time I mean it.
But I promise to do it soon - I know several of you have asked for the photos. And I know I've promised this before, but really, this time I mean it.
A few people have been bugging me to join Facebook for a while and I've been resisting on the basis that I am not a kid, and that I am already spending too much time checking my work email, personal email, and blog.
However, it seems that resistance is futile, and I finally caved into the demand. Last night I joined and found not only my younger brother but several of my cousins (plus all the friends that had been asking me to join) online.
So two hours later, I finally went to bed. But the first thing I did when I got up this morning was check to see who had contacted me.
If I never explore Krakow again, I will hold some of you responsible . . .
However, it seems that resistance is futile, and I finally caved into the demand. Last night I joined and found not only my younger brother but several of my cousins (plus all the friends that had been asking me to join) online.
So two hours later, I finally went to bed. But the first thing I did when I got up this morning was check to see who had contacted me.
If I never explore Krakow again, I will hold some of you responsible . . .
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Unpacking
All of my stuff arrived safely on Monday, and miraculously nothing was broken or missing.
Unfortunately for the movers, it was over 30 degrees in Krakow on Monday, and they had to haul everything up 3 flights (no elevators in this building - one of the reasons I like it). I realized that everywhere I have lived in recent memory has had a lot of steps. What does that say about me?
I spent the rest of the day unpacking everything. Seeing all of my books made me very happy - a house is not really a home without books. But unpacking all of my clothes made me wonder why I had so many.
And although I love all the paintings I shipped over, part of me wants everything here in Krakow to be entirely different than it was in Canada, including the artwork on the walls. That part of me doesn't want to recreate my Canadian home here, which is kind of crazy, since all the furniture is different, as is the colour scheme, and the appliances.
I never thought I wanted to change who I am by moving here, but it seems that subconsciously I want more change, even if it is just the art on the walls or the clothes on my back.
Unfortunately for the movers, it was over 30 degrees in Krakow on Monday, and they had to haul everything up 3 flights (no elevators in this building - one of the reasons I like it). I realized that everywhere I have lived in recent memory has had a lot of steps. What does that say about me?
I spent the rest of the day unpacking everything. Seeing all of my books made me very happy - a house is not really a home without books. But unpacking all of my clothes made me wonder why I had so many.
And although I love all the paintings I shipped over, part of me wants everything here in Krakow to be entirely different than it was in Canada, including the artwork on the walls. That part of me doesn't want to recreate my Canadian home here, which is kind of crazy, since all the furniture is different, as is the colour scheme, and the appliances.
I never thought I wanted to change who I am by moving here, but it seems that subconsciously I want more change, even if it is just the art on the walls or the clothes on my back.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Whee!
My stuff is finally supposed to arrive tomorrow. I think it will be like Christmas, unpacking all of my boxes, and seeing what I actually sent to myself. It seems like a very long time ago that I created an assembly line out of my friends to inventory all of my belongings.
I have been missing my shoes - I can't wait to see them again tomorrow. Not to mention all of my pants, tops, and 57 sweaters.
I have been missing my shoes - I can't wait to see them again tomorrow. Not to mention all of my pants, tops, and 57 sweaters.
My answering machine speaks Polish
If you phone me here, don't hang up if you get an automated Polish message.
The manual for my new phone is Polish only (the box fooled me with its multi-lingual descriptions) and I haven't had time to find the English version online.
On the plus side, maybe I'll learn some Polish from my answering machine. I already know the Polish phrase for "one new message".
Now if only a few more people will phone me, so I can learn to count higher than one.
The manual for my new phone is Polish only (the box fooled me with its multi-lingual descriptions) and I haven't had time to find the English version online.
On the plus side, maybe I'll learn some Polish from my answering machine. I already know the Polish phrase for "one new message".
Now if only a few more people will phone me, so I can learn to count higher than one.
Krakow in a day
My friend Susan arrived Friday night, five hours late, without her bags. However, that didn't diminish her excitement about exploring Krakow. Before she collapsed into her bed (it took her 4 flights, and multiple layovers to get here), she said she wanted to get up early the next day and spend it walking everywhere around Krakow.
Which is exactly what we did.
We started off walking through the Planty to the Barbican and then stopped into a church, where I had my first real encounter with a nun (as you've probably guessed, I am fascinated by the nuns everywhere here).
I smiled at an elderly nun sitting in a back pew, and when we were on our way out, she beckoned me over and started speaking to me in Polish. I managed to tell her, in Polish, that I didn't speak Polish, and she seemed very surprised when I told her I spoke English. She was able to say a few words to me, and told me who the patron saints of the church were when I asked. As we left, she blew kisses to us. A good start to the day.
From there we went to the farmers' market at Stary Kleparz. Last week, I discovered they sell dill pickles at several of the stalls, so we each had one. Then Susan spotted figs, and we bought some of those too.
From the market we walked down Florianska, admiring the only remaining gate to the city, and then into the Rynek Glowny (the main square). After admiring the architecture of the Cloth Hall and the churches, we wandered through the festival of science set up in the square, which somehow included traditional dancers (I didn't question how this tied in with the science theme), and then checked out the Polish chocolates at the Wawel chocolate shop. I told Susan about my disastrous experience with Polish chocolates in the fall, which only made her more eager to try the traditional Polish treat of chocolate covered marshmallows. Her verdict was pretty much the same as everyone else's in Canada . . .
We then continued through the old town, stopping to admire Copernicus' handiwork as well as his likeness. I tend to ignore Krakow's scientific side, but since Susan is both a phsyist and engineer, I took her picture in front of Copernicus' statue.
We also managed to check out the city's fascination with John Paul II, looking at an exhibition of photos chronicling his various trips to Krakow, and walking by the house in lived in at one time.
After a few more churches, we stopped for some of Krakow's famous pretzels, which are really more like very large bagels. Fortified, we headed for Wawel Hill and the castle.
I think my highlight of Wawel Hill (we didn't go into everything), was climbing up the inside of the bell tower, and seeing the gigantic iron bells. The bells hang from huge wooden beams, and you have to climb up ladder-like steps around them to get to the top. The other reward for the climb is a great view of the city.
From Wawel Hill, we walked along the Wisla into Kazimierz, where we stumbled across some kind of choral music festival, which included North American-style cheerleaders.
I told Susan that the Poles love their ice cream, so she decided she had to try some. She thought that walking with ice cream might help her pass as Polish, but almost immediately after stating that, some British guys on a stag party asked her, in English, for directions to the Sheraton. I guess the British genes are just too strong in her.
From Kazimierz we wandered back to my house, stopping in at the mall to see if we could get Susan a lint brush - the cats had taken a liking to her black jacket.
Seven and a half hours after we started out, we arrived home, having walked most of the downtown area in Krakow.
But, Susan's Krakow experience wasn't complete until she ate some sausages for dinner in a cellar restaurant, drank a Polish beer (Tyskie), and tried out the Polish version of cheesecake, sernik.
We finished the night with a drink in one of Krakow's many famous pubs, (thankfully avoiding any British stag parties), and Susan was on her way to the airport just a few short hours later.
Which is exactly what we did.
We started off walking through the Planty to the Barbican and then stopped into a church, where I had my first real encounter with a nun (as you've probably guessed, I am fascinated by the nuns everywhere here).
I smiled at an elderly nun sitting in a back pew, and when we were on our way out, she beckoned me over and started speaking to me in Polish. I managed to tell her, in Polish, that I didn't speak Polish, and she seemed very surprised when I told her I spoke English. She was able to say a few words to me, and told me who the patron saints of the church were when I asked. As we left, she blew kisses to us. A good start to the day.
From there we went to the farmers' market at Stary Kleparz. Last week, I discovered they sell dill pickles at several of the stalls, so we each had one. Then Susan spotted figs, and we bought some of those too.
From the market we walked down Florianska, admiring the only remaining gate to the city, and then into the Rynek Glowny (the main square). After admiring the architecture of the Cloth Hall and the churches, we wandered through the festival of science set up in the square, which somehow included traditional dancers (I didn't question how this tied in with the science theme), and then checked out the Polish chocolates at the Wawel chocolate shop. I told Susan about my disastrous experience with Polish chocolates in the fall, which only made her more eager to try the traditional Polish treat of chocolate covered marshmallows. Her verdict was pretty much the same as everyone else's in Canada . . .
We then continued through the old town, stopping to admire Copernicus' handiwork as well as his likeness. I tend to ignore Krakow's scientific side, but since Susan is both a phsyist and engineer, I took her picture in front of Copernicus' statue.
We also managed to check out the city's fascination with John Paul II, looking at an exhibition of photos chronicling his various trips to Krakow, and walking by the house in lived in at one time.
After a few more churches, we stopped for some of Krakow's famous pretzels, which are really more like very large bagels. Fortified, we headed for Wawel Hill and the castle.
I think my highlight of Wawel Hill (we didn't go into everything), was climbing up the inside of the bell tower, and seeing the gigantic iron bells. The bells hang from huge wooden beams, and you have to climb up ladder-like steps around them to get to the top. The other reward for the climb is a great view of the city.
From Wawel Hill, we walked along the Wisla into Kazimierz, where we stumbled across some kind of choral music festival, which included North American-style cheerleaders.
I told Susan that the Poles love their ice cream, so she decided she had to try some. She thought that walking with ice cream might help her pass as Polish, but almost immediately after stating that, some British guys on a stag party asked her, in English, for directions to the Sheraton. I guess the British genes are just too strong in her.
From Kazimierz we wandered back to my house, stopping in at the mall to see if we could get Susan a lint brush - the cats had taken a liking to her black jacket.
Seven and a half hours after we started out, we arrived home, having walked most of the downtown area in Krakow.
But, Susan's Krakow experience wasn't complete until she ate some sausages for dinner in a cellar restaurant, drank a Polish beer (Tyskie), and tried out the Polish version of cheesecake, sernik.
We finished the night with a drink in one of Krakow's many famous pubs, (thankfully avoiding any British stag parties), and Susan was on her way to the airport just a few short hours later.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Celebrity cats
I'm tired and need to go to bed, but I wanted to tell you all just how popular Flannery and Small are in Krakow. Well, perhaps popular is not quite the right word, but they are of much interest to everyone who meets them.
A few of my colleagues came over to see them last week, and were in awe at the size of Small. Awe seems to be the right description for what my landlord and relocation agent experienced too when they met the cats.
My landlord, who has a cat, asked if Small was a special breed. He'd never seen a cat that large (maybe he was just being polite and not commenting on her obvious weight issues). My relocation agent was fascinated with both Flannery and Small, and couldn't believe that they both just lay on the bed and looked at her while she talked to them and petted them. She too has a cat, which is apparently a mutant, as it is half the size of Flannery.
I like telling everyone Small's weight in kilos (9.4 kg when she was weighed just prior to the flight), because it makes her sound thin. However, the Poles still gasp in amazement.
I think most Polish cats must be outdoor cats, although I haven't seen many around. My two housebound cats are causing quite the commotion. But in a positive way - my colleague who saw them on Friday, complimented them several times this week.
A few of my colleagues came over to see them last week, and were in awe at the size of Small. Awe seems to be the right description for what my landlord and relocation agent experienced too when they met the cats.
My landlord, who has a cat, asked if Small was a special breed. He'd never seen a cat that large (maybe he was just being polite and not commenting on her obvious weight issues). My relocation agent was fascinated with both Flannery and Small, and couldn't believe that they both just lay on the bed and looked at her while she talked to them and petted them. She too has a cat, which is apparently a mutant, as it is half the size of Flannery.
I like telling everyone Small's weight in kilos (9.4 kg when she was weighed just prior to the flight), because it makes her sound thin. However, the Poles still gasp in amazement.
I think most Polish cats must be outdoor cats, although I haven't seen many around. My two housebound cats are causing quite the commotion. But in a positive way - my colleague who saw them on Friday, complimented them several times this week.
Guests!
I had my first dinner guest on Tuesday night. One of my American colleagues, who is also moving to Krakow on assignment, came over to admire my apartment and be fed.
Since I haven't had any cooking utensils since I arrived in Krakow, dinner wasn't gourmet (but then it never really is when I am the one cooking). However, I broke down and bought some more pots, since one can only live with a frying pan and a microwave for so long. My stuff has been held up in Polish customs for the last 9 days, so I am not sure when I'll actually get all the kitchen things I sent anyway.
According to my guest, dinner was delicious, and I was pretty happy to be entertaining in my new home.
Tomorrow my first overnight guest comes to visit. My friend Susan flies in tomorrow afternoon before heading to Rome for a conference on Sunday.
I can hardly wait to show off Krakow!
PS - I haven't posted any pictures because my computer with my photo software is still in customs. And before you comment that I can download it to my laptop, I tried that, and I don't have the right software, and before you tell me I can download drivers to do it, I know . . . I just haven't had the time.
So, pictures soon (right now, I'd just like to have some different clothes to wear, but at least they are clean . . .).
Since I haven't had any cooking utensils since I arrived in Krakow, dinner wasn't gourmet (but then it never really is when I am the one cooking). However, I broke down and bought some more pots, since one can only live with a frying pan and a microwave for so long. My stuff has been held up in Polish customs for the last 9 days, so I am not sure when I'll actually get all the kitchen things I sent anyway.
According to my guest, dinner was delicious, and I was pretty happy to be entertaining in my new home.
Tomorrow my first overnight guest comes to visit. My friend Susan flies in tomorrow afternoon before heading to Rome for a conference on Sunday.
I can hardly wait to show off Krakow!
PS - I haven't posted any pictures because my computer with my photo software is still in customs. And before you comment that I can download it to my laptop, I tried that, and I don't have the right software, and before you tell me I can download drivers to do it, I know . . . I just haven't had the time.
So, pictures soon (right now, I'd just like to have some different clothes to wear, but at least they are clean . . .).
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Victory at last
It took me nearly two weeks, but I have finally figured out (almost) all of the appliances in my new home.
Two of my colleagues were over on Friday and took a look at the washing machine. After an explanation of the buttons (apparently unintuitive to North Americans, but instantly understandable to Europeans), we realized that the water wasn't turned on and that's why it wasn't working.
So now I have clean clothes. You don't want to know how long it takes to dry sheets in my combo washer/dryer.
Today I finally tackled the dishwasher. When the buttons lit up, but nothing happened, I checked to see if the water was turned on (I try to learn from my mistakes), and it wasn't. However, it took me several minutes to figure out where to turn it on for the dishwasher.
The only electronic device left is the oven. I've used the stove sucessfully, but have yet to open the oven.
Don't even ask me about my new phone - I bought it for it's answering machine capability, but the manual is only in Polish. Let's hope the English version is available online.
It's amazing (to me) that I work for a technology company, yet can be so inept with home appliances.
Two of my colleagues were over on Friday and took a look at the washing machine. After an explanation of the buttons (apparently unintuitive to North Americans, but instantly understandable to Europeans), we realized that the water wasn't turned on and that's why it wasn't working.
So now I have clean clothes. You don't want to know how long it takes to dry sheets in my combo washer/dryer.
Today I finally tackled the dishwasher. When the buttons lit up, but nothing happened, I checked to see if the water was turned on (I try to learn from my mistakes), and it wasn't. However, it took me several minutes to figure out where to turn it on for the dishwasher.
The only electronic device left is the oven. I've used the stove sucessfully, but have yet to open the oven.
Don't even ask me about my new phone - I bought it for it's answering machine capability, but the manual is only in Polish. Let's hope the English version is available online.
It's amazing (to me) that I work for a technology company, yet can be so inept with home appliances.
Saturday night in Krakow
The university students in Krakow celebrated Juvenalia (student festival) this week. Apparently once a year at this time the students are given mock authority over the city (they pretty much run it anyway as there are close to 15 universities and colleges in the area), and they celebrate their newfound power in typical student fashion - lots of drinking and partying.
I met some friends for dinner in the main square last night. Tons of people everywhere, enjoying the weather, sitting at the outside patios, watching the students carouse.
We didn't leave the restaurant until sometime after 11 pm, and as we walked out, we found ourselves in the beginnings of a fight involving, I am assuming, many drunken students. We quickly left that street, but as I walked home I heard and then saw a police paddy wagon heading towards the fight.
A few minutes I walked by the police closely watching the entrance of a crowded bar, which was dressed up for the occasion with two bonfires in large barrels.
Lots going in Krakow all the time . . .
I met some friends for dinner in the main square last night. Tons of people everywhere, enjoying the weather, sitting at the outside patios, watching the students carouse.
We didn't leave the restaurant until sometime after 11 pm, and as we walked out, we found ourselves in the beginnings of a fight involving, I am assuming, many drunken students. We quickly left that street, but as I walked home I heard and then saw a police paddy wagon heading towards the fight.
A few minutes I walked by the police closely watching the entrance of a crowded bar, which was dressed up for the occasion with two bonfires in large barrels.
Lots going in Krakow all the time . . .
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Euro cats
I think the cats are finally over their jet lag.
After a week in Krakow, Small finally resumed her early morning routine of meowing at me. Unfortunately my bed is very low to the ground, and she is able to sit right beside my head and meow at me until I respond.
Oddly, I think Small has decided that like me, her new European self is going to be fitter and thinner. She doesn't eat nearly as much as she did in Canada. I brought their food over with me, so it's food she's used to, but every day they both leave food in their dishes.
After a week in Krakow, Small finally resumed her early morning routine of meowing at me. Unfortunately my bed is very low to the ground, and she is able to sit right beside my head and meow at me until I respond.
Oddly, I think Small has decided that like me, her new European self is going to be fitter and thinner. She doesn't eat nearly as much as she did in Canada. I brought their food over with me, so it's food she's used to, but every day they both leave food in their dishes.
Laundry night
I can't figure out how to use my Italian washing machine.
And I don't have the manual. I just spent the last half hour looking for it online, but apparently the manufacturer doesn't post them online and you need to call for the manual.
I really need clean socks . . .
And I don't have the manual. I just spent the last half hour looking for it online, but apparently the manufacturer doesn't post them online and you need to call for the manual.
I really need clean socks . . .
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Bowling - Krakow style
I went bowling tonight as part of a team celebration for work.
Bowling in Krakow is pretty much exactly the same as it is everywhere else I've ever bowled.
And, I suck at bowling in Krakow just as much as I did in Canada.
But, like bowling with a group in Canada, it doesn't really matter how bad you are - it's still a fun thinng to do - once in a very long while.
Bowling in Krakow is pretty much exactly the same as it is everywhere else I've ever bowled.
And, I suck at bowling in Krakow just as much as I did in Canada.
But, like bowling with a group in Canada, it doesn't really matter how bad you are - it's still a fun thinng to do - once in a very long while.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Random unexpectedness
Things that surprised me in Krakow this week:
1. A priest (or monk?) in full robes carrying a Hugo Boss shopping bag.
2. The number of Kebab shops in Krakow - far and away the most popular fast food (at least by the number of places that sell them)
3. The blue lights in my bathroom.
4. A nun demonstrating dance steps to her fellow nun while walking to work.
5. A small television set in the dash of a cab (for a moment I thought it was showing soft porn, but it was actually a shopping channel . . )
6. Mail from home (thanks Mom!)
1. A priest (or monk?) in full robes carrying a Hugo Boss shopping bag.
2. The number of Kebab shops in Krakow - far and away the most popular fast food (at least by the number of places that sell them)
3. The blue lights in my bathroom.
4. A nun demonstrating dance steps to her fellow nun while walking to work.
5. A small television set in the dash of a cab (for a moment I thought it was showing soft porn, but it was actually a shopping channel . . )
6. Mail from home (thanks Mom!)
60 steps
My friend Lorilee, who is living in my house this summer, recently had all the carpets in my TO house cleaned (she's allergic to cats and wanted to eradicate any trace of my two favourite felines).
The cleaner charged by square footage, as well as per step. My father has always joked that I live in the landings and that my house is more stairs than rooms.
Lorilee counted and I have 55 steps at home.
Curious, I counted the stairs up to my apartment in Krakow.
60.
The cleaner charged by square footage, as well as per step. My father has always joked that I live in the landings and that my house is more stairs than rooms.
Lorilee counted and I have 55 steps at home.
Curious, I counted the stairs up to my apartment in Krakow.
60.
The commute
In Toronto, I live(d) 27 kms from my office. Depending on the traffic it takes (took?) me anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour or more to get to and from work.
I don't know how far I live from the office in Krakow, but it only takes me 35 minutes to walk to work.
I haven't ever walked to work before - once maybe in Toronto, when Mel Lastman called in the army because of the snow (to my everlasting shame and to the constant amusement of everyone who lives outside of TO), and it was faster to actually trudge through the snow then to wait for the streetcar or subway. Other than that, I have never lived close enough to work to walk.
The new European me plans to walk regularly. However, sensible footwear is a must, as the sidewalks in Krakow are the worst I have ever experienced. The sidewalks aren't cobblestone - instead they are large, square, paving stones. The earth has shifted underneath them, and the sidewalks are rarely flat. In many cases, there are gaping holes between tiles, and people with weak ankles (that is, me) have to beware.
Thankfully I bought my stylish, yet sensible Naots just before I moved. I wear them whenever I have to walk any distance on the sidewalks.
I must admit that the new European me isn't keen on walking in the rain. It was pouring this morning and I quickly decided to take a cab.
Maybe I'll brave the public transit system later this week.
I'm hoping for clear skies tomorrow so I can walk again.
I don't know how far I live from the office in Krakow, but it only takes me 35 minutes to walk to work.
I haven't ever walked to work before - once maybe in Toronto, when Mel Lastman called in the army because of the snow (to my everlasting shame and to the constant amusement of everyone who lives outside of TO), and it was faster to actually trudge through the snow then to wait for the streetcar or subway. Other than that, I have never lived close enough to work to walk.
The new European me plans to walk regularly. However, sensible footwear is a must, as the sidewalks in Krakow are the worst I have ever experienced. The sidewalks aren't cobblestone - instead they are large, square, paving stones. The earth has shifted underneath them, and the sidewalks are rarely flat. In many cases, there are gaping holes between tiles, and people with weak ankles (that is, me) have to beware.
Thankfully I bought my stylish, yet sensible Naots just before I moved. I wear them whenever I have to walk any distance on the sidewalks.
I must admit that the new European me isn't keen on walking in the rain. It was pouring this morning and I quickly decided to take a cab.
Maybe I'll brave the public transit system later this week.
I'm hoping for clear skies tomorrow so I can walk again.
Saturday, May 5, 2007
The Adventures of Flannery and Small
My two favourite felines, Flannery and Small, arrived safely at my apartment yesterday around 5 pm.
They looked a little dazed when I opened their crates, and Small seemed slightly stiff, but I am usually disoriented and stiff after a transatlantic flight too.
After 90 minutes of exploring every nook, cranny and surface of their new pad, they settled down and seemed relatively relaxed.
I think cats might suffer from jet lag - there were no early morning meows for food today, even though it started to get light sometime before 5. I got up around 8 and gave them some food, but even then they weren't that interested in it (a miracle if you know Small), and we all went back to bed for some more shut eye until around 10. Let's hope it takes a while for them to get adjusted to the new time zone. I need my sleep.
Only Flannery and Small know the full extent of their adventures - I heard they were in Prague for a few hours - and they arent' talking.
They looked a little dazed when I opened their crates, and Small seemed slightly stiff, but I am usually disoriented and stiff after a transatlantic flight too.
After 90 minutes of exploring every nook, cranny and surface of their new pad, they settled down and seemed relatively relaxed.
I think cats might suffer from jet lag - there were no early morning meows for food today, even though it started to get light sometime before 5. I got up around 8 and gave them some food, but even then they weren't that interested in it (a miracle if you know Small), and we all went back to bed for some more shut eye until around 10. Let's hope it takes a while for them to get adjusted to the new time zone. I need my sleep.
Only Flannery and Small know the full extent of their adventures - I heard they were in Prague for a few hours - and they arent' talking.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Constitution Day
Today is a national holiday in Poland. It's Constitution Day, which celebrates the signing of Poland's constitution in 1791. Poland's constitution is the oldest in Europe and the 2nd oldest in the world.
To celebrate the day off, and the continuing beautiful weather, I met a colleague and her 9 month old baby this morning for a walk in the Blonia and Park Jordan. The Blonia is a huge meadow, populated by runners, cyclists, rollerbladers, and people just strolling. I look forward to my rollerblades arriving in Poland next week so I can join them. Rollerblading seems extremely popular here - everyone was skating, as they call it.
They need to rollerblade to work off their morning snack. My colleague treated me to morning coffee and cake shortly after we met, and the cakes were all heavily cream-based (lactose intolerant me had a cookie and herbal tea). Yet, all the Poles are slim - I havent' seen any one who is obviously overweight.
This afternoon I headed back to the mall, for the third time in as many days. I haven't spent this much time at a mall since I was a teenage mall rat hanging out at West Ed. However, it's the only shopping venue open on the national holidays, and I still need things to get settled into the apartment. I look forward to not going to the mall tomorrow.
Flannery and Small are scheduled to arrive in Krakow tomorrow at 1 pm. I hope their cutlture shock will be minimal and that they adjust to their new Polish life quickly.
I promise to post some pictures soon. It's been a bit of blur getting settled here, but I have been taking photos everyday.
To celebrate the day off, and the continuing beautiful weather, I met a colleague and her 9 month old baby this morning for a walk in the Blonia and Park Jordan. The Blonia is a huge meadow, populated by runners, cyclists, rollerbladers, and people just strolling. I look forward to my rollerblades arriving in Poland next week so I can join them. Rollerblading seems extremely popular here - everyone was skating, as they call it.
They need to rollerblade to work off their morning snack. My colleague treated me to morning coffee and cake shortly after we met, and the cakes were all heavily cream-based (lactose intolerant me had a cookie and herbal tea). Yet, all the Poles are slim - I havent' seen any one who is obviously overweight.
This afternoon I headed back to the mall, for the third time in as many days. I haven't spent this much time at a mall since I was a teenage mall rat hanging out at West Ed. However, it's the only shopping venue open on the national holidays, and I still need things to get settled into the apartment. I look forward to not going to the mall tomorrow.
Flannery and Small are scheduled to arrive in Krakow tomorrow at 1 pm. I hope their cutlture shock will be minimal and that they adjust to their new Polish life quickly.
I promise to post some pictures soon. It's been a bit of blur getting settled here, but I have been taking photos everyday.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
More tales from the grocery store
I was at the grocery store (in the big mall) again today. I spent forever searching the cereal section for something that looked like bran. I really need a better Polish/English dictionary.
No bran. My gastro-intestinal specialist will not be pleased.
And although I have seen unrefrigerated milk in tetra paks in Europe before, I'll never get used to it. I also couldn't figure out if any of it was lactose free (yes I am now apparently lactose intolerant - blame the same gastro-intestinal specialist for that diagnosis), so I decided on something called Laciate (or something). I doubt it's lactose free, but I guess I'll find out.
I also put it in the fridge as soon as I got home.
My next shopping trip will probably include eggs. They aren't refrigerated either.
No bran. My gastro-intestinal specialist will not be pleased.
And although I have seen unrefrigerated milk in tetra paks in Europe before, I'll never get used to it. I also couldn't figure out if any of it was lactose free (yes I am now apparently lactose intolerant - blame the same gastro-intestinal specialist for that diagnosis), so I decided on something called Laciate (or something). I doubt it's lactose free, but I guess I'll find out.
I also put it in the fridge as soon as I got home.
My next shopping trip will probably include eggs. They aren't refrigerated either.
5 things you don't see in Canada everyday (if ever)
1. Graffiti murals of Pope John Paul the Second.
2. Lavender scented toilet paper (I thought it was just a lavender pattern . . .)
3. Large groups of habit-clad nuns going for their daily walk.
4. People drinking openly in public parks.
5. Dachshunds (well maybe, but not nearly as many as they have here - apparently Krakow hosts a dachshunds parade)
2. Lavender scented toilet paper (I thought it was just a lavender pattern . . .)
3. Large groups of habit-clad nuns going for their daily walk.
4. People drinking openly in public parks.
5. Dachshunds (well maybe, but not nearly as many as they have here - apparently Krakow hosts a dachshunds parade)
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
The more things change . . .
I moved into my new apartment today - it's beautiful, but more on that in another post.
I spent most of the day doing moving-in related things: setting up my internet connection, figuring out how to work the satellite TV (not sure I still have that figured out), and shopping for various items.
Because European beds are different sizes than Canadian ones, I didn't bring any sheets with me. In order to sleep tonight, I needed to get sheets and a pillow for my bed. In order to eat today, I also needed to purchase food, cutlery and dishes. My relocation agent had checked earlier to see if the mall was open today, as it is a statutory holiday here. Fortunately for me it was.
However, unfortunately for me, none of the shops at the mall carried sheets or pillows (or at least sheets or pillows that would fit my bed, and didn't have cartoon characters on them). So after loading up at the grocery store (yes they have peanut butter in Poland!), and dropping off my groceries, I took a cab to my local Ikea.
Ikea is pretty much the same everywhere. Same meandering layout, same merchandise. I did feel a bit disorientated trying to buy a pillow - I couldn't figure out whether they were firm or soft from the packaging, and they were rolled up tightly. Sadly my Polish phrase book wasn't much help. I guess I'll find out tonight.
I also had a tough time trying to buy sheets. Sheets here are sold by dimension (so 160 cm x 200 cm instead of queen, king etc). I thought I had it figured out, but then realized that's only the size for a fitted sheets. Flat sheets have completely different dimensions, and they don't come in sets. Each sheet is sold separately.
But, I managed to buy a mattress cover, fitted sheet, flat sheet, pillows and pillow cases that all fit my bed (if not match perfectly). And as with every other trip to Ikea, I managed to purchase a whole lot more than I intended.
So that was my day - shopping at a mall, which is just like any North American mall (I even ate at Subway - the most popular food court stop seemed to be KFC), and then shopping at Ikea.
And you all thought Europe would be different. . .
I spent most of the day doing moving-in related things: setting up my internet connection, figuring out how to work the satellite TV (not sure I still have that figured out), and shopping for various items.
Because European beds are different sizes than Canadian ones, I didn't bring any sheets with me. In order to sleep tonight, I needed to get sheets and a pillow for my bed. In order to eat today, I also needed to purchase food, cutlery and dishes. My relocation agent had checked earlier to see if the mall was open today, as it is a statutory holiday here. Fortunately for me it was.
However, unfortunately for me, none of the shops at the mall carried sheets or pillows (or at least sheets or pillows that would fit my bed, and didn't have cartoon characters on them). So after loading up at the grocery store (yes they have peanut butter in Poland!), and dropping off my groceries, I took a cab to my local Ikea.
Ikea is pretty much the same everywhere. Same meandering layout, same merchandise. I did feel a bit disorientated trying to buy a pillow - I couldn't figure out whether they were firm or soft from the packaging, and they were rolled up tightly. Sadly my Polish phrase book wasn't much help. I guess I'll find out tonight.
I also had a tough time trying to buy sheets. Sheets here are sold by dimension (so 160 cm x 200 cm instead of queen, king etc). I thought I had it figured out, but then realized that's only the size for a fitted sheets. Flat sheets have completely different dimensions, and they don't come in sets. Each sheet is sold separately.
But, I managed to buy a mattress cover, fitted sheet, flat sheet, pillows and pillow cases that all fit my bed (if not match perfectly). And as with every other trip to Ikea, I managed to purchase a whole lot more than I intended.
So that was my day - shopping at a mall, which is just like any North American mall (I even ate at Subway - the most popular food court stop seemed to be KFC), and then shopping at Ikea.
And you all thought Europe would be different. . .
Let the adventure begin
After a long but uneventful flight, I arrived in Krakow yesterday at 1 pm.
Spring is in full force here - the lilacs are already in bloom, and soft shades of green dominate. Everything looks fresh and new, and Krakow is even more beautiful then it was in the winter. Strangely, the youth of spring is a jarring contrast to the old buildings here. Somehow, the new foliage seems unexpected in the city, but that's probably just because I saw Krakow twice in the winter, when everything was barren.
I took a long nap yesterday afternoon, and then ventured out around 8 for dinner and a long walk. The daylight was just fading as I started out, and everything seemed even more magical in the twilight. People were out in droves, strolling along the Planty, walking their dogs, eating ice cream, or just enjoying the weather.
I couldn't stop grinning. I can't believe how lucky I am!
Spring is in full force here - the lilacs are already in bloom, and soft shades of green dominate. Everything looks fresh and new, and Krakow is even more beautiful then it was in the winter. Strangely, the youth of spring is a jarring contrast to the old buildings here. Somehow, the new foliage seems unexpected in the city, but that's probably just because I saw Krakow twice in the winter, when everything was barren.
I took a long nap yesterday afternoon, and then ventured out around 8 for dinner and a long walk. The daylight was just fading as I started out, and everything seemed even more magical in the twilight. People were out in droves, strolling along the Planty, walking their dogs, eating ice cream, or just enjoying the weather.
I couldn't stop grinning. I can't believe how lucky I am!
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