Family in Szczecin...

During my few days in the port city of Szczecin (but 100 km from the actual sea) I was shown around all the important sites. The city is spacious, well planned and has a lot of parks, tree lined streets and also those little, very old places I like to look at. Miłka took me to the exhibition of Polish contemporary art – it was something I appreciated very much and enjoyed.
We visited the cemetery where mum’s sister Halina is buried – also a very beautiful park-like place.



My last day in Szczecin came and it was very eventful. I was to meet the rest of the family. I already met Maciek, Maciej’s son and his girlfriend Marta. They joined us in our trip to the sea. But Kasia, Maciej’s daughter, Kasia’s husband Grzegorz and almost 6 years old Małgosia were to comeback from their holidays via Szczecin. It was great to see the whole family together – they so enjoy each other’s company. I couldn’t resist taking a picture of all the kids on the couch. In the afternoon Miłka and Maciej got busy to prepare huge family barbeque – not only to celebrate family get together but to say goodbye to summer. In Poland (and the rest of Europe at least) seasons change on 22^nd of the month. Later that day we all packed to start our journey down south. I was to travel with Kasia, Grzegorz and Małgosia in their car back to Kraków. But there was a surprise waiting for me. Poles traveling in western part of Poland like to borrow German highways for their journeys. So I find myself in Germany. And I thought that traveling northwest will only include Poland! 7 and a half hours later we were in Kraków. And here I am. Only one day back and already my hosts made sure I don’t waste any time. Yesterday (Thursday) Andrzej came back from work and after dinner packed us into the car and ignoring the peak hour traffic took us to Kopiec Kościuszki (many a wonderful hours where spent there when Marian and I wagged the school). I have to go back. I just checked my camera and there are important photos which I would love you to see and no explanation what’s so ever. For instance Neska – Maciej and Miłka’s dog. Not so young anymore but she is really lovely and very good guide dog. Another important thing is a trip to high sky restaurant and viewing the city from the top. Impressive. After that we visited Maciek’s apartment (at his invitation) which he and Marta are in the process of furnishing – very smart. Maciek is a perfect host. I can’t remember when this event took place. But I don’t think it’s important. I do remember though that mushroom picking took place on Sunday. Wonderful! Again! Polish forests are very close to my heart. On the way home after Maciej and I finally persuaded Miłka that she collected enough mushrooms (podgrzybki) we stopped at a gorgeous little restaurant and had a delicious meal. Place specializes in different fish dishes. What I had was lovely but I can’t remember what it was. When Maciej reads this he’ll be outraged because I‘m sure he remembers what everyone had. Going through camera again. As a special welcome for me Maciej hoisted a Polish flag outside their house. I saw it coming down again when we were leaving on our way back to Kraków! Thank you again Maciuś and Miłka. Now for the benefit of cat lovers (forgot his name but possibly Oscar) at friends place where my hosts took me Saturday night. Aha, Oscar was a name of Julia’s (Miłka’s sister’s) dog also beautiful. I meant to take his picture but there was no time. I asked Małgosia to pose for me and she did. She is a very happy and talkative little girl. I suggested that she becomes Tom’s pen-pal and she said she would be happy too but there is one problem she can’t write yet. So we decided that at first they’ll just exchanged drawings. Tomeczku! Małgosia’s birthday is in December. That’s it for now. Bye! (Today is 24.9.10)