Wednesday, 8 September - Niepołomice, remembering summer holidays and aunties (Ciotki!)

Another day and another incredible story. I asked Piotr (Krechel) to take me to Niepołomice – a place dear in my memory for summer holidays. Two aunts lived there – the time, late '40s.

Piotr took me to the centre of town. A rather impressive royal castle, with lots of green spaces

[monika interpolating - a 14th century gothic hunting castle, conveniently close to Puszcza Niepołomicka (a once ancient forest) to launch hunting parties on wild boar, wolves, deer and of course, żubry (european bison) as seen on vodka bottles! sorry to interrupt, mama! please go on...]

but what I was looking for was near the church - Ciocia Regina’s shop with all kinds of sweets.

I think I found it. Bożena and I loved visiting that shop.

But we lived with Ciocia Hania in Zagrody – a small farm which had everything on a small scale.
I was sure I had no hope of ever finding it.

I didn’t think the house would still be there.

I couldn’t recognise Niepołomice – completely build up.

But Piotrek was very patient and tried different roads and when I almost lost hope, there it was!

I just knew it was the house.

I screamed to Piotrek, "Stop! This is it!"

I must admit I was slightly shaking.

I went towards the big tree which grew near by to check if there was a little figure of Madonna in the hollow of the tree. Yes it was.

I was certain I was in the right place.

The gate was open and I said to Piotr: “I am going in.”

I knocked on the door. A lady opened it and I apologised for intrusion and explained that I and my sister used to stay in that house years ago and told her my mother’s name. She smiled and told me what our address was at the time. She knew us!!!

So we had a wonderful visit, Piotr and I, and

Ciocia Jasia (my mother’s cousin’s Mietek’s wife - but I won't go into the whole genealogy now; too many names and I don’t know them anyway!) We agreed to meet again.

We also met Wojtek, Ciocia Jasia’s son who lives nearby (in Ciocia Halina’s vegetable garden!).
And saw Ciocia Anula’s holiday house on Ciocia Hania’s pasture where Bożena and I took Bujana, Ciocia Halina’s only cow.