10-23-2008
"Polsko! Ojczyzno moja!" OK, OK...so it's not exactly how it goes:) but only Polak would know that. Going to visit "home" always brings excitement. This time wasn't different, BUT this time it was going to be "family vacation", meaning me, Gosia and John and my parents trying to spend some time together...in harmony:)
I arrived in Warsaw on Thursday around noon. I felt like a movie star! Blind one - since I didn't recognize my "chauffer", but a star...I was picked up and not allowed to touch my suitcase, taken to my fancy accommodations on Odkryta Street and fed the best food on earth - homogenized cheese!!!!! I almost climaxed by the time I was done eating the first container - Robsik was turning red, wondering probably what was happening to me. I stayed with my "oldest" friend in the whole wide world Brygalka) and her family!!!! We've been friends since 5th grade and I don't think she has changed a bit since then! Except maybe for her haircut:).
In the next few days I -the movie star- was escorted all over the capital so I could visit Ania Ozieblo, Efka, Szubka, Grzesio Kwiecien.
Each time I had to leave my friends I was trying to hide the tears...I was missing them already. On Saturday I was once again escorted around this time destination was Poniatowa. I stopped by Mr and Mrs Bednarczyk for a quick visit. We chatted about what's new and old and then I headed out for another quick stop to see Brygalka's parents and sister. Everyone looked great and I wished I didn't have to rush so much but my family was waiting...and CALLING!
I was overwhelmed when I got to Palikije. On one hand I wanted to make Brygalka and Robsik feel comfortable, on the other I couldn't stop hugging my aunts, cousins and kids! That nightMajka invited us for dinner at PATATAJ. Next two days brought in a feast like only Palikije can bring:) My aunt's cooking and baking is one of a kind.
Hanging out with my family was priceless. Eventhou my grandparent's house and the old big wallnut tree are not there any more part of me will always be in Palikije...My chlidhood was amazing and not a day goes by that I don't appreciate my upbringing.
Sunday we ended up shopping and visiting my dad's mother in Lublin. Earlier in the day I decided to go back to Warsaw and spend sometime with yet another good friend...Of course I got off the bus and once again traveled in style - I could get used to treatment like that, maybe I'll visit more often - Pawel and Zuk picked me right up and swept me off to a Lebanese restaurant Le Cedre. Too bad Brygalka couldn't make it but Robsik and Grzecho made up a little for her absence. Fantastic dinner was followed by a walk down the memory lane at Pawel's place...I was amazed at how many letters of mine he still had ( I couldn't wait to look thru my old box of letters at home, but I KNEW I wouldn't find much;) )!
By now it's Tuesday and it's time for the "family holiday" part of the trip. We stayed at Hotel Mercure just around the corner from Palac Kultury and Zlote Tarasy (shopping mall). I met up with Robert and Magda and we got a bite of sushi. I had a blast watching them eat something they clearly never tasted before and were affraid to touch! My parents arrived with Gosia and John later that night and we took a nice walk thru Krolewskie Przedmiescie to Old Town Square, where we had probably the worst polish food ever! The restaurant was called Baziliszek and the ambiance was very nice, but the chef probably never finished his or hers culinary degree...I don't think I ever saw Jonh leave food on a plate. This time he did and it wasn't because he was too full to finish, it was almost uneatable . It didn't take us very long to realize that we really can't travel together...by the next morning we were being paid off by my mother to go our own way:) We were annoying her and since everyone had their own agenda it was probably better off that we did go our own way. I really wanted to see more of the city but somehow shopping with Brygalka was more appealing:) Later, I got in touch with Agatka Domanska and we all regrouped for dinner. St. Antonio - Italian. Place was recommended by Pawel and everyone seem to have a good time, I know I did...and I think Pan Rafal too;). Three hour play "Swietoszek" by Molier came next. Followed by couple of drinks at Antrakt with Dariusz. I felt bad watching Johnny squirm with pain as he sat thru the play, but I was nicely surprised...it wasn't bad!
Thursday came and it was time for the movie starto depart. I was once again picked up by Robsik and Brygalka. I don't know what I would've done without the cell phone they gave me. I really had the royal treatment! One thing I couldn't understand thou was why Pawel wasn't packing for Venice? Siwce and I spend some more time at the airport and it was time for me to head for the gate...I said my goodbyes and with teary eyes the movie star has stepped off the red carpet and with hesitation walked into a 747.
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4 comments:
That's the point, I mean the last few lines and the “walk down the memory lane”! Have you already found the letters I wrote to you. Not only this two pieces of them which you mentioned recently :) Keep looking for more, you’ll find them and I’m going to check it up soon… in person :)
Ja nie zdobędę się na komentarz w języku angielskim - cały czas jestem za chudy w uszach. Faktem jest jednak, że byliśmy rozczarowani nieco, że nie odwróciłaś sie jeszcze raz do nas - a czekaliśmy jeszcze kilka minut! Teraz jednak wiem dlaczego - dobrze, że o tym piszesz :))
Ahhh! And the second, most important thing: when you coming to Poland you are always threated like "a movie start" because you are realy important for us - just remember this and don't wonder that :)))
Even though grandma's house and the hazelnut tree wasnt' there any more, the river was still there. You forgot to recall the importance of the river:)
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