Jason in Poland

24th December (K. Migdal)It was sad leaving my Turkish friends, especially Ezgi, but at the same time I was looking forward to meet with my friends in Poland. The flight took only 2 hours, so I was in Warsaw at 3 p.m. My friend, Krystian and his sister Ania promised to pick me up from the airport. They live in Warsaw, the capital of Poland but they both study in ZSA in Klementowice (Krystian is one of the etwinners). I knew that today it was Christmas Eve in Poland, extremely traditional day which Poles spend with family so I was sure that Krystian would make me feel like home this night. Warsaw is a very modern, big and lively city. People at the streets were rushing from shop to shop to buy last presents. Everybody was in a hurry. We took a taxi and went to Krystian`s house. He lives in the suburbs, in a very quiet and green area. I think Polish don`t like city centres because there are so many newly-built houses in the close proximity to the city.First thing I had to do when I came into his house was taking off my shoes, it`s like in Turkey. Krystian`s mother and father are so loving, they gave me kisses and wanted to give me some food but I knew that most Polish families don`t eat in this day until Christmas supper, so I decided to wait , relax and got fresh. The table has been already set. There were 12 dishes on the table: some types of fish, cabbage, poppy with pasta, beetroot soup with dumplings, kutia, susz and what`s important no meat. Before we started eating Krystian`s father read a part of the Bible about Jesus` birth and then we shared the wafer and made wishes. According to the Christians tradition you have to try all dishes to stay healthy. There`s also one extra plate which symbolizes Jesus or a lonely person who can come in to your house this night. I had many questions about the Christmas tradition in Poland. The grandmother answered my questions and showed me a photo album with the photos of her teenage time. We were laughing while watching it. I also told them about my family in London and Turkish friends. After supper we cleaned the table together and Krystian and his family were singing Christmas carols – I loved listening to them! We even sang “Silent night”. Suddenly, Ania shouted:Hey, I`ve heard something I guess the angel brought us some presents! Have you heard any noise?We rushed to the Christmas tree and of course under it there were a lot of presents! Everybody got something, even I! I got a guide book and a photo album of Poland. It will be helpful in my trip around this country.Eating, singing, unwrapping presents made me feel very tired so when Krystian suggested me going to the Church at the Mass at midnight I said: “No”. All family, except the grandmother, went to the mass but I decided to go to bed. She prepared some tea for me and we were listening some carols on the radio. The evening was so exciting but at the same time tiring. I didn`t know that family is so important for Polish. I knew I had to go to bed rather early because tomorrow I`m going to sightsee Warsaw.

25th December (Kasia Maciarz)•We got up at 7:00, then went down for breakfast, we ate delicious Polish pancakes with strawberry jam and white cheese with cynamone. Later we went to visit The Warsaw Old Town-it is the oldest part of the Capital City. The Old Town was established in the 13th century. Initially surrounded by an earthwork rampart, prior to 1339 it was fortified with brick City Walls. The town originally grew up around the castle of the Dukes of Mazovia that later became the Royal Castle. We visited also- Warsaw ’s New Town- it is a neighbourhood dating from the 15th century. It lies just north of the Old Town and is connected to it by ulica Freta, which begins at the Barbican. Like the Old Town, the New Town was destroyed by the Nazis during World War II and rebuilt after the war. The Old Town is full of spectacular monuments, amazing buildings and nice cafes.After a few hours we went for lunch at the restaurant “The gigants”. We ate Royal broth and Duck Polish and for dessert pumpkin cheesecake. We were in Department of Economics, University of Warsaw - Faculty of the University of Warsaw , educating in the fields of economics and computer science in modes of day, evening and weekend . Faculty also conducts doctoral studies and postgraduate studies.Also we went to-All Saints Church is a Roman Catholic church located at in Warsaw, the seat of the parish of All Saints in Warsaw.We went to the zoo which was very funny, One monkey almost bit me, I got a little scared but I was calmed down by a security guard. After the zoo we went to the National Stadium where there is a huge ice rink. We were skating almost to the late night.About 9.00p.m we went back to the hotel for dinner, we ate a delicious fruit salad.It was a wonderful day. I am very tired, I have to go to bed now.

26th December (Karolina) •We woke up at 7:00am and we went to breakfast. We ate cream cheese. Later we went shopping at the mall "'Arkadia ". We've been in many stores and I liked their design. I bought the jeans and two shirts. In one of the shops we had a little problem. A cashier forgot to remove the Alarm Tag and the alarm started. We felt strangely. Krystian brought me to the Café where we met the rest etwinners. I couldn`t wait for this meeting. I only knew them via the skype and mails. They are as nice as I thought, so talkative, polite, confident, easy –going. When we were talking Krystian, Marcin and Julka were all the time laughing. It was great. Mrs. Migdal told us that we're going to the sea today – it was a surprise because everybody thought we`re going to the hotel after shopping!. We were happy. We packed up and at 10. 30 am we were ready for the road. •While going to the Baltic Sea we were driving through Mazury – which is a region of Poland, full of lakes, forests, animals, fresh air, tasty food, beautiful, traditional hotels.

Krystian was hungry so we went to eat something. Mazury is famous from fish so we ordered dofferent types of fish dishes. It was delicious. We were so full!!! Next time, I want to spend more time in Mazury. We arrived to Gdańsk, the biggest city by the the Baltic Sea, and to checked in you the hotel ' 'Hilton ''. Later we went to the Old Town and we were in a Column of Poseidon. We went even to the harbor and sailed to the Westerplatte – a place where the II World War began. I liked it. Gdańsk by night…it`s unforgettable experience. My friends learn me a Polish song “Szła dzieweczka do laseczka”- I can`t stop singing it!!!We returned to the hotel at 10.00 p.m.. We were all so tired that quickly we went to sleep. It was a super day.

27th December (Natalia)•The next day I found myself in Sopot- a touristic resort, connected to Gdańsk . It was noon, when I reached the place. This city is very beautiful. When I saw this place I fell in love with it. Beautiful beaches, sun, wind in your hair and the pier, after which I walked 2 hours! Sopot is a seaside resort spa town. The city has Europe's longest wooden pier. In the Gulf of Gdansk it is an opportunity to learn windsurfing. I learned this from Michael, whom I met on the pier. He became interested in my origins. We started the conversation.Michael: What are you doing in Poland?Jason: I went on a trip.Michael: And how do you like Sopot?Jason: I am here only a few hours, but it's a really beautiful city.Michael: And would you like to learn windsurfing?Jason: Sure, do you not know where I can sign up to learn?Michael: It just so happens that I am an instructor and I can teach you. Come with me.I had a great time that day, I became friends with Michael. The boy showed me around the city. He showed me the various monuments, among others, the lighthouse, the church of St. George and many others. I'm glad I learned a lot about Gdansk and I am glad that I went there. As a result, I met my new friend - Michael. I was sorry, that same day I had to leave already Gdańsk. Before leaving, I met again with Michael.Jason: It was nice to meet you.Michael: I hope that I'll meet again. Let me know when you want to visit again Sopot.Jason: Of course, unfortunately I have to go. See you!Michael: See you later.After we exchanged numbers I had to go. The last time I said goodbye to Michael and got into the car.•Tomorrow, I go south of Poland to Kraków.

28th December (Julka)

We flew to Krakow by plane at about 9 a.m. First we went to breakfast at the restaurant on the main square. After a delicious breakfast we went to visit Square and Church Mariacki. When the clock struck 12 we heard a man playing the trumpet "bugle call Mary" on the church tower. After hearing the bugle call we decided buying some souvenirs and we went to the Wawel Castle and toured the cathedral, castle, museum. I learned a lot about the history of Krakow, for example: that it was the second capital of the Polish kings, or the dragon Wawel, castle Wawel or that its history goes back to the first Polish kings. The last point of the trip was a visit to the Barbican- the wall surrounded the city and we walked along the Vistual river. Late in the evening we went to the hotel for a dinner. I found out that Kraków`s history goes back very old times. It`s a city that never sleeps. There are many students at the street, a lot of street artists, the buskers.

I have to go to the bus immediately because we`re going to Klementowice, I know a lot about them because this is a place of living of my etwinning friends.

29th December (Justyna)We came to Klementowice at late evening. We went to sleep in boarding school.At 8.00 a.m we went to breakfast. Next to school at 8.30 a.m. My friends were in

the lesson so I was sightseeing the school with English teacher, Mrs. MigdalLater we visited classes. Students are very nice welcome me and tell me about

school. I met students from Ukraine who arrived to school to learn. Atmosphere in school was very nice because people from school was friendly and helpful. At 12.00 a.m I went to the boarding school for lunch. Later at 12.30 a.m I came back to school, because students invited me for dance lessons. At 15.00 a.m together with students we visited Klementowice. First we went to Church St. Klemens and Malgorzata and drank some tea with a priest, Tomasz. He`s an artist, he showed us his paintings and sculptures. Next we went to the cemetery. We came back to boarding school. Students were watching films about Klementowice and the film about school. Later, students told me about internationals schools.

Later we went for dinner and go to my room. In the late afternoon we went to the school gym to play volleyball. I have to admit that Klementovia Volleyball Club is a very professional ones. They got many gold medals.

30th December (Monika)It was a very tough day. Immediately after dinner I went to sleep. I woke up at 6:30 am I was very excited about

today's trip to one of the largest Polish cities - Lublin. After eating breakfast, we headed to the train station. There were a lot of people. Everyone was pushing. In total, it is not surprising, because people were rushing to New Year`s Eve party. Luckily we had already bought the tickets, so easily walked to the train. After 20minutes, we were already in place. The first place that we decided to visit was a castle. It was beautiful. We got just in time for the carolers. These are people dressed in white dresses ,, '' with wings, like angels. Again ,, I heard the Christmas carol Silent Night ''. I loved it. Then we went to the Old City. Very picturesque. Going, We ate cebularze. It is a typical salty cake with sliced onions, sprinkled with poppy seeds. It was delicious! But we all smelled with onions!!! I decided it was time for something sweet, so Krystian suggested that we went to the candy factory. It was a brilliant idea. For the first time in my life I saw how to make lollipops and candy. Although it is the smallest plant of sweets, I did not feel it. Everything seemed so big! Magic place. I am happy to go back. Lollipops, which they did, they were delicious. Unfortunately, it was evening. Time to go, which is a pity. When we came back, Krystian fell into shock. Next to the Souvenirs Robert Lewandowski with his beautiful wife Anne were standing. (Robert is a Polish player but he`s also very popular in England). Without hesitation, we ran to them, asking for a souvenir photo. I took out my phone and we took ,, selfie ". Everyone laughed at me because I was so happy to meet Robert that I cried. Then, a beautiful girlfriend came and asked if I'm okay. I replied that I did not.- What is your name? - She asked- Jason - I replied with a smile - and you?- Lena - smiled back - I'm sorry, but I do not have much time. I have to go back. It was nice to meet you.- Thank you – I said and I still remember her beautiful dark eyes. I think Polish girls are so beautiful. At 9 p.m we were already in Klementowice. We had dinner and went to our rooms. I'll never forget that day, it was fantastic. With great desire to come back here.

30th (Marcin)Today I woke up at 5 a.m. I had time only for breakfast and fast shower, because at 6

a.m. I and Krystian had a flight to Zakopane. Marcin was waiting there for us (he said the rest of etwinners would come tomorrow with Mrs. Migdal. Marcin has a second house in Zakopane, he uses it for holidays. First we came to eat something because I was hungry. We came to Polish restaurant and he told me he would order special Polish dish for me. It was barszcz. It`s soup made with beets. It wasn't the best dish I ate in Poland, but It was ok. After that we decided to go to buy some souvenirs. There was a big square with many stalls. There was music band who played polish folk music. I really enjoyed it. When I bought some souvenirs we went for a walk in Tatry Mountains. We thought it wouldn't be such a long walk, but we got lost somewhere in mountains. Fortunately Marcin's got mobile phone and he called for help. Rescue services found us very fast and took us to the shelter. We were very hungry, because we got lost for 7 hours, but food in this shelter wasn't very bad. After dinner we came back to Marcin's home and we went to sleep because we were very tired. I promised not to tell about our adventure to the teacher. She probably won`t like it. Just before 10 p.m we went to the ski slope to ski for a while. From the mountain slope we saw lights of Zakopane – it has an amazing atmosphere. We heard the local music coming from the nearby restaurant.

31th (Krystian)The next day I woke up at 6 o clock dressed and ate a piece of oscypek – a traditional sheep

cheese made by local highlanders. It has a very strong taste, I preferred the smoked ones. My etwinners were waiting for me with a song sang in the Polish mountains – strange music, but nice words. After breakfast we went to a travel agency in the Tatra Mountains. The tour guide gave us a guidebook and sent us into the unknown. After the first few kilometers I noticed a stream that flows from the mountains and falls into Vistula River which later flows straight into the Baltic Sea. I was very interested place, I could not take my eyes from the beautiful nature. At the same time I was a little afraid because it was becoming dark and New Year`s party should start soon, but my etwinning friends didn`t mention anything about the party. I didn`t ask them either because I didn`t want to be rude. I thought that maybe they don`t celebrate it. After an hour of walking with a guidebook we noticed the highlanders who kept New Year's Eve Celebration. They saw us and started to wave. It was next surprise – we were going to celebrate New Year`s Eve in the mountains!!!! Nothing could be better.!! They began to invite us to party with. We were survived and happy. They gave us to eat and drink their traditional food, sang us songs and the r roasted some meat. The food was so tasty, home- made and local!. Great! We were eating, talking, dancing and singing till at 00:00 At 00,00 up the fireworks to welcome the new year and say goodbye to the old. Then the horses and carriages came and they came back to the hotel and went to sleep because I was so tired, it was around 5.00 in the morning. Tomorrow we`ll be in Klementowice, in the school again.

1st January (Dominika) Today is the last day in Poland. I'm so sad, because I really like this beautiful country and the people who live

here. I woke up at 10:00 am so I'm rested. I ate a tasty breakfast and went to school with my friends. Mrs. Migdal told me what we'll do. I was very happy. It turned out that we will have a sleigh ride. We began to prepare. About 13.00 all was ready. I was very excited because I've never taken part in sleigh ride. I admit that even I was a little scared. Finally we took off, it wasn't terrible. My friends and I had a great time. We looked like funny snowmen, because many times we fell and we were in the snow. We came back after 3 hours and all of us went to get changed. I was very hungry and I was invited to a farewell party, I didn`t know about it at all!. Polish students organized a bonfire with sausages. Quickly I started to eat, but I noticed that Marcin was very sad. I asked:

-What happened?-My sausage is burned and now I have to wait for the second.- said MarcinI was very pity of him because he was hungry too, so I had an idea:-Do you want a piece of my food?-Oh yes...! Thank you! What would I do without you?- Marcin was pleased.Everyone was happy. Then we were given hot tea, it was a good idea because that day was very cold. Later me

and my friends were talking a lot. It was really cool and sometimes funny. We mentioned all of our adventures. Next Krystian brought a guitar and beautifully played a few songs. I didn't know the text of all of them but I tried to sing. Then it's time to say goodbye. I was both sad and smiling, because I could meet some great people and experience an unforgettable adventure. We all were smiling, although I know that they felt like me. I packed up and when I went to the car they all started waving to me and shouted:

-See you Jason, we will miss you! I got into the car and drove with Mrs. Migdal to her home, because tomorrow she will drive me to the airport.

2nd January(K. Migdal)I was really sad yesterday, I just missed them, my friends …but Mrs. Migdal knew

it and she decided to take me to her house for the last night. I met her two lovely daughters and a husband. Agata, the older one spoke a little English with me and Marcelina danced around the house and sang English songs!! It turned out that they prepared sushi for me! I`m not a fan of that food, but it was really tasty, the girls were eating it with sticks. Mrs. Migdal showed me around her house and her garden, I could play with her dog (I miss my puppy). At the end of the day when Agata and Marcelina were in beds I read them some fairy tales. Both of them chose different fairies and I had to read two stories! The wanted to play hide-and-seek but their mum forbade them.

Mrs. Migdal and her daughter took me to the airport, to Warsaw, it was hard to say goodbye but I`m waiting for the new adventures.

I`m writing it on the plane, I`m flying to Slovakia now. The trip shouldn`t be long. I`m a little worried. What will happen there? Who will I meet? I know for sure, all etwinners, from all countries are really great.