Guest Post from the Maynard Koziks! (Part One)

As fun as it has been sharing out adventures with you all, we're sure you are interested in what other visitors' impressions of Poland have been. So here is a guest post from the Maynard Koziks - Pat and Dave - about their recent trip with Pam to visit us in Warsaw:

Our Polska adventure officially began as Bryan was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship, prompting us to get our first passports! Time passed, tickets were purchased, and our trip became a reality. Bryan and Emily demonstrated immeasurable patience with all of our questions and concerns, and began sending us daily emails with a “Polish word of the day” and a Polish history lesson. We began to practice our “jen-KOO-ye” and “jeen-DOH-brih” and especially our “g-JAY yest TOH-uh-let”!  Many jokes were made about us forgetting something, getting lost, being “too friendly” on the tram, or causing an “international incident.” Truth be told, that assessment was pretty accurate!  Dave left his jacket at home, Pam and/or Pat set off an alarm at the airport, and Dave chatted with a nice gent from Glasgow who seemed to follow us around the airport with a glass of wine. And that was before we left Boston!

Following our schedule (Emily color-coded it by city, put unalterable events in bold type, gave us our addresses, put links to special events on it, and emphasized the flexibility built into the week! WOW! I really think she could make a career out of this!!) we proceeded to fly to Munich and missed our connecting flight (NOT OUR FAULT!). Knowing that Bry and Em would be waiting for us at the airport in Warszawa (probably saying “we told you so”), Pat attempted to navigate a computer in German to send an email. During our wait at the airport we met a lovely family name Kozic, and shared our knowledge of Polish by singing “ah ah ah kotki dwa” with their children. Who told us not to talk to strangers??

What a joyous feeling to see Bryan and Emily waiting for us at Chopin Airport!!! Although they are so wonderful about skyping with us every week, to get real hugs and kisses and see how great they are was very emotional for me!  They took us to our beautiful Airbnb where they had stocked our kitchen and had flowers, vodka, and wine awaiting us. We spent the rest of the day exploring Old Town, shopping, and eating great Polish food at Kameralna. The special welcome they planned for us that night included hundreds of in-line skaters in a parade, the Changing of the Guard walking with us to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and a fireworks display over the city. Quite an introduction to Poland!

On Sunday we went to Mass at their church, St. Paul’s. Obviously they are well known in their Parish, where we met their very nice Pastor and they were asked to assist in the service. We followed church with being treated to a wonderful meal prepared by Emily (fabulous soup and cake) and Bryan (homemade gołąbki) at their apartment. Then it was off to the ballet!! The Tempest, a new modern ballet performed at the Opera House, was one of the highlights of my trip. The vision of dancers undulating onto the stage symbolizing waves still brings me joy! (Pat) 

The week that followed is almost a blur. Looking back, we can’t believe we packed in so many fun activities. The Adventure Warsaw Tour, with the most adorable and enthusiastic guide, gave us a complete overview of Warszawa along with interesting tidbits of history and culture. The train ride to Krakow allowed us to enjoy the beautiful countryside before we checked-in to our 6 bedroom (no kidding….full kitchen, fireplace, 3 bathrooms!) apartment on the Old Town square. Horse-drawn carriages, cathedrals, castles, hourly trumpet players, Salt Mines, flowers, cafes, delicious food, and all the beauty and culture of Krakow unfolded over 2 memorable days.

One very special memory I will always treasure. There was no one happier than I, walking, arms around each other in the pouring rain sharing one umbrella, with my daughter-in-law. Seeking out the special shops Emily had researched for our day shopping together, she used her wonderful Polish language skills to get us around Krakow. I loved our conversations, learned even more why Bryan loves her so much, and can honestly say, one of my best days ever! Certainly, best daughter-in-law ever!! (Pat)