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Party In Poland! And more!

Friday night I went to my first polish party! Jan brought Olivia and I to his friends 18th birthday. I was a little nervous at first. I didn't know anyone at the party and I wasn't sure what it would be like but people were very friendly! People seemed more interested than they normally are at school, it was refreshing to meet so many new people. The beginning of the night was a little awkward but then more people came and we started dancing! It was so hear some new polish music (!!) and see everyones dance moves. I think people are a lot less shy about dancing here. In the states kinds just kind of sway awkwardly, here there is a lot more movement! 


This past weekend I was able to go with Olivia and her host parents to Lidzbark Warminski. Our first stop was the castle. If I'm being honest I wasn't as excited about seeing the castle, the castles here are very similar, and while amazing, we usually just take a tour of the main points with a guide. When we arrived I discovered that that was not the case. We got to explore most of the castle on our own, Olivia and I decided that it was a great 'playdate' :)  The icing on the cake at the castle was dress up! After we had seen all of the castle and it's history, we got to dress up and be the princesses of the castle! I think that was the best part of the day. We also got to unwind in the water before returning to Olsztyn. Of course it was an indoor pool so we didn't freeze our feet off! It was a great day and it was really nice to get to know her host family better, they were very sweet and fun to hang around with.



Last weekend we went with my host family to Gierloz, we visited one of Hitler's main headquarters during the war. It was an incredibly sobering experience. Though not too serious, we had an excellent guide who was making some jokes but also knew the history and presented it really well. It was a lot to take in, a big part of the worlds history happened there, it was very weird that all the bunkers were still there. It's hard for me to explain that feeling. I think it was very important to see that part of the worlds' history.

Comments

  1. You make the very best princess! I was so excited to read this post - the party in Poland sounds like a blast! The history you are getting to experience is incredible! Thank you for sharing pictures! I miss you! xo

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    1. I have been able to experience so many different things! It's been incredible :) I miss you lots!! xoxo

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  2. As always Hannah your pictures and prose are wonderful. I loved hearing of your "playdate" and getting to dress-up was the icing on the cake. The dance sounded like fun too. Have you learned any new moves. I'm assuming was pop music. But you are in Poland.....did you learn the polka. It is such fun to do the Polka in a big space. We sometimes would do it at school .....I think we were in the gym ....so there was LOTS of space. One felt like a whirling dervish. Auntie Tricia arrived today for a little visit. It will be nice to spend some time with her. HUGS in abundance. xoxoxoxo N & B

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    1. No polka yet! But they love to dance! I got a chance to talk with Auntie Tricia a little last weekend, it sounds like you guys had a great time! Love and hugs xoxo

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  3. Hannah! I'm catching up! You became a princess for a day in Poland! Little do they know you are our princess here ~ looks like when you come back you'll need to host a Polish Party for everyone, and the one who dances the most, can become Prince or Princess! ~ You are the first person I've known who has visited one of Hitler's headquarters. Thanks for sharing so much of what you are experiencing. It's been so busy with the trail bars this foliage season. I miss you!!!! ~ sherry

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    1. I'm so glad to hear things are busy with the trail bars! I miss helping out :) I will definitely be hosting a Polish party when I get home!!

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  4. It's great to hear that people were more approachable at the party. Hopefully that will spill over into school life too. The dancing in Poland sounds a lot like New Year's Eve in Vermont LOL.
    Here's a laugh for you. Check out, where the heck is Matt....He's a pretty good dancer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBJi0jZR7oQ
    Here is another one of my favorite dancers. Kid President....Check him out too https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-gQLqv9f4o

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    1. It has been much easier to talk to people in a more relaxed environment, it has gotten a little better at school too. The dancing has made everything so fun! It's a great way to get the party started :) I love the videos!! Kid President is my favorite!!!

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An extra post!

Saturday I spent the day with my host mom. We brought Mika (my host puppy) to the vet, went to the grocery store, and the car wash! It wasn't an overly exciting morning but it was fun. It was also a good challenge for my host mom and I, she doesn't speak much English and I don't speak much polish! When we got back from the store I made chocolate chip cookies while Jola started making Pierogis!! I was very excited to finally try them. We had both boiled and fried, some with cheese and some with fruit. The fried ones were my favorite and I liked the fruit filled ones best.  That afternoon we shuffled around some things in the garage and found a bike that (mostly) fit me. We went on a 10k bike ride! I was really wishing I had brought my phone so I could've captured it, and shared with you. It was so beautiful out, I could smell the Fall. I know that's cheesy but it's one of my favorite times of the year. The air has a different feel that I really love. Ear

Day 1

Two Mondays' ago, after double and triple checking that I had everything, I said goodbye to my sweet puppy and loaded all my bags into the car. We picked up cider doughnuts from Cold Hollow Cider Mill and drove up to Montreal. My parents took me out to Moe's and we got famous smoked meat sandwiches! I was hoping to post this in the airport but I didn't get a chance. I flew through Amsterdam airport and got to (briefly) meet one of my host brothers! Dominik flew out of Warsaw airport Tuesday morning so our flights coincidentally lined up.  I only had two hours left till I got to Warsaw. When I landed I easily found my host family, they had made a big sign with my name on it!  From Warsaw it was a three hour drive back to  BartÄ…g, I was only at my host family's house for one night. Wednesday morning I got on train for my nine day language camp. I took the train to Bydgoszcz with another exchange student  who  is staying in Olsztyn. This camp included