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.
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
ReplyDeleteI have been able to experience so many different things! It's been incredible :) I miss you lots!! xoxo
DeleteAs 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
ReplyDeleteNo 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
DeleteHannah! 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
ReplyDeleteI'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!!
DeleteIt'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.
ReplyDeleteHere'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
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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