Happy Halloween!

Halloween is not a traditional Polish tradition, but due to the presence of people like me, more and more Polish children are learning about costumes and Trick Or Treating. My wonderful co-worker Sylwia really got into the Halloween spirit and carved at least 7 jack-o-lanterns in less than one week for classroom decorations.

3 out of 5 dressed up!

Yes, lot's of boys and only one girl. Poor dear!

We made our own Haunted Houses!

Mind your V's and W's

You must be wondering if I have been able to learn any Polish during my first month here. The answer is 'not really,' and I will tell you why. First, Polish is just about as hard for me to learn as Korean was. Polish is a Slavic language, with just as many unpronounceable sounds as Korean has, along with a different subject/verb/object order. Second, I don't have a brain that is conducive to speaking multiple languages. I just don't soak it up like other people seem to do.

So I am here today to tell you practically the only thing I understand about the Polish language: The W's are pronounced like V's.

Sylwia = Sylvia

Weronika = Veronica

Wiktoria = Victoria

Oliwia = Olivia

Wisa = Visa

Warsaw = Vorshava

Krakow = Krakov

In addition, J's are pronounced like Y's.

Maja = Maya

Julia = Yulia

Anastazja = Anastasia

I know I have a dizzying intellect, but there you have it, the extent of my knowledge of the Polish language. I also know how to say 'hello' and 'thank you' but lately I have been interchanging the two phrases which makes for an awkward hello and many strange looks in my direction, so I have cut back on using them for fear of saying the wrong one.

Happy Name Day!

Here in Poland, and in most predominantly Catholic European countries, people celebrate their Name Day in addition to or in lieu of their birthday. This celebration stems from way back in the day when people were named after a particular saint and would celebrate that saint's Feast Day. Of course now the list has grown to accept a wide variety names in addition to saint's names. But imagine my shock and awe to learn that I had my own Name Day, given that the name 'Amanda' is neither European nor Catholic in any way.

Well folks, I am proud to announce that in addition to celebrating my birthday (which is August 30th in case I happened to allow you to forget), I will now be celebrating my Name Day on October 26. Celebrations include giving the celebrated chocolate and flowers and possibly eating cake.

On my first Name Day ever, I was the lucky recipient of this rose and I also received two boxes of chocolate. Not too shabby for only telling a few people.


I also figured I would use this forum to make a list of things I have observed so far about Poland and it's culture:

1. Everyone wears their wedding ring on their right hand. For a few days I didn't think anyone was married...
2. People drive on the right side of the road, right as in direction not correctness.
3. Most of the country is Catholic, which means lots of cathedrals.
4. Children don't start school or learn to write until they are 7 years old because "their little bodies can't handle the cold temperatures of the winter."
5. Teens can drive and drink, not simulataneously, at age 18.
6. Polish teens are much cooler and more respectful than Korean ones, not to mention much taller.
7. There is a noticeably large disparity between the attractiveness of Polish men and Polish women, and in no way does it work in my favor.
8. Most families have 1 to 3 children.
9. The Poles are eerily good at making pizza.
10. Polish children know and love 'Gangnam Style.'

I Left My Heart in Krakow

I was THIS close to passing up on the opportunity for a weekend trip to Krakow, but luckily after someone mentioned the word castle, I was easily persuaded to change my mind. After a brutal first week of teaching, it was nice to leave behind the chaos of the classroom for a romantic weekend get away...with my 4 female co-workers. Little did I know what Krakow (pronounced Krakov) had in store for me: a 3 story bunk bed, a castle, a gorgeous main square, a traditional Polish dinner of pierogi, and a gorgeous Saturday filled with sun and shopping, followed by a rainy Sunday complete with a 3 hour walking tour and no umbrella, rain boots, or raincoat. Imagining Amanda as a cranky, drowned rat does not do it justice. In spite of the weather, I had an amazing time and cannot wait to return.

The Hostel

I slept on the top...which was only scary on my way down...and felt a lot higher than it looks.

Wawel Castle

 

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