You can go home again. Early Friday morning, Carson and I stepped off the RyanAir flight from London Stansted to Krakow Poland. The early morning mist was rising of the lush green hills of Krakow, with a tinge of the upcoming crisp autumn air penetrated by the eastern European sun. Walking from the plane to the terminal, I felt this strange, yet frequent feeling I always get when I return to this beautiful country I have grown to love; I feel home.
Carson and I flew out from the Andalucian town of Jerez late Thursday evening. The town, which was nothing special, is famous for its sherry, as well as shiraz, the Arabacized name for "Jerez", now labeling the type of red wine. We arrived at London Stansted airport at 11 pm, grabbed our bags, and went straight for the nearest corner to bunk up for the night. We found a relatively quiet spot behind a pillar in between the men's bathroom and a coffee shop which gave us ample room to stretch out on the airport floor for the four hours of sleep before our early morning flight.
Poorly rested, we caught a bus into central Krakow, where we found a nice hostel called Ars Hostel. It sounds great unless you pronounce it with an English accent. Carson and I spent the day touring around the city I've grown so familiar with; the Old Town, Wawel Castle, the Sukkienice, and some other sites.
While sitting at a beer garden in the main square, drinking one of my favorite Polish beers, I overheard the din of a English tourist group a few tables over from us. In all fairness to Americans, I concluded that the Brits may even be more loud and culturally insensitive than tourists from the USA. In this competition, I'm proud to not be number one!
It is truly strange being in this country, without an English camp to run, or a team to lead, or a youth group to train, as I have done so many times in the past. This is my seventh visit to this country, and I continue to love the people and the places. Visiting for the first time as a "tourist" without a different schedule and agenda is strange, almost a bit boring. I look forward to seeing what my time here will bring. The air must be sweeter here.
*On a blog note, the photo link to the right should be working again, and I'm trying to fix the banner at the top*
3 comments:
Hello, Andrew and Company! We loved your pictures of Barcelona (you captured Gaudi beautifully) and the marvelous shot of Krakaw. It sounds magical. Particularly after Juarez (we agree with your assessment--intereting because of sherry bodegas, not lovely to look at). Relish Poland. It must be a treat to share your favorite places with the guys. When will you meet up with your brother. We think of you often and pray Godspeed for you. Thanks for taking the time to reflect and share your lovely photos. You make it live for us! Blessings, Judy and Stan
Andrew...I'm living vicariously through you. It sounds like you're having a remarkable time. Miss you here in the SB...
Yo! I've heard only the best and brightest of twins are able to be in Eastern Europe at the same time... looks like we made it! How's the trip man? Although its a while away, I'm stoked for you to come out here in February! Love ya bro
Post a Comment