I changed host families almost one month ago, and with this change gained three sisters: Kasia(20), Magda(18), and Daga(15). The entire family is extremely welcoming, and I can't help but feel at home and comfortable in my own skin with them. Kasia and Magda were both on exchange last year, and I am the 5th exchange student to call their home my own, so they have a deep understanding of the exchange process. The transition from one families routine to another was slightly challenging, but I have already gained so much from these small changes. Seeing different practices of polish culture, has allowed me to grasp a better understanding of polish culture as a whole. With this change, new doors of possibility have been opened. All three of my host sisters are members of the Krakow rowing team, and now I am as well. I usually practice 3-4 times a week with Daga. We have the same sense of humor, which makes everything from practice to the bus ride home to family dinners beyond entertaining. |
The Easter holiday is now coming to an end. We had almost one week off from school. My host family and I spent the Friday before Easter in the kitchen preparing a sickening amount of cakes, breads, cookies, stews, eggs and meats. Saturday morning, Magda, Daga, Bartek(our cousin), and I (Kasia is in the US for a college visit) walked to the nearby primary school with our baskets full of eggs, meat, and lots of sweets. There we met a priest, who blessed our baskets and many others with holy water. We returned home and ate a feast. Because my host families held Easter breakfast on different mornings, I was able to be a part of both celebrations. I know that the support system I have within Poland is forever. The rest of the holiday was spent with visits to nearby family members, and lots and lots of eating. Not a moment went by over the weekend that I didn't feel stuffed. The Monday following Easter Sunday is better known as Śmigus Dyngus Day in Poland. It is traditionally a day devoted to boys soaking girls with pails of water. Ours was celebrated with a trip to the nearby festival, and an afternoon lying in the sun by the river. The weather has become quite consistently warm! |
Even though I have been here for almost eight months, I still enjoy finding and seeing new places in Krakow. Because my school schedule isn't extremely demanding or enforced I am able to spend a lot of time doing this. The independence I have been given and gained has allowed me to explore new passions and interests. These afternoon adventures have led to many many wonderful discoveries from a baked potato restaurant to a candle shop to a favorite park bench and street art. This time is very rewarding and these are the places I enjoy sharing with others when they come to visit. |