Farewell Krakow

This past month has certainly been eventful. A bit hectic and intense at times, but a good experience overall. I really enjoyed spending an extended time in Poland - especially not knowing when I will have the opportunity to return as the real world is quickly approaching. I found that this time around I felt much more connected to the country than I have any other time I have visited Poland. Perhaps it had to do with the fact that I was with foreigners (except for Agnieszka) who were unfamiliar with the country and the language - this contrast between them and myself made me feel more connected as a result. Or perhaps simply spending a month so fully emerged in the culture causes one to connect deeper on some level. Regardless of the cause, I felt more Polish and more proud to be half-Polish than I think I have ever felt before. Growing up, I was often reluctant to go back and visit the country with my mom. I felt bored and different while we were there - before the fall of the wall one could easily spot us to be expatriates just by looking at the clothing we wore. Then there was the obvious poverty that I never faced growing up in Scandinavia. I suppose that as a kid it was hard to really understand why this country, only a few hundred kilometres from the shores of Sweden, was so different in every way. Now that I more fully understand these differences, it is also easier to appreciate those and recognize the bright spots that did exist even during the gloomiest periods of Polish history; people's kindness (except for certain state employees of course) and curiosity, appreciation of history, optimism in the future, and aspiration to make their country a better place to live in. Although I know I will be back, I leave with a bit of sadness knowing that it may be a while before I return. I will certainly miss this place more than before.