Day 1 -
Approximately 21 hours after we headed for the airport we arrived at our hotel in Plock (pronounced Pwutsk). Since it was Natalie's 9th birthday we got checked into our hotel and headed down stairs to the restaurant for some dinner. The girls quickly learned we weren't in America any more as there we no hamburgers, Mac N' Cheese, or chicken fingers on the menu. They managed the get some food in there bellies but were so tired we decided to get them upstairs to shower. Gabe ran across the street to the local market to get a candy bar (the closest to a birthday cake we could find). We sang Happy Birthday and of to bed!
Day 2-
The kids were up at 3 am not able to sleep. So some games and snacks for about and hour and half and back to bed. They slept until about 7 am and we packed back up to head off to the northern part of Poland. Unfortunately, the GPS that we got from the rental company was broken which left us with a huge problem. We don't speak Polish so asking for directions was out. We were thankfully given a bunch of maps by Gabe's grandfather before we left. Once we figured out where we were, off we went (praying the whole way!) So it was needless to say a tense ride not knowing how to drive in Poland, not knowing the way, and not speaking the language if we got lost! We are glad God was with us guiding the whole way! The trip was supposed to be 4 hours, but 7 hours later we got into the Hel Peninsula. We were relieved that we were now with our relatives and someone who spoke English. We got settled in to the little cottage type of place and had dinner with them. The girls were relieved to see that they had pizza on the menu (although their cheese pizza has banana peppers on it). We put the kids to bed after a bit and spent some time chatting with the relatives.
The kids were up at 3 am not able to sleep. So some games and snacks for about and hour and half and back to bed. They slept until about 7 am and we packed back up to head off to the northern part of Poland. Unfortunately, the GPS that we got from the rental company was broken which left us with a huge problem. We don't speak Polish so asking for directions was out. We were thankfully given a bunch of maps by Gabe's grandfather before we left. Once we figured out where we were, off we went (praying the whole way!) So it was needless to say a tense ride not knowing how to drive in Poland, not knowing the way, and not speaking the language if we got lost! We are glad God was with us guiding the whole way! The trip was supposed to be 4 hours, but 7 hours later we got into the Hel Peninsula. We were relieved that we were now with our relatives and someone who spoke English. We got settled in to the little cottage type of place and had dinner with them. The girls were relieved to see that they had pizza on the menu (although their cheese pizza has banana peppers on it). We put the kids to bed after a bit and spent some time chatting with the relatives.
Day 3-
Today we went into the actual town of Hel. The girls can't wait to title there school papers "I went to Hel this summer"! It was a quaint little town with a lot of little kiosks on the sidewalks and restaurants to visit. We went to the harbor and took a boat ride on the Baltic Sea. After returning from the ride went enjoyed lunch and took a tour of a museum. We headed back to house and took the kids out on the beach for a little bit. We wrapped up the evening with dinner and some chit chat.
Day 4-
We spent today on the beach. The weather was beautiful (high of 65) but a bit chilly for sunbathing and swimming. The water was obviously cold! We quickly learned that you can't say no easily. Waldek was very insistent that we all (including the kids try to windsurf). Gabe was first. He picked it up with a little practice. The girls decided to just try to balance on the board. They did well! I was able to get out of diving in to the cold water due to the bending over to get the sail constantly would not be good for my back. It was a great day! We finished of the day with some fish from a local restaurant.
Day 5-
Today we were on our own. Waldek and Ewa needed to get there placed cleaned up before leaving the next day. They suggested we go into Gdansk, Gydnia, and Sopot. We were a little nervous leaving our relatives side but ventured out. It was about a 2 hour drive (adding the amount of time that we got lost). We arrive in the Stare Miasto (old town) of Gdansk. After trying to figure out where to park we were in awe of the beauty! It reminded me much of Belgium (when we were stranded on our way to Africa). Beautiful cobblestone streets. Old majestic buildings and churches. The girls quickly started buying souvenirs for there teachers and friends! We spent most of the afternoon just walking around enjoying the weather and sites. We had lunch and headed to Sopot. The girls were already getting tired so we spent a little time walking around the old city there and going to the pier. The girls decided they were too tired to go to Gdynia so we grabbed some Mc Donalds (yes Mc Donalds) and headed home.
Day 6-
We headed back to Warsaw today. On the way we stopped by an incredible mid-evil castle called Malbork. It was the most awesome looking castle. It was just huge! We took a quick tour and back on the road. After we stopped for a late lunch and lots of traffic we arrived in Warsaw at about 7:30 pm. We got the kids unpacked and since it was late and we had access to few places quickly we ended up with another Mc Donalds meal for dinner. Off to bed again.
Day 7 -
Today we were on our own. Gabe went down to the local market and got a polish tradition for breakfast, Meat and cheese and rolls. He also found fresh raspberries, and strawberries being sold on the side of the road. We decided to go into the Stare Miasto (old city) via the tram (like our light rail - just not as nice). The girls loved the city. It was more cobblestone streets, beautiful churches and building. They also loved the Polish tradition of ice cream everyday! There favorite was Swiderky. A really tall soft serve swirl ice cream in a cone. We went back after a full day and had some much needed down time. The girls I could tell were getting a bit burnt out on Polish food and the rigorous schedule as well and the lack of being able to communicate with others. In the evening a down pour of rain came and nearly flooded the streets. This also hampered the effort of drying the clothes I had to hand wash due to the washing machine that was provided not working (or us not working it right since we couldn't read the instructions). We found a TGI Friday's and were excited to get a little taste of home! It was a well received meal!
Day 8-
Another day on our own! We are now getting the hang if the maps and figuring out Warsaw a bit easier! We have and appointment with the American School of Warsaw and plan to head to a palace nearby. We left for the school 45 minute early and after 2 hours of looking for it gave up. We were so frustrated and disappointed. This was such an important part of this trip. It was really going to make it easier for the girls transition. We attempted to call the school several times to no avail. Disappointed, we stumbled on a mall and decided to head in for a bit. We walked around and had some lunch. We were also able to find a grocery store to get some needed items. We decided to head for the palace in Wilanow. It is the big yellow castle you see on our paper newsletters. We went inside and the girls were able to see a lot of famous art pieces and some bedrooms of real kings, queens, and duchess'. It was a great day despite the set backs.
Another day on our own! We are now getting the hang if the maps and figuring out Warsaw a bit easier! We have and appointment with the American School of Warsaw and plan to head to a palace nearby. We left for the school 45 minute early and after 2 hours of looking for it gave up. We were so frustrated and disappointed. This was such an important part of this trip. It was really going to make it easier for the girls transition. We attempted to call the school several times to no avail. Disappointed, we stumbled on a mall and decided to head in for a bit. We walked around and had some lunch. We were also able to find a grocery store to get some needed items. We decided to head for the palace in Wilanow. It is the big yellow castle you see on our paper newsletters. We went inside and the girls were able to see a lot of famous art pieces and some bedrooms of real kings, queens, and duchess'. It was a great day despite the set backs.
Day 9 -
We head to Krakow today with Waldek and Ewa. We first drove to Auschwitz. They dropped us off and did some of there own site seeing since they had been there many times. The girls got an amazing history lesson and seemed to really get the enormity of the devastation to all of the affected people groups - especially the jewish community. They were able to see the actual cells of the prisoners, the wall and gallows used to execute prisoners, the crematory where they would destroy the remains. It was a great opportunity to talk with them and educated them. The hardest question to answer was from Alexxis. "Why would God let all of those children die like that when they didn't do anything wrong?" God's ways are not ours and we can never understand someone so much more powerful than we are. We just have to trust Him that He knew what was best and what will ultimately work out to His glory.
We head to Krakow today with Waldek and Ewa. We first drove to Auschwitz. They dropped us off and did some of there own site seeing since they had been there many times. The girls got an amazing history lesson and seemed to really get the enormity of the devastation to all of the affected people groups - especially the jewish community. They were able to see the actual cells of the prisoners, the wall and gallows used to execute prisoners, the crematory where they would destroy the remains. It was a great opportunity to talk with them and educated them. The hardest question to answer was from Alexxis. "Why would God let all of those children die like that when they didn't do anything wrong?" God's ways are not ours and we can never understand someone so much more powerful than we are. We just have to trust Him that He knew what was best and what will ultimately work out to His glory.
After the afternoon in Auschwitz we met back up in Krakow (2 hours away) at the hotel. We explored the most beautiful city yet. We had dinner in the square amidst flame throwers, dancers, and horse drawn carriages. This was a very special way to spend our 15th wedding anniversary. It was just an amazing place. We went back to the room and enjoyed some rest.
Day 10-
We woke up this morning and had breakfast and walked to WaWel castle. It was again a beautiful masterpiece. We toured the Cathedral. the girls loved going up the the bell tours and seeing the huge iron bells. We unfortunately ran out of town to tour the castle, so it gives us an excuse to visit again sometime! We all piled in the car again. It was the most beautiful scenic drive of rolling green hills and trees and flowers. We stopped off at Waldek's parents house in Radom and had juice, fruit and home made cakes. After 2 hours of visiting we went to Waldek and Ewa's Forest house in Wilga. It was a cute little cottage. We had a light dinner and dessert with Ewa's parents. We then travelled the rest of the way back to Warsaw. It was a long day but fun for sure. The traveling was definitely getting tough on the kids (especially Preston).
Day 11-
It was Friday and we were bound and determined to find the school. After talking with the relatives and getting on the Internet we managed to find some better directions. Our mission was to find the school and pray that we would be allowed a tour even though we missed our previous appointment. We found it and after speaking with the security guard we were cleared for a tour!!!! Yippee! The girls were ecstatic! The school was amazing. The classes include a lot of things like, art, rock band, choir, traditional band, swim tennis and volleyball teams, language classes, and drama for every age. The most appealing to the girls was that they got a locker and a laptop to use for the year to be as paper less as possible. I was so glad to see them be so excited, what a blessing. We went back to the apartment and packed for the Mazurian Lakes. This is on the northeast side of Poland. It was another long day of driving. About 4 hours of driving. We arrived to our rental in the late afternoon. We had a beautiful view of the lake and many sail boats. The weather was beautiful and much cooler than Warsaw. We got unpacked and sat down to a nice dinner by the lake.
Day 12-
Today Waldek had a special treat planned for us. He chartered a sail boat for us. We were able to take a trip across the lake to a animal reserve. We took a hike and watched snails, swans, frogs, and mosquito's (not my favorite one). We enjoyed lunch and jumped back on the boat. The girls enjoyed sitting on the front of the boat and even got a chance to try there hand at steering the boat. We went home and cleaned up for dinner. Unfortunately not feeling well we crashed early.
Day 13-
Last long drive of the trip! We drove back to Warsaw today. We got in early evening and started the preparation of our bags to return home. We did find time to sneak back to TGI Fridays!
Day 14-
Our last full day in Warsaw. We finished up our souvenir shopping at the Stare Miasto in the morning. We then make a trek to a neighboring city to get a Harley Davidson shirt for a neighbor. Back to the Stare Miasto for dinner and one last look at the city.
Day 15-
Our trip I can say a was a complete success. God showed Himself in so many ways though out the trip. I know His hand is in our calling, in our getting there, in the guidance around the country, in getting our children excited about the move, and just the little things. I am so grateful and so in love with my God! Thank you for everyone who prayed for us. It was a trip with obstacles but nothing is too big for our God! I can honestly say the kids are excited about the move and all fears have been removed.
Our trip I can say a was a complete success. God showed Himself in so many ways though out the trip. I know His hand is in our calling, in our getting there, in the guidance around the country, in getting our children excited about the move, and just the little things. I am so grateful and so in love with my God! Thank you for everyone who prayed for us. It was a trip with obstacles but nothing is too big for our God! I can honestly say the kids are excited about the move and all fears have been removed.