My husband and I lived in Warsaw from December 2001 - 2003 - I found this letter I had written to my friends and family and thought it was a good one to share.  I will continue to share things from our time in Poland.  Enjoy the post. 

We are all moved into the flat (apartment) , it is nice.  The building is brand new, so most people are still working on their flat, I believe that each are individually owned.  Almost everything in the place is brand new and in working condition.  We have had a few problems, but the landlord has been very good about getting things fixed in a timely manner.  By using pictures, I have figured out how to use the dishwasher, oven and washing machine, so far so good! So we are able to have clean clothes and eat at home!  See you don't have to know the language to live here!  Although it certainly would make things easier, oh well.

Almost everyday is a new experience, it is amazing what will trigger me to realize that we are in a foriegn country.  Okay, turning on the TV is a dead giveaway that I'm not in the states, almost everything is in Polish or German.  Somehow seeing shows such as Little House on the Praire, Friends, The Wonder years etc in Polish or German just doesn't seem right! 

I have to tell you all about my past experience at the grocery store.  There is a nice size market just a couple of blocks away, so I was checking everything out a couple of weeks ago and to my surprise in the freezer section were pheasants.  Now, I know your thinking, that's not really so strange, but they were still in tact!  I mean all the Feathers, head, feet, everything!  It made me giggle and say under my breath.......you wouldn't find this at Safeway or Rainbow foods!  Apparently they are a hot item, because as of last friday only 1 remained, and of course it is now surrounded by the ice cream! 

Just  beyond the grocery store is an open market, similar to a farmer's market.  But, you can buy EVERYTHING here, not just your basic fruits, vegetables, bread, slabs of meat, fish, purses, nightgowns, BRA's ( don't think I will be buying one at the market), baby strollers, barrels of pickles, cabbage etc.  Actually this is a great place and I bought some vegetables last week.  Lucky for me the people are very patient with me and our language barriers.  It is just your normal everday, one stop shop!  Just let me say, that there are also very large nice grocery stores here, but once in a while it is fun to experience the real Warsaw.

We have gone on a couple of trips since our arrival. We had a business trip to Budapest a couple of weeks ago.  It is a wonderful city and I suggest that you check it out.  Apparently during WWII, the Hungarians didn't fight against the Nazi's, so their city was saved from any bombing.  Which is great because they have some of the most beautiful architechture I've ever seen.  The only bad part is the modern day grafitti, but that goes on everywhere I guess.  I toured on my own one day and then the next day, I took a city tour which was very helpful, even though I had seen the same attractions, it means so much more to hear the history.  One of the churches was built in the 1300's, quite amazing isn't it?  The USA is so young!  Also, the food is fantastic, just no lo-cal stuff.  But at the same time, you do so much walking, it is probably okay.

Last weekend, we took a drive to Kazimierz Dolny, Poland.  It is about 90 minutes away from Warsaw.  This is a small town, with the Vistula River running through it.  We ate lunch at a nice restaurant, checked out a couple of churches, hung out in the town square.  Then we hiked to the Kazimierz Dolny Castle ruins, which was built in the 1300's, I believe then the Swedes destroyed it.  It was a nice day and I am looking forward to many more road trips in the spring.

I am starting to get involved with the International Women's Group and our Church.  The women's group does social activities etc each month.  This month, I am planning a trip to a local museum, castle and coffee at the Swiss Embassy, so should be fun.  Also, our church works with some local orphanages and I am planning on getting involved with that. 

Will write again - Leah