All Saint's Day in Poland

Halloween was a bit of a bust for me this year. A colleague had a great party at his house, which was nice, and I dressed up as a sweaty jogger (baby oil for sweat, worked perfectly!). My social awkwardness was present, but abated towards the end. Then there was a Halloween party at work, for teachers and students. As I've only worked here for 2 weeks, I had no idea who most of the people were and you can bet my social awkwardness was amped to the max. Plus, people are dressed in weird costumes (the recognition factor goes down even further), I'm dressed as a sweating jogger (who's to say I'm not just a gross, sweaty person in general if you haven't met me before-embarrassing first impression) and the party is in a loud, smoky bar so hearing what people are saying is also more difficult. But that's ok, there is another school party next weekend, and this time it's in a disco! (please read sarcasm and fear; dancing/drinking in public with people I have to teach and be professional with the next day...yikes.)
Anyhow, November 1st, however, All Saint's Day, was really interesting. I think it's a National Holiday, so most places are closed. Poland is something like 90% Catholic, almost everyone goes to the cemetery to pay tribute to their dead. They lay flowers and light candles on the graves, so at night, it's truly a spectacular sight. Literally every grave has candles; there are also candles around central monuments and trees. The candles cast the most beautiful light on the trees...there was a glow about them...eerie and powerful, they are alive where the dead rest. It seemed the trees were guardians. I don't think cremation is allowed if you're a devout Catholic (I could be wrong-let me know) so it's double poignant as the headstones look like stone coffin lids that have just been placed over the bodies; like you could lift it up and there they'd be.
In the cold air we could see people's breath, so thick it looked like smoke in the glow, and another reminder that we were visitors. I've never seen a cemetery look so alive.

Poland: A Vegetarian's Haven?!

I've arrived! Woo hoo! I am in Rybnik, Poland, at long last, after much bureaucratic hoopla, and many hours of traveling on germ-infested airplanes/ports. I say this because I have a cold which I am trying to fight off, and thankfully seem to be managing. Knock on wood.

So, there are NO Starbucks in Poland. And, I'm not sure about the big cities, Krakow, Warsaw, etc, but the take-away coffee culture (that I am so used to) doesn't really exist in Rybnik. When I inquired, McDonalds was suggested to me, as the only take-away coffee! In a hundred years I would buy coffee at McDonalds. No, what people do is go to cafes or restaurants and get coffee in a cup, and enjoy their java there. How horrifying...yet so delightful...to savour my coffee whilst siting...sipping peacefully, in the moment...how novel.

And speaking of coffee, I had my first cup today, my first since arriving! It was SO good. It was just as I thought European coffee would taste. I don't know what that means, but...it was rich and flavourful, the roast had a slight sweetness to it, and it was the perfect temperature, with a
light brownish/tan crema covering the surface...SO good! Following my coffee, was my lunch. A coworker had told me about this vegetarian cafe just up the street from our school. I'm not sure what I ordered, but I recognized 'mozzarella' and I like most vegetables, so I was certain that whatever I ordered, I would be able to eat it. Oh. My. God. It was SO good. Broccoli, yellow zucchini, eggplant, turnip, onion, and potato covered with moza cheese, and pine nuts with a slight curry undertone...delicious! Bardzo mi smakowalo! (That was delicious)


Other foods I've enjoyed since arriving: excellent pierogies at a pierogy restaurant. I think they were stuffed with wild mushroom and bacon sprinkled on top. My first night I had some kind of chicken in cream sauce with potato dumplings which was ok. I've had a lot of instant soups because A) I have a cold, and B)my kitchen situation is a little ridiculous. My favorite so far is dill pickle, which is probably no surprise to anyone who knows me.

Here's to more food adventures!

The Great Canadian Roadtrip: Kenora

So, Ontario is frackin' huge. Slash, mostly water and trees. While yesterday's drive was spectacular, and took my breath away, today the drive was...not boring, but much flatter, and not as awesome. Thunder Bay was interesting, and I hadn't planned on going through it (I was going to take dirt roads!) but the need for internet overrode my desire to rough it. And I also got a latte at Starbucks, so really, I can't complain. First Starbucks since I left Toronto!

This is my last evening in Ontario, and will be for quite a while...I don't consider Ontario my home, but I do feel some attachment to it...especially after driving across it for 5 FRACKIN' DAYS!!! But I won't be back for a while, I think, and I'll miss it, especially during the fall.

Cups of coffee (so far): 12
Song of the day: The Fever by ...?

The Great Canadian Roadtrip: Nipigon

Driving from the the Sault around Lake Superior was unbelievable! By far some of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. I must admit I was one of those pokey drivers, gawking at the scenery.

Cups of coffee (so far): 9
Song of the day: Lost Highway by Tom Petty

The Great Canadian Roadtrip: Sault Ste Marie

Love the Sault. It's awesome. Great lakes and downtown walks, nice parks with little bridges...so nice.

Cups of coffee (so far): 6
Song of the day: 'Cozy in the Rocket'

The Great Canadian Roadtrip: Manitoulin Island

So, Day 2, I drove out of T.O. and up the Bruce Peninsula. Gorgeous drive, passed through some cute, quaint small towns, just lovely. Aside from a car almost hitting me, the traffic and road conditions were also great. I got on the Chi'Cheemain Ferry at 8pm, so didn't see much of the crossing. I would have gone out on the deck but it was FREEZING! Anyhow, arrived at South Baymouth around 10pm, and hopefully I can post a video to tell you what happened next...

Cups of coffee (so far): 4
Song of the Day: Sloan, the entire album

The Great Canadian Roadtrip: Toronto

First, let me say that Cruise Control is bizarre and I don't like it. Sure, you flex our knee, but what is in control of the car? It's too 'Christine' for me.
Anyhow, nothing spectacular happened on the way. I did enjoy driving into downtown which I guess is weird, cuz really, who likes the Gardiner?! But I got a thrill seeing the CN Tower, I won't lie. I suppose after living in Ottawan suburban hell for the summer is responsible for my feelings of nostalgia for big cities.

Cups of coffee: 2
Song of the day: 'Moving Out' by the Dandy Warhols