How fast you can get better when you have a friend...

Saturday. But it is not just another day, today there is going to happen something special. Miia, my ex-tutor and friend from Finland is coming! Lodz as a tourist attraction, really... And it is nice, to have another friend here, after two weeks, after illness... maybe this is a great reason to get better!! :)
So she arrived. Unfortunately I couldn't go to Warszawa to pick her up, but there are direct buses to Lodz. I was waiting in the bus station. Welcome to Lodz Miia :):):) As you said, county and city of strange colours ;)
After dinner and short nap, we decided to go out. Me - not drinking, still taking medicines, Miia - bit tired... :) But with good moods - let's see how we do it in here :) we went to Zapiecek, where I met my friend... guess what's her name... KASIA :) But this is not Kasia D. :) There are plenty of Kasias here, and with many of my friends I am sharing the same name... Just another thing to share, real friendship :) do you believe people with the same name have something in common? And what about people born in the same day? :)
In Zapiecek, there was a concert of Balkan music. Very energetic music, very nice people, dances on the tables :) I hope Miia liked it, because me - a lot :) And my tiredness disappeard :) Agata and Kuba took us home, and... the end of Saturday's night fever :)
Sunday, lazy Sunday. Election day!!! I think my guests are always participating in the election here in Poland :) EU observers??? :)
The a walk in Ksiezy Mlyn. Kasia D is still ill, sio I will be the guide. I think I should finally read some historical books ;)
In the evening, anniversary of my parents, celebrated with their friends. 25 years together. For me, unbelievable, and in the same time giving chance and strenght to believe, that it can happen...

About one little, really ill girl

Yes, so here I am. In bed. Grounded. Ill. Can somebody just shoot me? After two days I already almost freaked out, but after a week and a half? ok, I do sleep much, I do read, I do chat, and I am going CRAZY. I need some activity!!!!
Staying in bed makes me think definitely too much :) It is not healthy :) Some strange thoughts are coming to your head when there is nothing else to do. Imagination works :) And mine is working really well, and ... really ... hmmm... how to explain it... no, I am not going to comment this :)
Having my ups and downs, sleepless nights and sleepy days, with fabulous neighbours, that decided to redecorate EVERY room in their house with techno music in the background, I have to get better soon and do something :) Otherwise you can pay me a visit in the hospital :) But not that I am going to work there :)
I can see some positives of that situation. Can rest a bit. But resting too much makes you tired :) I feel I am becoming Sleeping Beauty :):):) Well, at least Sleeping :)
The worst thing is that Kasia is also ill, so Miia will have to come to Lodz alone. I am starting to pray ;) I believe in her, but the rest... GOOD LUCK!!! :)

Lodz as a tourist attraction(?) And then...

So the wedding is over. Do you want to see how we looked like? Here you are :)
So next day we were sleeping long, having breakfast and .. going to vote. This is the election day in Poland. We are going to choose our president, but I am sure there is going to be the second round. Politics. I am not so much into, but if you do not choose, if you don't do anything, then you have no right to complain... And I want to have that right ;)
And after dinner with my guest we went to do small sightseeing. Ksiezy Mlyn was a workers' colony inside the city. There are sill the buildings, houses, school, factory, palace, that were there long long time ago. Still with the same atmosphere. I like that place, and the park there. It is nice to have the autumn walk in there.
What else we saw in Lodz? Radogoszcz - small concentration camp, old church, Technical University, Cathedral and White Factory (last three without me, but with my brother), and then my guest alone - Poznanski's Palace, Ogrodowa Cementary and plenty of villas in the city centre.
And how could I forget about out pride - Piotrkowska Street. With its hundreds of pubs and cafes, restaurants and shops :) With Hector we checked some of them,it was great "refreshing memory" for me ;)
Andthen? Then Warsaw... Unfortunately for me with fever, and illness that already started, but still nice time there with Iza. Of course we had to fight a bit, I am from Lodz, she lives in Warsaw, but I appreciate every minute I spent there :)
And time to say "goodbye". Hope with good memories from Poland, wish you really wonderful trip, one of the trips of your life. Trip to South America :) Make your dreams come true Hector :)

WEDDING!!!!!!

I put my dress on, I took my camera, went downstairs to meet my family and Hector, with Ania and Michal and their family we had a small drink and we went to the church.
Today they are going to become wife and husband. Voices full of emotions, soft light, sunflowers, and all that special atmosphere... Tears in some persons eyes... It is amazing to see how people that are your good friends are getting married, how they are joining their lives together, for good and bad times, in sickness and health... I could see the smile in their eyes today. And this made me feel this warmth inside my heart. I wish them so much love in their life, and happiness. Love that can heal the problems and sorrows, that can turn tears into drops of ocean. I wish them Love that will be stronger that the world around.
Ania is one of my best friends. I know her since I ... was 2. 2 months. Because she was born almost two months after me. So 24 years of our lives. Pretty long time... Good luck Aniu. Good luck to both of you!!!
But, I was supposed to write about the wedding as well. So after the ceremony in the church we went to the restaurant where the reception was held. Of course traditional elements were present - carrying bride through the doors, greeting with salt and bread, and breaking glass for good luck. The first dance that was like created for them, and then... let's have a party!! :) Food, drinks, dancing. :) Everything mixed and there was no excuse not to eat, drink or dance. And for Ania and Michal, not to kiss. Well, if the wodka is bitter, newly weds have to make it sweeter, right? ;)
The whole night was real fun :) I was dancing, taking pictures, eating and drinking a bit. And explaining from time to time to Hector what was it all about. He made friends suprisingly fast, so I was not the only one to tell about the small details of with Polish culture :)
At 6 o'clock in the morning, tired, me without my highheeled shoes, but really happy, we came back home. I enjoyed it a lot, and hope others, especially my guest, felt the same way :)
Ania, Michal, it was your night. Both young, both beautiful, both in love and both happy, you made me smile when I looked at you. And both dancing that night so much ;) You see, Michal :) It was just fine :)
Once again let me tell you "Wszystkiego najlepszego, Kochani, duzo duzo milosci i takiego szczescia, co pomaga dotknac nieba czasami" :)

The day of wedding....

Today is a big day. Ania and Michal are getting married... I am so unbelievably happy.
I woke up early to go to Ania's place. Had a bit bad conscious about leaving Hector alone, but I was sure my brother would take a good care of him. With Kuba we went to Dobron, where Ania lives, and ... the preparation started. With small crisis at the beginning about the colour of the flowers, all the rest was just fine.Hairdresser created beautiful art with Ania's hair, then make-up, were delicate, and then dress... I was still in my casual clothes, with big smily tie, when Michal arrived. This is the tradition in Poland, that groom is taking bride from her family home to the church. However, this time we decided to make it a bit different; Ania and Michal didn't go to the church directly, but ... the weather was so great, that it would be a crime not to take few pictures!! I did not change clothes since I was the photographer, and we went to take some photos in the nature. The Couple, witnesses, me and Kuba, the driver. We found some nice places and took few nice pictures. Not all of them were fine, but there were some that I was proud of. I am not proffesional, so I have to admit I was scared about the responsibility I took on me. But I think it was fine after all, and this nature around us, was so relaxing in this a bit tense atmosphere of "getting married"...
After the "photo sesion" with my beloved models, time to go home, download the pics and get dressed! No!!!! My family arrived definitely too early!! I was not ready yet... They had to wait. So in a hurry, between computer, camera and my dress, I got ready to participate in this important event...

Welcome to Poland!

Today my guest is arriving. First international guest. I am sure it is a great experience for me, hope that for Hector and for sure for my parents' since they don't speak English and in the same time I am sure they would like to make my friend feel like at home. It might be difficult for them, because they lack the possibility to talk, but me and my brother, we will try to be good translators :)
With my father we picked Hector up in the airport in Katowice - Pyrzowice, and took him to Czestochowa and to the castle in Olsztyn. After sightseeing - home and some traditional Polish food. But of course this is not the end. You cannot stay the first night in Poland at home! So we went out,trying so see some of the countless number of pubs in Lodz :)And we found that some of my friends speak not only English, but Spanish as well :) It was really nice, although just before the wedding... a bit tiring. But of course, my brother and Hector can sleep long - I have to wake up early!!! Why always me...

Hens' Party,which means the last free evening for a girl when she is still single :)

Yes. My best friend's getting married next week. Time to celebrate it only among girls!!!
With Ania's sister, Agata, we started to prepare everything few days before. Shoppings, decorations, suprises... It was lots of fun. And then... the day came...
Saturday, 7 p.m. Doorbell. With Agata we are waiting inside. We are going to have a small party, only four of us. Ania arrived. In the corridor we are breaking plates, for all the "arguments-to-be" :) I hope my neighbours are not going to call the police! ;)
Then traditional Polish way of greeting - with bread and salt and vodka, then - the dinner is ready! :) Wine... candles... dinner... Isn't it nice beginning? Talking, eating, drinking. And then we started. Some tests for a good wife, we tried to encourage her to get married, discourage her to get married!, have fun. Can't describe here all the details since it is the secret of that evening. We had Mr. Perfect, who turned out to be really perfect, and I saw the look in Ania's eyes... maybe few more dances and she would not get married ;) We were dancing, talking and laughing a lot. A lot. Giving Ania last advice and presents. Practical and theoretical ;) This was time of fun, great time, few reflections, sentiments, and lots of "girl's talks". Just our night.
I want to write here something that was in one of the letters addressed to Ania, from guys from all over the world. It was written there "this might be the biggest mistake of your life. But if you are sure, it means that you are the happiest person in the world. Good luck". I can see that you are sure, Aniu. So I can just wish you good luck from the bottom of my heart.

About the trip again :)

Since I am home now, I have a bit more time to write about my reflections about the trip we had with Jaanika.
It was amazing. I've never thought I would do something like that. I know that we made few mistakes, first of all in planning the trip. Too many big and interesting cities at the very begginnig, without time to do absolutely nothing, without place where you can waste your time and don't feel guilty about it. As it was a bit tiring and didn't create the best atmosphere from time to time, when there were small obstacles to get over. It made us lose the good sense of humour when it was needed the most desparately. But we managed with those situations pretty well I think, no broken plates, no hospital. Just talks and talks.
What is more, I learned that it was not only our trip, it was the trip of so many people who took us and gave us a place to stay. For us maybe another stop, for them something they were waiting for. I have to say the biggest thank you to all of you! Without you, this trip would not take place, and for sure would not be the same. I am happy I saw you again or met you, it was precious time I had in your places, getting to know the reality of your lives. Once again, I am not sure if I can express my gratitude. My home is always opened for you. Always.
And my biggest THANK YOU I have to give to my official GIRLFRIEND :) Jaanika, this trip was so special because of you taking part in it. It was experience we shared together and noone is going to take it away from us. Moments good and bad, with the majority of the beautiful ones. And I am sure we are able to laugh at the sad ones, as we already did. There are still things we are suppose to do, some plans, but the European trip is officially ended. Except the beach and wine, but I think we have to wait for the summer with that...
There are going to be new trips, new adventures, new plans, new places to discover. Hopefully together, but destiny is sometimes unpredictable. I am happy that this one was with you. Thank you. Hope you will always live your dreams. And sunflowers will be all over you :)

Back home :)

Well, this is it. I am here. Back to Poland, back to Lodz. I left Tampere, that was my home for more then a year and 7 months... Back to parents' place, sharing room with my brother... will I survive that? Of course I will!!! :)
When you ask me how it feels to be back I have to say "OK". Because it is ok, it is ok this time... It was so horrible in July, but now I feel great. Maybe because I have many things to do, I have something to do with myself. I keep myself busy, and although I miss Finland, and my friends there, I feel ok to be here.
Have to admit I never thought I would say that... But I am. I know that everything in the world has its time, and this was mine. My time to leave Finland, my time to go back to studies. Who knows if I had enough strenght to do it later... Who knows. I am sure there are going to be days that I wish I could be back to Lapinkaari, to my life there. For now, I am finding positives of the situation in here. I have time with my friends I left for more then one year, I will see how my best friend is getting married... Those are precious moments.
One thing is for sure. I miss you all there. And I am grateful I had a chance in my life to meet all of you. It was a great lesson. It was someting that made a mark in my heart, mark that cannot be removed or forgotten. Never. Never.
Forever yours...