I have so much to write about my trip here in Poland but have been so busy that I haven't had much of an opportunity to get my thoughts on paper, so to speak. What I absolutely must start with though is this Polish saying because it truly defines the over-riding feeling or theme for this trip.

"A guest in the house is God in the house."


             The view from my "home" in Lodz

No matter what else I write about or which spa experiences I share, I have to tell you that being a guest here in Poland has been an incredible experience. Although there are some language barriers to deal with for sure, the people that I have been working with and introduced to have completely embodied this saying and idea.

For example, after my two days at the conference - which I will write about later - I was invited to stay at the home of Agnieszka, the marketing director of Hotel Magellan. She and I had gotten to know each other a little bit during the lectures and at the other festivities of the conference and seemd to have quite a lot in common.

       

Agnieszka, her mother & Wictoria           Agnieszka & me at dinner in Lodz

Agnieszka, her parents, and two year old daughter, Wictoria, drove me from the hotel to Lodz (pronounced Wootch) where they live. The drive was more than an hour but still they stopped here and there along the way for me to take pictures and to show me things they thought were of particular interest including a couple of roadside shrines that are found eveywhere in the countryside. During our drive they told me about the crops growing in the fields, some of the local traditions and folklore and in general showed interest about me and my life.

When we arrived at Agnieszka's home, she showed me my room - the largest of the two rooms in the house. I felt bad for taking this from her but realized by now this is the Polish way. As she told me before, Polish people will give everything they have to a guest - even borrow if they need to - to show their deeply heartfelt hospitality. And it is true in so many ways.

 
   A statue of Pope John Paul II in Lodz                        The cathedral in Lodz

Later in the evening when we went out for dinner and ice cream, I was not permitted to pay for anything -believe me I tried! I was also scolded for trying to buy a few groceries at the market for our breakfast. So I did what I could to help at the house, be a good guest and will certainly send her a thank you gift once I return home for her incredible generosity and hospitality.

I could go on and on about the amazing Polish hospitality I have recevied here - and probably will in future writings. But for now let me just say that it is hard to miss being at home when everyone here has been so incredibly helpful, hospitable and just plain amazing. 

                                                          
   Wictoria...who now calls me Ciocia (aunt)                                         

I leave Poland on Monday and hope to write more about the spas and such before then. But if not, I am sure it will be because I am having too much of a good time to stop and work on the computer.

Do widzenia!