Are you moving back now?

I've been asked that question by a few of my friends back in the U.S. since G.W. made his final flight off into the sunset. The definitive answer for this is a resounding "NO!". I'm absolutely shocked at some of the things I've been reading about the educational funding cuts slated for 2009. This does nothing too instill confidence that there will be sweeping reforms designed to undo the damage of NCLB anytime soon.

Anyhow, how about that inauguration? Here in Warsaw, we gathered at the Hard Rock along with some U.S. Embassy folk to get our glimpse of history on the monstrous plasma screen. It really was an occasion that made me proud.

I was also happy to be sharing the moments with some friends from other countries, i.e. Australia, Ireland, Canada, Sweden, and of course Poland. This certainly made me a bit more conscious of how the rest of the world must view all the hoopla surrounding a change in leadership. Some random observations:

• Whatever happened to the separation of church and state? I am fully aware that there must be a higher power up there, over there, wherever, but isn't religion supposed to be between myself and God? Government shouldn't be telling me when to pray. However, with the severity of the economic crisis, now might be a good time to start.
  

• That Rick Warren guy sounded creepy. "And his daughters, Maleeeeea and Saaasha . . ." made my skin crawl.

• Aretha Franklin would've sounded better singin' this number. She and Obama could've done some sort of duet song and dance.

• Speaking of dance, this was a great vid on youtube. I just wish that Beyonce would've launched into "Bootylicious" after this poignant moment. And it's in High-Def, no less!

• Could there have been a more fitting image to epitomize the legacy of this administration?
  

King Barack?

Apparently, some in the Polish press have felt that today is being treated more like coronation rather than inauguration. My roomie and gf, L (why don't people use real names in blogs?), related to me that journalists here have taken to calling our new prez "King Obama". Staffers at the Chronicle are elated with this big improvement over some of the things that they have called our previous monkey in chief.

From a foreign perspective, I suppose it is difficult to understand all the hoopla and stratospheric expectation surrounding the three day Obamapaloosa. The concert line-up on Sunday, which included U2, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, and Beyonce, is something better suited to one of those self-congratulatory MTV awards shows or a star-studded benefit for AIDS relief.

Imagine if Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper's swearing in ceremony featured a powerful display of talent, such as Alanis Morrisette, The Bare Naked Ladies, and the bad boy of Canadian rock, Bryan Adams. Or how about Poland's Lech Kaczyński sharing the stage with that blonde bombshell, Doda (side note: she is a card-carrying member of MENSA), or Natalia Kukulska? Now that would be an amusing sight.

The outgoing (God, I love that word) administration has taken some heat over here for failing to make a farewell phone call to Polish leadership. It is customary to bid a fond adieu to trusted allies, and "W" cared enough to dial up Nick Sarkozy, Angie Merkel, Gordie Brown and even Vlad Putin. He even found time to apologize to, errrr, thank the leaders of Denmark, Greece, and Georgia but one of the five countries that helped invade Iraq and Afghanistan was left waiting by the phone like a jilted date on prom night. Rejection has never been so heartbreaking. One of the most unpopular Presidents in U.S. history gave you the Heisman stiff arm on his last days in office. *sniff sniff, sob sob*

It's still not too late to reach out and touch someone, George. Maybe you should try Skyping us over here in Warsaw? We'd love to see you on the webcam!

Sole Survivor!

We are nothing if not timely here at the KC. I'm sure this guy will be getting the Iraqi equivalent of the Congressional Medal of Honor in a few years. But for now, the government has to feign outrage at such an incident. And how about that Secret Service? You always here about how they are trained "to take a bullet" for the President, but not a size 10 Rockport? Or was that an "Iraqport"? Sorry about the Fozzie Bearesque attempts at humor today but it's that kind of mood around here as Christmas vacation creeps closer and closer. The kids are getting crazier with every passing day.

The most outrageous thing about this incident was not the shoe throw itself but how one would think that this would actually rattle Dubya. Instead, true to form, never letting on that he finally "gets it". . . "it" being reality. This interview, at 1:27, "I don't know what his beef is." Classic. Ex-presidents are given Secret Service protection for 10 years after they leave office. I'm thinking that the American taxpayers will be paying for his protection well into his geriatric years.


Have fun with this new game. The object is to hit the shoes, not the Prez.

Thoughts on Italy, Obama, and the closing of Damascus Community School

It's been a long time since I poured out the contents of my grey matter onto this keyboard. Since then, it's been quite an eventful couple of weeks with a trip to Tuscany, an historical election, and the political expulsion of some colleagues down in Syria. All of these are worth their own separate blog entry in the Chronicle but since there is a lot more going on in the near future, I will cover all of these issues en masse.

First of all, let me say that I have a newfound love of Italy. Being able to spend a whole week in the northern part of the country opened my eyes to both the natural and man-made wonders of Tuscany. This was my second trip to "the boot of the Mediterranean" and the first I was inspired to write extensively about. Longtime readers will remember a trip to Rome with my brother Dave and the parents back in the spring of 2007, but that entry focused mainly on the beauty of Slovenia and a tearful family reunion. I can say that I was awe-inspired by the world famous scenes of historical importance such as the Coliseum, Forum, and Pantheon or the extraordinary religious significance of the Vatican. However, the real beauty of Italy lies in the culinary delights, vineyards, and the idea of "la dolce vita" (the sweet life) that is the very essence of the Italian countryside.

Our trip started with some gorgeous weather in the Cinque Terre, a collection of five rustic seaside villages dotting the Italian Riviera. The three days we spent there consisted of hiking the trails along the cliffs, sipping the acclaimed white wine produced in the region, devouring anything dipped in pesto, and trying to avoid the disciples of Steves.



Okay, I will admit that I enjoy the Rick Steves guidebook series. His refreshing takes on how to travel through "the back door" by focusing more on the holistic experience of travel rather than a checklist of landmarks, churches, and museums are a philosophy everyone should subscribe to. Be that as it may, the followers of Rick Steves' books have become victims of his success. It seemed that wherever we went in the Cinque Terre, per his recommendation, we found my fellow Americans. The majority of those encountered were quite pleasant and it was enjoyable to chat with people about where they were from, including the lady from Blaine, Minnesota who was on sabbatical from her teaching job for a stint teaching at a boarding school in Switzerland. I also had the chance to converse with a fellow North Dakota State alum in San Gimignano after inquiring about whether she was Canadian or Minnesotan. You can't miss that accent. Okay, I shall digress, since the more I consider things, I'm coming to the conclusion that I should appreciate the fact that Americans are not letting the terrorists win by cowering in fear back at home. (This last statement was with tongue firmly in cheek).

Pisa was one of the definite highlights of the trip even though we were enjoying it under a torrential downpour. Seeing one of the most recognizable sights anywhere on the globe had an almost mythical quality about it. This feeling was quickly replaced by bewilderment associated with countless people striving for that perfect picture of them keeping the tower from falling over.

Not much hasn't already been written about the aesthetic virtues of Florence, so I won't even make an attempt except to say that it does deserve another visit. Our itinerary only allowed for one day of sightseeing there though it was our base of operations for three days. I have no idea how insane the crowds must be in the summer time months, and am in no hurry to find out. Crowds were thick even in the low season of late October.





We also visited Sienna, a fantastic historical rival to the larger Florence, and surrounded by the rolling vineyards of Tuscany. We took advantage of the inexpensive Chianti which flows like water but still managed to trudge 360 steps to the top of the town hall tower for a stunning view of the countryside.

Tuscany managed to meet the sky high expectations created by the endless guide book hyperbole. With so many sights to see in Europe, and having an open-ended tour of duty here, a repeat visit will have to wedged in there somewhere, especially with the election restoring some modicum of goodwill towards the American people.


Yes, I must say, my faith has been restored in democracy and my apathy towards the political process in general has ebbed to a historical low point after reaching an all-time peak in 2004. Even if Obama fails to deliver on most of his promises and the impending financial crisis and military quagmire extinguish this upwelling of hope, at least we have shown that anything is possible in the US of A.


With that being said, old W still has more than two months to really muck things up for his successor. He has already had a direct impact on the careers of four former ASW colleagues. The military operation conducted within Syria's borders caused a slight backlash leading to the closure of the Damascus Community School. Two couple that I had worked with here in Poland were told they had 48 hours to pack their bags and get out of the country. I guess a six month paid vacation is not so bad but now they have to go back to one of the international job fairs and go through the cattle call once again.

Congrats to Danielle and Dave in Ecuador! They have decided to extend their contract for another year of adventure on the middle of the globe. And it sounds like Dave is studying to become a teacher too. It's a good life. Thanks for reading! Happy Independence Day to all my Polish readers and to all those stateside, thank a veteran. Do widzenia . . .

What the hell is going on over there?

It's clips like this of angry mobs that make me very scared! Are there really that many angry mobs back in the U.S.? Alright, I realize that he's not exactly speaking to a gathering of MENSA but it really makes me feel warm and cozy to be far far away from people like this:



My apologies for not posting in a couple weeks, but with the three day weekend in Prague, defending the Warsaw Frogs' title as the best ex-pat rugby team in Central / Eastern Europe and then the four day junket to bizarrely picturesque Tirana, Albania for the CEESA cross country meet, I have been kind of spent.
You can look for a more extensive update in the next few days as things return to normal around here. For now, I will just give you a couple teaser pics from Prague and Albania. See you in a little bit . . . oh, and head on over to Danielle's Living the Good Life blog for some great pics of mountain biking in the Andes. Pretty damn cool stuff.













ALBANIA! The country's motto: It's really not as bad as you'd think!

The mortgage crisis and the price of a piwo.

Let's jump in the Way Back Machine and set the dial to August of 2006. A wide-eyed American is in his first month of employment at AS-Dub and life is good. The benefits of working overseas are quickly realized due in no small part to a tax-free income in dollars, rent paid by the school, and a relatively cheap cost of living when compared to life back in the US of A.

"Way back then" you could buy 3.1 zlotys (Polish currency) for $1.00 and a pint of beer at one of those clubs with no-necked bouncers and a velvet rope cost around 10 zloty (about $3.20). It felt good to know that every fine restaurant and swanky bar in Warsaw was accessible to the common man. Well, maybe not to the common man, but to the common foreigner.

My rental allowance also covered my monthly living expenses (about $900). I even had a little bit left over to pay my electric bill. Not one penny of my apartment cost came out of my pocket. *sigh* I was living the high life.







I know what you're thinking. Next, he's going to give some pitiful sob story about the crash of the dollar due to the mortgage crisis and how life is sooooo tough now. WRONG! On the contrary, I am still very much in love with life over here, thank you very much. I am dating an amazing woman, fulfilling my travel dreams, and working at a world-class school.

The point of this financial analysis is to give you some perspective of how fortunes rise and fall given the fate of the U.S. economy. You read the Kielbasa because I hope you find it interesting, right? The correlation between Joe Blow trying to afford a $400,000 4 bedroom house on a $50,000 salary and the skyrocketing price of beer in Poland is nothing if not fascinating.






So fast forward to present-day Warsaw. Today, the currency is trading at 2.17 zloty for $1.00. The same beer is costing around 15 zloty ($6.90) due to Warsaw's deluded vision of being on par with other European Union capitals. This represents an astonishing 215% increase in 18 months. Just typing these numbers makes my pulse quicken and brow sweaty.

If the cost of a pint wasn't tough enough to absorb, I am now paying an additional $344 to supplement what the school gives me for my rent. Alright, it's not so bad since it only averages out to an extra $98 / month since I moved here. Damn . . . I'm usually such an upbeat person but now I wouldn't mind having a Pez dispenser full of Prozac. Okay, on the bright side, there is a place down the street where I can still find a 5 zloty piwo so upon paying my rent every month I can go drown my sorrows while planning my next travel destination.

I listened to an interesting episode of This American Life from NPR that explains the mortgage crisis using stories of ordinary people. Check it out here. By the way, I never thought I would become so addicted to NPR. Just one more thing I have in common with my parents as I grow older. I remember when the only thing we had in common was a last name. ; )

I hope all my stateside readers enjoy the Memorial Day weekend. Take the time to remember the true reason for Monday's holiday. If your here in Polska, enjoy the long four-day break from your daily grind. If you're not of the religious ilk, find out why you have a holiday so you can impress all of your Catholic friends. Na razie!

The mean streets of Warsaw . . .

Sometimes I find myself wondering why more Americans don't take the opportunity to work or even just take a trip overseas at some point in their life. In fact, there is a widely published statistic that only 34% of Americans over the age of 18 own a passport.

I know that there are a number of obscure contributing factors at work here. These include, in no particular order:

*Proximity - North America is so huge that it would take a lifetime to see the diverse array of sights within its borders. There are so many different ecological and cultural zones in North America that contain even more variety than continental Europe.

*Cost - With the high cost of airfare, hotels, and the plummeting dollar, international travel is something that few can afford.

*Time - We all know how little vacation time American companies give their employees. Using all of those 2-3 weeks on one trip seems a bit wasteful. Europeans, conversely, receive more vacation time yet are paid less, thus take more time to go on holiday.

*Fear - The following piece appeared in the Chicago Tribune, on April 7th.

POLAND
The U.S. Embassy in Warsaw reported that crime throughout the country is declining but there are places in Warsaw known for criminal activity that are best avoided. Advice from the embassy includes: avoiding large parking lots near closed businesses, especially after 10 p.m. when police say crimes increase substantially; limiting activity in the vicinity of Wilanow Bus Stop; and evading groups of individuals who might approach you.

This was part of a regular World Watch column where various security updates from embassies around the world appear. I don't know why it was picked up by the Chicago Tribune since there aren't many people I know, except for a couple former Chicagoans I work with, who are regular visitors to this site. Should residents of Illinois be aware of this?

I wait for my bus in Wilanow (pronounced vee-LAH-noov) almost everyday. I don't hang out in large parking lots near closed businesses. Does anybody? And how can you have a group of "individuals"? If you are an individual, how can you be part of a group? I always stay away from individuals who have the audacity to form a group.

This alert came about because a couple American kids were mugged near that area. One actually had an iPod stolen. While I harbor sympathy for any victims of petty theft, one has to ask if it was really necessary to issue an official warning from the U.S. Embassy.

I have found Warsaw, and Poland as a whole, to be a place where one doesn't have to worry about walking down the street at night. You actually see woman stroll through parks by themselves long after the sun goes down. So to my visitors arriving in the next few months, please don't cancel those plane tickets. The reports of Warsaw being a haven for organized crime have been greatly exaggerated.

Crime and the killer satellite.

I was the witness to a crime the other night. A couple of thugs had the audacity to cut in line (or the "queue" as the Brits like to say) at McDonald's. Normally, this would not elicit much more than an arched eyebrow or some muttering under my breath. After all, budging in front of people was a polished art during Communist times. Who am to begrudge something that is ingrained in the culture?

Cutting in line is a crime in Warsaw? Well, not exactly. But this was not just any McDonald's. And this was not just any time of day. We are talking about the first Mickey D's in Poland (the corner of Świętokrzyska and Marszałkowska) at 3:00 AM on a Saturday night. However, there must be a precedent for such unruly behavior, since two burley security guards clad in complete body armor are stationed around the clock at this grease pit. (yeah, I know what you're saying, "Why are you at an American fast food joint in Poland? That stuff tastes like crap and can kill you!")

To make a long story short, these two inebriated youth were given the full-on beat down after daring to question the authority of the bouncers who asked them to politely move to the back of the line, about 20 people long at this time of night. I usually don't condone such violence, but I must admit a small part of me felt no sympathy for these hooligans. But the great part about Poland is that you never have to worry about somebody pulling a gun. It really is a safe country with regards to never having to worry about violent crime. I do wish they would do something about the dog poop dotting the sidewalks, however.

On a completely unrelated note, Poles recently gained the right to travel to Canada (another gun-free country) without a visa. This might not be a big deal to some foreigners who are used to being welcomed to most countries with open arms, Belarus and Russia excluded. But for Poles this was a victory of sorts, yet it was also a festering reminder that obtaining a visa to America is still a bureaucratic nightmare, even after promises that this requirement would be lifted if they participated in Iraq and Afghanistan. Remember the famous line from the debates in 2004? . . . "Don't forget Poland!".

Well, after lending their support in two wars, the Polish government has gone one step further and allowed the installation of a missile defense shield on its soil. This is apparently to deter aggression from Iran, which everybody knows is bent on waging jihad against Poles all over the world. (ed. note: That's what we like to call a "joke".) This has made the Russians a bit P.O.ed and they now have missiles pointed at the offices of the Kielbasa here in Warsaw. *GULP!*

But ironically enough, the Pentagon recently had to shoot down a wayward military satellite over the skies of Poland, under the guise of protecting both classified technology and citizens of this country from having the orbiter crash into a living room somewhere across the river in Praga. Astute observers will tell you that this was meant to show the Russians that we can indeed shoot moving objects out of the sky, ala Space Invaders. Somewhere, the ghost of Ronald Reagan is smiling as his dreams of the Star Wars program have finally come to fruition. Cold War II, anyone?

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Reader commentary and obscure uses for international students

I would first like to thank the three motivated folks who contributed to my last blog entry with some informed political commentary. One of them even smarmily corrected me on my inquiry about the President of England. The queen of standardized testing, Patricia from Boise, misread the second part of my question. I KNOW that England does not have a prime minister. I should have used the word "leader" in my question, but we here at the Chronicle always appreciate feedback from our readers.

Mike, writing in from Iowa, gave some firsthand insight into the cornfield caucus. I'm sorry that Obama was not able to carry this momentum into New Hampshire and secure a victory. I've talked to a colleague who was home in Iowa over vacation. It was interesting to hear her describe the opportunity to meet politicians on a more intimate basis. I'm not talking Bill Clinton "intimate" here. But she did listen to him speak to an audience of only 200 people. Amazing that some have to pay $1000 for a chicken dinner and some witty commentary from our ex-Prez, and potential First Lady.

Nate, also in Boise, knew that President Sarkozy in France is newly engaged to Italian former supermodel, Carla Bruni. So who's settling in this relationship? Hmmmm. Newly elected French President, age 53 vs. Aspiring singer, heiress to a tire-manufacturing fortune, and former supermodel, age 40. They must have met on match.com. Keep those comments coming readers!

Today I debunked my long-held belief that the Swedish chef on the Muppet Show is only speaking gibberish. On a whim, I decided to show a YouTube clip of the chef to my Swedish speaking students, hoping to find out if Jim Henson did his research when writing lines for one of my favorite muppets. They did confirm that there are actual Swedish words sprinkled in with the unintelligible dialogue. You learn something new every day. Check out this clip of the chef preparing turtle soup. Pure comic genius.

Obamamania?

The first Presidential primary is happening in New Hampshire today. I can't think of anything else I know about this state other than their official motto: "Live Free or Die". Just like the obscure state of Iowa had their moment in the sun last week with their caucus, the Granite State is taking its turn to make decisions that will influence the scope of the upcoming "George W. Bush, will you please go now!" election. Yes, like the Dr. Seuss character Marvin K. Mooney, I just wish our chimp in office would just go away. Forever.

On a more positive note, Poland has caught a whiff of Obama fever. The results of the Iowa caucus were splashed across the front page of the daily rag here in Warsaw. It's amazing how much the rest of the world pays attention to American politics. Equally stunning is how little America pays attention to the governmental affairs of the rest of the globe. Can any readers out there name the recently elected President of France? or England for that matter? Please respond in the comments section. And no cheating by using Google.

So does anybody else out there think that Obama has a chance? My gut feeling says "Yes" only because people are fed up and want to get behind somebody who is a dramatic contrast of the previous 43 rich, old, white guys in Washington. Some of my colleagues are still hopeful that we will still see our first woman President but I'm thinking that Joe Sixpack sitting on his porch in Tuscaloosa isn't ready to let that happen. But then again, Joe probably isn't ready for a man with Obama's complexion either. That doesn't leave us with many other options. A Baptist minister on the Republican side? I think we've all had enough of the holy roller regime we currently suffer under.

Thanks for letting me editorialize about politics today. After the gluttony of the holidays, things are a bit slow for news at the Chronicle. Make sure you take the poll about your New Year's resolutions. Personally, I am choosing "All of the above" for 2008.

To the polls for the Poles!

It's election day here in Poland. The "do-over" will become reality today as voters will try to elect a new parliament that will actually put this nation on a progressive course toward economic reform. For the last two years, the only thing that has been getting done is the ongoing witchhunt for former Communist informants in the current government. Oh yeah, and the occasional sex scandal and relentless crusade against homosexuality. Wow! It's just like being back home again! But I will leave "Toe-tappin' Larry" for another time.

There is a paranoia within the current administration, headed by the Kaczynski twins, Lech and Jaroslaw. The Prime Minister, Jaroslaw, will be gone tomorrow, we can only hope. Polling indicates a 17 point deficit so there will be a huge uproar if he isn't ousted. His brother, the President, will be around for a couple more years, but he doesn't wield as much power as our boy, George.

Enjoy this video that pokes fun at "the duck brothers". This moniker is derived from their last name, which is similar to kaczka, the Polish word for duck. We, here at the Chronicle, also think they look a bit like waterfowl with their protruding upper lip. Quack quack! On a related note, this year I introduced my cross country team to the phrase "I stepped on a duck".

Politically insulated.

Last week, Poland dissolved their parliament. This means little for me, other than a source of wonderment at how a country can just decide they need a "do over" because the current legislative body is so inept. Most of the Poles I have talked to are rejoicing over this but maintain their cynical nature when asked if things will really be better after the new elections in a couple weeks.

Ahhhhhhh . . . would those who voted in the 2004 election like a do over? It really is nice to be oblivious to the daily idiocy your Prez provides. I shouldn't say "your" since most Kielbasa readers are enlightened, progressive thinkers who live in either blue states or Boise, the blue ship that sails in a sea of crimson.

God Bless America, and nobody else.

Enjoying the long weekend?

To all my American friends out there, I hope you are enjoying your three day weekend. Take the time to remember all those that have given their lives in the service of our country. Just like we have to remind kids every year what the true meaning of Christmas is, don't forget why we observe Memorial Day. I'm not one of those "USA, USA!" patriots but take some time to cue the Lee Greenwood, please.

Speaking of the good ol' US of A. Your president will be making a 3 hour stop in Poland to hang out with "the ducks", Lech and Jaroslaw Kaczynski. They'll no doubt be talking about a way to get me to pay federal income tax back in the states. The U.S. Treasury needs that money to fund visits like this, which according to one Embassy parent, requires 200 people for security and 10 armored Cadillacs for transportation.

It's been "hotter than blue blazes" here, as my grandma would say. What does that mean, anyway? A blue flame is a relatively cool burning flame. Shouldn't it be hotter than orange or even red blazes? Nevertheless, it's been almost 90 the last few days and air conditioning is a luxury few can afford.

The seniors at ASW have graduated and Saturday night one of the more affluent families had a big party for their son. I should've dressed up and crashed it since they flew in British pop star, Jamie Cullum, to play at the celebration. I don't know how much it cost, but I'm betting he didn't have to fly to Warsaw aboard RyanAir.
Thanks for all the birthday wishes last week. Turning 33 was quite uneventful. Some friends from work organized a bike ride from tent to tent on the way home from school. There are a lot of these outdoor patios between ASW and my place. Despite spending quality time at quite a few of them, my bike and I remain in one piece after the journey.

Only 19 more day until I'm back in Boise. Does anybody have a cruiser I can comandeer for transportation while I'm there? I'm jonesing for some quality time at Parilla Grill or Opa. Hope some of you folks back there have a few days off.

Meeting a Nobel Peace Prize winner . . .

Last night was an evening I won't soon forget. Once again, I finagled myself an invitation to a reception at the U.S. Ambassador's residence (THANK YOU ROBB!). Yes, I know this is the third time I've been there since I moved to Poland but the shrimp they serve are so good! As long as the Secret Service doesn't arrest me for taking too many liberties with the open bar and appetizer trays, I'm going make sure that your tax dollars are being spent wisely. As a fellow U.S. citizen, I thank you!

The event was given in honor of the Jan Karski Freedom Award winner, Lech Wałęsa. Jan Karski was a prominent Polish World War Two resistance fighter and scholar who during the war reported to Western governments on the situation in Poland and the Holocaust of the Jews. He died in 2000 at the age of 86. This was the first year the award was given. Mr. Wałęsa, for those who slept through the 80's, led the Solidarity movement in Poland responsible for the beginning of Communism's collapse.

I can remember watching this revolution on television back in 1989, and how the rest of Eastern Europe soon followed Poland in reforming their governments and breaking free from the yolk of Soviet domination. Never in a million years did I think I'd have the opportunity to one day meet this prominent historical figure. I knew I'd have to act quickly to snag a picture with him.

After all the dignitaries (generals and diplomats) filed past and were greeted by Ambassador Ashe and Lech (he said I could call him that), I sidled up beside and asked (in Polish, but of course my kids told me that I screwed up in my phrasing) for a photo. The photographers from the newspapers must've thought I was somebody important because the flashbulbs started popping. The former President, displaying the subtle arrogance of most politicians, looked away from my tiny camera and into the lenses of the press. It turned out okay, but I'm kicking myself for not bringing a bottle of Lech beer to put in the picture. I think he would've found that humorous. In fact, during his acceptance speech, he had the stones (or should I call them pierogies?) to take a few digs at the U.S. government for their imperialist ambitions toward Cuba. Everyone had a good laugh, but for some of the American politicians, it sounded more like an uneasy chuckle.

We are finally getting a taste of the real Polish winter I have heard so much about. I think the last time I saw this much snow on the ground was back in early November. It's kind of reassuring when the weather is "normal". Lately, abnormal weather has been the norm here. This is a picture I took outside my window at work.AND IT'S STILL SNOWING!!! Have a happy hump day . . . Do widzenia!