* 16/22 Grzybowska

Finally, a balmy, cloudless evening in Warsaw – looks like time to crack open the laptop and write a few words regarding my first two weeks here. (Yes, its been 2 full wks already and not a word from Liz, until now) Unfortunately, the lack of good weather and motivation has plagued me.
I officially moved into 16/22 Grzybowska 1115 on the 3rd of July. My surrounding were just what I’d hoped for - merely ½ block from the thriving market (Hala Mirowska) and the major thoroughfare – Jana Pawala II (He may have left this earth, but his memory is resurrected throughout Warsaw and Poland) My studio apartment (or the literal Polish to English translation = bachelor pad) appears like it was especially designed for me – compact, sunset facing with bathtub and washer (dryers appear to be less then rare in Poland), painted in cheery yellow. The quaint apt is housed in one of the many charm-less, gray, rectangular shaped configurations that the communist thought was an advancement in housing large number unhappy people. They call them bloc - like communist bloc. A few people have told me that most assuredly my small space probably housed a familty of 3 or 4 for many years.
My favorite pastime is the daily trip to the market at Hala Mirowska. The first week it was done like a genuine European – under an angry sky and umbrella. I’m certain if it weren’t such a novelty I would think it a fairly tedious chore by now. The objective of selecting your own produce (saying things like ‘no, not that one, its bruised), waiting in line to select the most delicious looking bread, and then lugging it all back to the 11th floor is somehow very appealing to me. My current favorite cusines: bread, smoked fish, nectarines and peaches.
Life here is probably like any other city in Europe. City dwellers use the numerous red buses and trams, which efficiently transport them from point A to Z, with several stops along the alphabet. The dress is not as high fashion as you would find it cities like Rome or Paris, but one thing is consistentm 80’s hair is back and chicks love their heels. Unfortunately, smoking is also a big fashion statement so my head is constantly in the smoke fog.
There is nothing one can't get here and everone SMS (text messages) or listening to an Ipode. I remember the day when people lined up for items around the block, for hours and when you asked the last person in line what exactly they were waiting for, they would say ‘well, I hear that there are socks at the end of this line”. Hmm, the idea of standing in line for hours for the probability of something sounds, well, foolish, but that was the way, back then. Well, Poland and its economy has come quiet the distance since then. Products of all shapes and sizes are available by credit card and no line.
Ok, on to those dear Poles, I call 'my people'. Perhaps its a general truism or newflash, but Poles are not the friendliest of countrymen (or perhaps I should just reference the Warsawvites). They aren't in the habit of smiling for no reason or striking up polite conversation with strangers. Although I have been here many times before, it seems to be an observation I just happened upon. Perhaps being in one place for an extended prior of time affords some more detailed and unique perspectives. A caveat here: Even though strangers themselves may not be accepted with welcoming glances, being familiar with someone changes the landscape. They do make faithful and loyal friends. Here, if you know someone, who knows someone, you have a friend and someone to call in a moment of need or even place to stay. They are very generous with what they have. The problem for me, is actually gettting to that point of familiarity. Fortunately, I have my brother, his girlfriend Edyta & some extended family in this area and a few contact numbers, so that should be a good start eh.
I'll continue my tales another day. till then, make sure to drop me a note and keep me updated. I can also receive text messages or phone calls on my local number at: 48-662-317-661. Email: Lizym@aol.com (I'm also a Skype.com member now: LizyMe)