Hmmm, yesterday was very relaxing, and that's all there really was to it. My cousin (Gabrysia), niece (Małgosia), and I, we went to the old town and took a walk around it and the park. We talked a bit about how America lacks the older buildings, and when she visited many many years ago (I was a tiny kid), she missed that. No matter how worn, torn, and graffiti-ed the ones in Poland are, they're still quaint. They're absolutely gorgeous when renewed as well, and they have solid foundations which will keep them standing through a lot more than most houses back in America, to be honest. My cousin asked me what kept pulling me back to Poland, and I told her that ya know, I feel better here, and I actually don't feel comfortable living in America. Although, I think she was a bit surprised, as it's not necessarily normal for people to want to come to Poland. Usually, it's the reverse. My niece, for example, asked when they would go visit us in the states, because she wants to go see all of the important things over there. How she wants to go see it. Of course, her mom quickly said there's a difference between living and visiting in a place.
We also talked about the program that I'll be studying under, and she asked if most of the students have Polish parents. While they may not have Polish parents, I'm pretty certain that they've got some sort of Polish heritage, or else, being honest, they wouldn't want to come to Poland. It's really rare for people in America to even consider going to Poland without some sort of heritage there. I mean, if you're going to be in Europe, why not Italy, Greece, Spain, France, England, Germany, or any of the other well-known, hot spots? Just as a few examples. Why the heck would one even consider Poland? Unfortunate truth that is.
But yes, old town was really nice. Pretty. The Rynek was rather empty, prepping for some sort of concert, I think. Małgosia was a wonderful tour guide, telling me about all of the buildings and such. Including how in the winter, there are usually ice skating rinks in Rynek, and in the summer, it's usually bustling with concerts. See, Bydgoszcz is another one of the bigger cities in Poland, yet I still didn't feel that big city hate I normally have toward big cities. They're different in Poland, I dunno. Easier to get around. Oh! The trams in Bydgoszcz, I noticed, typically only have one tram cart instead of two, like in Wrocław. So that right there does show the downsize in city, at least.
The park was beautifully redone, and they were celebrating a day without cars in Bydgoszcz. So all sorts of weird bicycle contraptions were being ridden around the park. It was really neat, actually. Małgosia kept trying to get her mom to rent one of those big wheel bicycles. You know, like from the old times? But we kept walking instead. Gabrysia bought the last of Małgosia's school books. I found out that typically, you pay around 500 złoty for school books a year, which is quite ridiculous. However, in college, you typically don't have to buy books. So quite the reverse from America, where most of the books are provided up through high school, and then when you hit college, you're paying an ungodly amount of money per semester for your books. Especially as science majors. We also went to do some groceries. The line was ridiculous. Though, that's to be expected, being the weekend and what not.
Then, we went home, and just relaxed all afternoon/evening. It was really nice, and to be honest, I enjoyed it. I like just sitting back and doing nothing. Especially since my legs have still been bothering me, stupid things. Oh! Gabrysia made a homemade plum cake with coconut taste. Absolutely delicious. Ohhhh goodness. So good! I'm so going to have to swipe the recipe from her, because it just wins. Hm, besides that, I tried to catch up with the Muffins and Ani and other friends as well. (: Which is always nice. I like having this more accessible to friends option instead of missing everyone until the weekends. Ah yes, I also Skyped with my mom and aunt. After a while, they sort of kept holding a conversation with each other while I sat there and listened... ... Then they asked why I wanted to go ahead and let them go... ... Ohhh, what logic... >> But yes, that was my relaxing day! Ah, Piotr, my cousin's husband, eventually came home. He kept asking me if I was certain I didn't want any wine. I mean.... a lot. As in, that's pretty much the most pressure I've had about drinking since I've been in Poland. He went off on how I must be in the wrong country if I don't drink, and that people drink a lot here. ... As if I didn't know that. :P Haha. But other that, it was all good. Gabrysia made him stop asking me; as in, it was getting ridiculous. Oh well! Hmm, I might be learning how to drive a manual car today? Piotr asked me last night... Though... I don't know if he remembers he said that... >> He asked me a few questions this morning that he asked me last night.
Ah yes, this morning Gabi asked me if I go to church. Hahaha. No.... but fortunately for me, they don't go to church all that often either! Actually, I've noticed that most of my family doesn't frequently go to church, despite it being a very large part of the culture here. Hmm... Definitely interesting. Well, I'll leave you with this: breakfast was yummy. I think it's going to be a good day. :D
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