Hello world!

My brain is about to explode with all the things I want to share about Poland. A few random bits right now and probably more detail later as I can unwind into my new accomodations. First:

Not all the bed are hard as nails. Who knew! For the last week or so I have spent the slumbering hours in two different palaces complete with soft beds and daily maid service.

Second, not all Polish drivers brake like the fate of the world depends on the brake pedal hitting the floor board at Mach 2.

Thirdly, I thought there would be more to discuss, but turns out I am a bit overwhelmed. I think all of us team members are getting a little frayed on the edges. We're beginning to get homesick not only for our "people" but for our food, too. On the way to Lublin this afternoon, Megan and I had a 20 minute conversation about breakfast cereal. Just cereal. With ice-cold milk.

Earlier this afternoon we had dinner (lunch) at an artist colony that was established 10 or so years ago out in the middle of nowhere. These glorious, artsy people saw an impoverished part of Poland that had little economy and even less cultural arts, so they set up shop and began building this teensy village for artists. They did it for the love of paintings, theater, music, etc..., but also to give the poorest people of Poland exposure to exceptional art that they might not otherwise be privy to, due to their economic status.

They also made us an incredible meal, from scratch (as if there's any other kind of meal in Poland) and a home-made wine from wild plums. It tasted like liquid candy and carried just enough kick to allow for a short nap in the car to the next city. Perfecto!

My new host family is busy preparing to go to Mass. They asked if I'd like to join them, but I (hopefully) politely refused. The laptop with high-speed wireless Internet was too much temptation on this sabbath.

Well, I'm off to unpack and perhaps try to take some quiet time and process the last few days. It has been a whirlwind, complete with a helicopter ride one evening and fireworks the night before that. Pretty awesome!