When I first got here I was sure that nothing could ever compare to Los Angeles, where I am from. Slowly but surely, I have realized my error and found the most important quality of all, which Poland can claim: charm. It's funny how all of my previously negative outlooks have turned into positive compliments.

At first I thought that the roads were in very poor condition. Many roads that are incredibly windy and only one lane on each side of the road. However now I find these very roads so uniquely wonderful. In the fall the roads are lined with the yellow and gold leaves of autumn. The roads can take you along lakes or through forests which are still virtually untouched by any pollution or population. Crosses and shrines to the Virgin Mary line these roads and they are always adorned with fresh flowers or candles from a nearby village, which is a clear example of the importance that religion plays in this country. Whereas I formerly believed that these roads were in need of serious construction and expansion, I now hope that they remain the same. The drive through them can be very picturesque and relaxing. Instead of seeing a hundred cars around you, you can be alone and drive in peace.

Another sentiment I strongly felt was an extreme desire to just put a Ralphs five minutes away from my flat. Now I would not want that here for the world. I actually look forward to my morning outings to the bakery, butcher shop, produce stands, and general store. In the morning on these rounds, you can see the city awaken with people walking around everywhere. In these small shops I often acted as an entertainer for those in the queue. I began a long stuttering conversation, pretending I speak and understand Polish, and ended up using a variation of hand, body, and verbal language in order to express my requests. Never did I enter a store where at least 5 Polish women didn't all begin to try and understand what I want, each giving their own personal translation as to what it was that I needed. It creates quite a commotion and a laugh. Now I have gained a stronger command of the language and usually only require the help of one Polish woman.

I live right on the outskirts of downtown. As I walk in to town every morning, the streets are lined with various musicians playing classical or folk music. People are setting up their carts full of traditional highlander goods: home made woolen items, hand carved boxes, leather slippers, and a special cheese that you can leave out in a barrel in the snow, unwrapped, and it will still be good. I don't know the name of this cheese but I’ll just refer to it as the everlasting cheese. The city is always crawling with students. Poznan has several different colleges, and the student population is approximately 1/6 of the city population.

My university has proven to be of an excellent quality. I have most classes with only ten students and one professor. The students, I believe, are the best part of the university. There is a definite sense of comradery, instead of competition. I was welcomed by everyone, and so many went far out of their way in order to help me understand what was going on. I still don't understand the system of class scheduling, and I find it humorous that students have begun to recognize me and learn my name because I always walk out of classes shortly after I learn that I am in the wrong one.

I would say that one of the best qualities of this country is it's tradition and customs. Poland has a very long history and throughout it all they have managed to maintain their same value system and traditions. The great thing about Poland is that the traditions are everywhere and you can easily see them because almost everyone is still practicing them. This makes it very easy to experience the heart of the country. The traditions of Poland add greatly to its charm.

Poland has a very down to earth attitude. The atmosphere is very peaceful and calm. Amid this traditional peaceful country, you can find monuments dedicated to remembrance of their not so peaceful past. In one square of my city there are two giant, stone, stark crosses which read 1956. It is in memory of a workers uprising which was violently suppressed. You can always find monuments in remembrance of this country's struggle against the oppression of communism and in remembrance of the Holocaust as well. It is impossible to roam any major city and not feel the history (through those monuments) that took place there not so long ago.

Another highlight of my stay has been my teaching and tutoring jobs. I began my job shortly after arrival as an ESL teacher for adults ages 20-50. These students have taught me the most. They are so kind and so open. They teach me a lot about their history and they were very eager to get to know me. These students have given me the opportunity to be exposed to the true personality of this country. They are polite, respectful, and very friendly. The children that I tutor throughout the city have given me a glimpse into their family lives and have also made me feel very welcome here.

Living here has forced me to abandon some of my usual practices and adopt a different lifestyle for the time being. This has turned out to be a very positive change. I no longer rely on a car, television, or ready-made food. I have now experienced a true winter. I have (somewhat) learned a new language through complete emersion. I have learned so much about the history of this country. I have met so many interesting people. And I have been exposed to a very different, calm, and peaceful way of life. I know this description does not nearly do justice to the beauty of this country. There is so much more still to be said. I know that I am going to miss it here so much. I will wake in my home three months from now, and wonder if it has all been a dream. I hope I don't forget what I have learned here. I know I won't forget what I have seen. Received by ERC via email 2/24/03.