As we traveled these past couple of days visiting where the Mozdzens came from, because Nona and I had a private tour at that point, we had an opportunity to have an extended conversation with our guide about many things Polish and Poland: what are homes like now; weddings; having babies; Polish cooking; the use of fruit in Polish cooking, mushroom picking; the drive by Poles for education; why there are so many small businesses; healthcare in Poland; city life vs rural living; Polish fitness centers; changes Polish diets; care of elderly; retirement in Poland; what the schools are like; why the Poles have been very successful in the move from Communism to Capitalism; who are the Poles we think of when we think of Poland and why; Poland's vacation areas; Warsaw, the city that does not sleep; construction of everything everywhere; the Jewish questions; THE Polish Rising 1944; life under Communism vs now; the unity of the Poles in purpose and as a nation; the great significance of Pope John Paul II; as seen in the cementaries, the importance of of remembering and honoring your ancesters; the role of the Catholic Church in Polish history and now; how the Poles, like the Jews, are determined to not ever allow themselves to be occupied again; the feeling of everything on the move in Poland, NO recession here; Katyn; and more.
I hope I can convey my thoughts and what we have seen. It has been an awesome experience. I now even more stand humbled by those who came before.
Will be writing notes as Nona and I travel home and selecting photos to post. Will add to this blog in Chicago/Boston.
Dzienkuja, Poland. We shall return and soon!!
Dziadzio Mozdzen and Nona
Sent from my iPad
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