Back to US and straight to the Polish Seattle Festival. 

Three weeks in Poland and a few days in London passed quickly but wonderfully. An full program with family and friends provided us with many warm moments.

We organized our splendid wedding reception, visited Cracow renovated undergrounds, St. Mary's Basilica, Oscar Schindler's Museum, the picturesque city of Lanckorona and took a short trip to Zakopane -ah, our beautiful Tatra mountains and waffles with berries ..

To prolong enjoying the Polish ambiance, I volunteered to help during the third annual Polish Festival in Seattle. I chose the booth Best of Poland Assistants.  My reward was a food coupon for a few dollars- my first salary in a long time.  

During my shift I had the opportunity to meet people of Polish origin not only from Seattle, but also from other cities of the United States. Some regretted that their grandparents did not teach them Polish; others asked whether Poland is safe to visit. There was no shortage of Americans interested in visiting. There was even talk of starting a Polish Social Hour.

The crowd was a rich mix of diverse ethnicities, ages and beliefs, yet the participants seemed satisfied with festival activities. The organizers provided them with maybe a little bit of old school, but still with a convivial and very friendly atmosphere.

The guests could explore an exhibition dedicated to the Solidarity movement and get a taste of Polish food. One could find many Polish souvenirs (Dean got a Cooking with a Polish Touch book), and when having a break could observe the diverse artistic program. There was even a Gypsy dance performance. 

The Festival was decorated with Polish colors and flags, participants wore beautiful costumes, and children were painted and dressed patriotically in white and red. At the end I filled out a student's questionnaire regarding events promoting different cultures. Seattle Polish Festival is in fact part of a year-round cycle of festivals "honoring cultural richness and diversity of the Pacific Northwest region." Still to come are Croatian, and Turkish weekends. On November 1 Mexican Dia de Muertos will be celebrated.

Now I need to unpack the books, which have flown with me to supply the Polish Library in Seattle.
                                                         

                                                               
H.                          
                                   Take a look at more photos:)

Just a few thoughts before departure.

After ten straight months spent in the U.S., we are about to fly to Poland. We are leaving just when on the streets of Seattle incidents with weapons occur - on the campus of  Christian Seattle Pacific University, a madman  shot and killed a another young man. A student, armed only with pepper spray, quickly put down the striker and has been hailed as a hero.

After the tragedy, students and residents of the city lit candles and prayed at the university, which was supposed to be a gun free zone. Just as after the mudslide in Oso, Washington, initiatives supporting victims started pouring in.  Already substantial sums of money have been donated.

Not so long ago, in neighboring California, another tragedy took place. I still do not understand how the attacker from Santa Barbara, who had evident and documented mental problems, could have legally bought a gun and ammunition? What also disturbs me is the fact that in the U.S. one can legally buy a gun at the age of 18 years, while alcohol not until 21.

The attitude toward guns in America remains a mystery to me. Rarely major changes in the law at the state level are implemented. It is almost as if the shooting took place in another place, a “virtual world.”

I've heard opinions that the changes in the law will probably take at least 12 years. It is unlikely that President Obama can pass reforms before the end of his term, and it is likely that he will be followed by two terms of firearm favoring Republicans. The Democrat who will likely follow might have a real chance of making something happen in America.

It has to be pointed out, that the Mayor of Seattle has supported once again the legislative initiative, which although supports the Second Amendment authorizing the possession of weapons, but forces mandatory background checks when purchasing guns in the state of Washington. A few days ago the authorities of nearby Tacoma unanimously endorsed these checks.

Despite the recent sad events, last months were filled with pleasant memories and interesting observations.  Dear Readers, I will post new entries in July. Now we're getting ready our suitcases, passports and supplies of melatonin.

H.xx

                                             

Tin Cup

You are never too old to learn. I did not imagine that it would be in the United States where I would also learn, little by little, a new sport.

I had always thought golf was a dull and exceptionally snobbish activity. When last year I went in the company of a couple of American gentlemen, I thought that it would be primarily a good opportunity to take some photos of the California surroundings.

It turned out that even though my role was just as a caddie - carrying clubs and maintaining player’s good spirits - something intrigued me in this “spoiled walk in the park"- as Mark Twain described golf.

From the cult movie Tin Cup (as in a metal hole in the ground) with Kevin Costner, I learned that in essence golf is all about having everything under control, and at the same time letting it all go. From witty dialogues, I also learned that golf is like sex. Even if you do not know perfectly its techniques, you can still enjoy it!

When practicing with Dean on the driving range (not to be confused with the racetrack, since “driver” is simply the name of one of golf clubs), I did not always manage to hit the ball, let alone hit so it lands close to marked flags. Despite this, the game gives me a lot of pleasure.

I often see young players practicing. Maybe they think about taking part in future professional tournaments, or perhaps the Olympics? It is worth noting that golf has been reintroduced, after over a century of absence, to the Olympics disciplines.

I hope that taking lessons will help me, and in a couple of months I will be ready to finally play at the golf course. Teaching tips from my husband and father in law also come very handy.

In the U.S. , sport is a part of everyday life. From early on, kids practice baseball, football and basketball. I also find it interesting that American golf is accessible to everyone, having formerly been restricted to wealthy white males.

On the golf course, there are also women. Last Sunday I noticed an elderly woman, with I assume her adult daughter, who enthusiastically launched into the game and blasted the little white balls far, far away.

P.s.  Photos from the last entry were taken in an exclusive Kate Spade boutique .This well-known brand released a line of accessories- handbags, shoes and “tee-time” necklaces, all inspired by golf - just in time for the summer sports season :)                                         
                                              

   H.xx

Think pink, when thinking of fashion

For a few days the weather in the pacific northwest has been exceptionally warm. Temperatures showed 20 Celsius (in Fahrenheit it would be .. hmm ..). Hot conditions require measured wardrobe. In Bellevue it is hard not to notice a lot of interesting and very stylish outfits.  Soon the Gucci boutique will be opened here. It will be located not surprisingly in a vicinity of Louis Vuitton.

I recently opted for a much more modest brand. A small, yellow handbag, purchased online and conveniently on sale, will match my summer wear. It is worth adding that, just like a significant part of the U.S. apparel products,  it was  made in China...

Now what should obligatorily be found in our refreshed summer wardrobe? I found an interesting list, which I think sums up quite well this year's summer trends .

According to the newspaper USA Today, we should certainly obtain fabrics with floral patterns, best if they are roses. 

They could even ornament buttons. Bold colors are the this season’s hit.  Look for pink - think pink, radiant orchid, orange, yellow. Striped fabrics are still in fashion, as well as the ones with ethnic motifs.

Metallic gold and silver accessories are also summer essentials.  As for shoes – mules are back. Jewelry or handbags should be embellished with a fringe. Imprints need to communicate a clear message, especially if its connected with the sport spirit.

Neither should men stay away from color. The author of Hot Summer Looks tips jokingly that colored suits does not mean navy and gray shades.

Once in a while, I enjoy looking around American stores. I usually go to the stores such as Forever 21, Banana Republic and GAP. In Seattle, there are also branches, more known in Europe, Zara and H&M. Some time ago, in one of the stores I noticed that on the tag, among other languages, the instructions were written in Polish. 

In the U.S., one should really pay attention to them. I have already managed to shrink some clothing items in our washing machine and dryer.

Let me finish with a puzzle. Maybe you, dear Readers, will recognize, in which very popular boutique we took the photos below?

H. 
                                       

Diversity Index

Certain advantage of living in the United States is the daily contact with cultural diversity. Only during one walking I heard recently Slavic, Asian and, judging by the traditional attire, other Far Eastern languages.

Nearby streets are full of Vietnamese cosmetic salons. I still remember their clear overrepresentation from my student holidays in New York. Let me add here, that I've never seen before a man professionally delivering nails services!

In the Seattle Times newspaper 's column I read that the diversity index , which measures the probability of two people in a random place will differ based on race and ethnicity -  is in Bellevue very high at 58% (58 out of 100 point scale). It's even a couple of points higher than in the neighboring and much larger Seattle.

In our vicinity there are especially a lot of Russians and Asians. Just a few days ago I met a young immigrant, coming  from  far Siberian Irkutsk. Many of them came to work for thriving IT sector. But not only. The only close  small grocery store is run by a couple of older Chinese people.

It was also nice to participate in the baby shower, which was attended by friends from Mexico. I also took part in class exercises with a friendly and hardworking Indian.

Diversity heritage may be also spotted next to Bellevue’s 

public library. It is demonstrated in Ghandi’s monument, being a result of the cooperation between local authorities and official associations representing India.

Ethnic minorities have always been a intrinsic part of American society. From my observations , the multi - culti model works here without serious problems.

I have already discussed the fact that in the U.S. it is unlawful to discriminate against lack of English language knowledge.  In labor law, there are strict rules prohibiting discrimination on grounds of race.

This week American media commented broadly on the racist remarks made a well-known basketball team owner. Public opinion criticism and the consequences of the scandalous statements proved devastating for him.

Meanwhile, as I way of nourishing cultural diversity and my Polish identity, I am beginning this week volunteering at the Seattle Polish Association.

H.xx

                            

                                       

                                       

Bavarian Easter

I can honestly say that I feel as if I were spending Easter in Europe. This is because we are now in a village, which is famous not only for beautiful mountain surroundings, but also for its quite unexpected Bavarian-like architecture. Better yet, it is only a two hour drive from Seattle.

One can eat here typical German dishes, however food connoisseurs can enjoy anything from savory crepes to delicious authentic Danish. It is not difficult to spot Wilkommen signs around; waiters are often dressed in Lederhosen or other Bavarian costumes.

From the city hall’s website, I learned that the complete makeover of Leavenworth  was a last gasp effort to save the region; the gamble paid off.  Each year, over 2 million tourists vist the region. Interestingly enough, Austrian tourists outnumber Germans.

In October, they can participate in the local version of the Oktorberfest festival . Some time ago, Good Morning America featured the Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Local displays are not abundant in Easter motifs.  Maybe because in the U.S., simple  Easter egg hunts  are more popular. I did however see figures of Mickey Mouse and Star Wars characters for sale. If needed, gifts from Russia also lure customers.

I must admit  that I haven’t Christened the traditional Easter basket . I was almost certain it will be doable when I saw a Catholic church, right next to our pension. Unfortunately, it turned out that it is closed and now serves as a interior for guest rooms. 

Our Sunday breakfast will unfortunately not include homemade tartar sauce, but we do have with us Polish horseradish.  In the afternoon we will start preparing pisanki.

Tomorrow night we will already be heading back to Bellevue. For Americans, Easter Monday is not a day off. Nevertheless, I will try to discreetly remind Dean why in Poland it is called Lany Poniedziałek…

Dear Readers , I wish you all colorful , tasty and sunny Easter! :) Frohen Ostern!

H.

                                      

Polish version and more photos!

Mudslide in Oso

The very same day that my Dad arrived, a huge landslide north of Seattle swept away dozens of homes in the small town of Oso. They disappeared from the earth’s surface in just a few seconds. Everyday newspapers showed photos of the fatalities.

In addition to the scale of the devastation, I was surprised by two facts:  first, apparently the tragedy could have been prevented. And second, unlike the way it would have been in Poland, there was no official mourning period. The governor, however, ordered a minute of silence to commemorate the victims.

I learned that in the United States official mourning is rarely proclaimed. The last time, it was imposed on a national scale was after the shooting at Fort Hood military base in 2009. Perhaps we may this this happen again.

The absence of such a decree did not discourage residents from voluntarily showing their support. In one of the press pictures of the landslide, I noticed a half –mast American flag. I later read that it had been found in the mud.

Private citizens in a gesture of solidarity have organized local events, such as concerts to raise money. Neighbors prepared meals for survivors and created small altars with flowers and candles. I also saw the information about joint praying vigils. As part of the official Washington’s month of poetry, one can also submit entries supporting those affected by the disaster.

And another community initiative: during the press conference, representatives of the well-known Indian tribe Snoqualmie offered a large donation to their distant neighbors. We are all mountain folk, and mountain folk stick together - donors commented on their generous gesture.

A few days ago, President Obama called the landslide as a major disaster. This declaration allows families to qualify for the receipt of government assistance.

Seeing in the news every day, how volunteers offered to search the devastated area, one can be assured that the local authorities and neighbors will not abandon the community of Oso.
                                                 

H. 
Ps. 22th of April President Obama came to see the mudslide in Oso.He found personal time with the victims families. He also reassured that the government help is promised. This is..what America is all about. When times get tough, we look out for each other.We get each other's back. And we recover, and we build, and we come back stronger- were some of President's words of support.