January 3, 2006 -First 2006 Blog

It is now January 3, 2006 and we are back in Goldap. New Year’s was an enjoyable party and with fireworks, drinking, eating and dancing. Reflecting upon this party versus that of two years ago, my overwhelming sentiment is that capitalism has really settled in over the last 2 years. 2 Years ago I was a great novelty being from the U.S. Now that you can get everything in that you can get in the U.S. in Poland, people aren’t as interested. There were a few of the 50 or so people at the party who talked behind my back but for the most part people were very friendly. Also, the still love to smoke! Because of road conditions, we were forced to stay an extra day at the New Year’s Eve house. I spent the majority of the day by myself in our bedroom because it was just to smokey downstairs. I could hear the stereo blasting through the thin wood walls which stopped me from studying or reading. On the bright side, I now know all of Michael Jackson’s songs by heart. The town was very small (we’re talking probably 50 people) so there wasn’t much to do. Additionally, I didn’t know the area and had no running shoes so I was eager to leave when we did.

Filip let me drive his Mercedes all the way to Goldap. What a great car! I think one needs to drive on small European roads to fully appreciate the performance of a car like that. The trip of 93 miles took about 4 hours although snowy conditions were primarily to blame. Driving into Goldap ( a town of 16,000 people in case I failed to mention that earlier) felt like entering a big city. I was so happy to finally get to Oliwia’s parent’s house.

The experience has taught Oliwia and I a lot about ourselves. Even though her family goes out of their way to help us, we are at an age where we would like to be in more control of our itinerary. Next time, we plan to rent a car and visit people around their schedules in contrast to them arranging everything for us. This will also enable us to travel to some other areas that we haven’t seen before. Please understand that Oliwia has a GREAT family. It is hard for people to give up independence and rely upon others in much the same way it was difficult for her parents when they visited us in Utah.

Today is Lucyna’s birthday. Earlier we went to town to look for some gifts. We bought her some flowers and a web-cam so that they can see us in addition to talking to us on Sunday mornings. The table is set elegantly as a few people will be coming over for a small celebration this evening. Of note in Goldap is that the many of the stores are closed for inventory. It is quite interesting that in the middle of the day when businesses would do the majority of their sales, they are closed. Also, and unrelated, on the walk into town, a drunk man threatened to beat me up for looking at him. Not a big deal at all but a reminder that alcoholism is still present much as it is in the U.S.

Well, that should bring everyone up to date. Weather permitting, we’ll be in Salt Lake in 5 days. It is painful for me to watch the ever-increasing snow totals at Alta. Please leave a line or two for me!