g'day

Hello all.  I am alive and well, doing the study thing.  Last weekend was fun at Czekolada, the club we always go to.  I'm still amazed at how late things get going here.  I was pressured into going out (glad I gave in) at about 12.. we got to the place and it was pretty dead.  We thought a lot of our friends were going to be there then everyone showed up and by about 3am the place was crazy.  Great time had by all.  Saturday I went to dinner with Maja, Jackie and Valerie.  We ended up staying for about 6 hours talking, fun and very relaxing night.  Sunday was spent mostly studying then Ola and I went to Fil's and made some breaded chicken strips, salad (avocado, tomato, bell peppers), and mashed potatoes while watching football.  Great night!  Crazy games the other night, the Pats lost and the Lakers lost to the Clippers, at least the Ducks won!

Today I spent about 9 hours at the library getting through a bunch of material.  We have some tests coming up and people are beginning to scramble.

There is no more snow as it's been about 40 degrees for a couple weeks now.  I'm sure it will snow again soon.  Nothing too much else to report.  I hope everyone is well.

Tuesday

Been busy, especially today.  Had anatomy and Polish class til this evening.  I mixed in a little gym and threw some food together.  I'm supposed to go to the library to teach some Norwegian girls anatomy.  I got a new membership to the gym for 300zl.  Not too bad.  I read in my phrase book how to say month, I forgot that from class.  I entered and said hello I'd like 3 months please and he said skad jestes (where am I from)  I answered jestem z amerykii.  He asked again because he wasn't sure what I said so I answered again the same.  He then asked in English where I was from and I said America.  He thought I was Polish and heard me correctly but thought I didn't hear him because he didn't think I was American.  He said my Polish was really well and he thought all this time (3 months of going to that particular gym) that I was Polish.  He said I looked European.  We then had a nice conversation in English.  He asked what I thought of Polish people.  I said they were really nice and other things and he said that most Polish people think that they come off as very cold.  I agreed, but I wasn't about to tell this huge Polish guy that initially.  It was a nice complement that I didn't stand out too much and it makes sense that people speak to me often in Polish and are surprised that I don't understand them.

My new warm clothes are awesome, along with the coffee maker, cutting board, pot/pans, hot sauce, etc etc..

Dinner is over, must head to the library.

<3

So stoked for my sister Amy who is having a GREAT time in Italy!

First Class Back

We had Polish class yesterday.  Kind of strange getting back in the swing of things, especially Polish because I haven't spoken it for a few weeks.  Here is a video my teacher sent us about Poland, it's pretty cool but long.  33 Minutes in they travel to Poznan for a bit.

http://www.vbs.tv/en-pl/watch/from-poland-with-love/from-poland-with-love-full-length

After Polish I had biophysics, which went pretty well.  I was glad to finish my 3 weeks with this certain lady who has epically difficult quizzes.  Following biofyzika, we went to a restaurant Sphinx.  It has half off student deals on Friday.  Many Norwegians like to Hashish so I agreed to join them at this really cool underground bar near the Stary Rynek.

We then ordered pizza late at night and listened to some pretty wild old school music.

Today, I'm going to go to the gym so I don't have to do PE this week then probably head to the library!

Sphinx (Osbjorn and Baard yes 2 a's)

Hooka

Ozzy Maja Valarie

Back in the POZ

Sorry for the lack of blogging the past month.  It was quite busy with tests then traveling back to the states. I won't update you on much of the break because I saw pretty much all of you.  The flight back wasn't too bad.  I flew for about 13 hours and had about 10 hours of layovers.  Kind of weak, but my luggage made it here safely.  I was worried because one of the flights was cancelled so I needed to go to Munich then to Poz instead of straight there from Frankfurt.  I had about half clothes and half necessary items like hot sauce, ranch dressing, a pot, etc.  It was quite funny watching my mom and I repack my luggage into 2 bags to even out the weight.  

When I was home it was great seeing the Contreras' and spending an extra few days with my cousin Mike. Unfortunately my beloved Grandfather Bill passed away, but fortunately I was home to partake in the service.  Christmas was also great with spending time with the Contreras' and my family.  I got a bunch of warm clothes!  Much of the other time was spent with friends.  My mom and I did mix in a ducks game and I hate to say it but I think I am good luck as the 2 games I went to they were largely victorious.  

My mom and I at the game against the Flyers

I was stoked to see SO many Lindros #88 Jerseys 

Upon my arrival my lovely sister had a funny sign for me.  Timek, my pseudo-polish name.  

I also wanted to comment on my sister being in Italy at the moment.  She is there for 3 weeks with a professor and students and will learn of culture and art among other things.  I'm so proud of you!  

Today I will head to the P i P and get some groceries then go to the library to get ready for biophysics tomorrow.  Fortunately yesterday during my many hours of layovers, I was able to study quite a bit!

I'll try to keep this blog active every couple days.

History

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Quld5950v6w

I encourage you all to watch this short video on Polish history.

Timek

I found out that my Polish name would most likely be Timek.  Neither Tim nor Timothy are Polish names but my teacher said it would be Timek since Tomek is a common Polish abbreviated name for Thomas.  It has been cold.  My sister just informed me that 30 people have died due to the freezing temperatures here in Polska.  I do have to wear 3 sweatshirts in order to NOT become the 31st person.  The snow has made the city pretty 'cool' looking the last few days.  Here are some random photos.

On our walk to the tram to go to biophysics.

The tram lines where we get on No. 13 to head into town.  

Biophysics

The park in front of biophys

This weekend will consist of studying for embryology, histology, and some chemistry.  Enjoy the warmth Californians.

More Snow

It snowed like crazy last night and into today.  Pretty cool actually.  Lech Poznan played Juventus yesterday and the game was postponed for a while because it was too cold.  According to UEFA, it is unsafe to play in -18 C weather so they waited until it was -16 C to play.  Lech tied Junventus 1-1.  At halftime they had to change the ball they used as the white one was getting lost in the snow.  

Last night's snowfall

The 2nd half soccer ball.  

The beginning of the game

The end of the game 

Walking to class was pretty cool.  We were the first batch of people making their way through the snow. Many places had a single small track to follow.  Other places had footsteps you had to step in to keep the feet/shoes somewhat dry.  

Today I will study quite a bit, again.