Life just keeps going.
In about two weeks I moved my life back from Poland to Belgium, and I’ve done my last exam here. For this year, at least. As soon as I settled down a little here, I had to start studying again. Let’s just say I jump from one thing into the other without catching a break. Right now, I’m working on my bachelor thesis as well – because that thing has to be finished as soon as possible, before I start working.
I’m one busy creature. Maybe it’s for the better, so I don’t get all too nostalgic to Poland. During the last weeks, I felt as if my life there had finally become the life I wanted to have there. Leaving that country was not something I was looking forward to. Things were going well, my Polish was improving, life looked good, but then I had to return home.
Which of course isn’t so bad either. I’m happy to see my family again, that’s for sure! And when I was at a cafe with friends, I had to admit that life in Belgium has its very, very good sides. The biggest downside is that everyone speaks Dutch. What am I doing here if I can’t improve my other languages? I’ve never felt so sure that I want to go to Russia. Despite all the effort and stress and waiting, I have to go to Russia. I want my Russian to become even more fluent than my Polish, and I know that it’s possible. Also, I know that after two months here, I will be longing to something different again.
I can notice that I have changed these past months. (Luckily – what is the point of doing something like this if you don’t notice any difference?) In short, I think it is independency. I don’t need people to feel at ease, I don’t need people to cook for me. It’s very much appreciated if I have them around, and having my parents helping me out is great, it’s awesome! But my point is, if they wouldn’t cook and wash and do stuff for me, I would be able to do it for myself. That is a great feeling. Also, try to impress me – I speak Polish and Russian and traveled on my own with two heavy suitcases to Poland. You won’t knock me off my feet all that easily!
If home is where your heart is, then I will have many homes. I think my heart will be shattered all over the world. I went to Poland and made it mine. A little piece of my heart is still there.
And that’s how I like it. These five months have made me more independent and more fluent in Polish, and at the same time they made Poland like a second home for me. It’s not always been easy and fun, but in the end it was worth the effort. This is an experience I will always carry with me.
Now who wants some pierogi!
No Blog Intended 
Michael Cargill
/ July 4, 2015This blog is where your home is!
You’re starting to sound like a wandering Hobbit; I may start getting all confused if I ever decide to watch Lord of the Rings again…
Good to hear from you again, NBI.
No Blog Intended
/ July 4, 2015And good to hear from you! What have you been up to lately?
Michael Cargill
/ July 4, 2015Erm, not a huge amount if I’m honest.
I’m currently working my way through what I believe is the final short story for the short story collection that I’ll be publishing later on this year.
Outside of work, I’ve been enjoying the tennis and the Women’s World Cup which England did surprisingly well in!
Hockey has also kept me entertained recently – Belgium and England drew 2-2-2 last weekend in a thrilling encounter.
No Blog Intended
/ July 5, 2015You’re on a roll with writing, aren’t you? All the publishing – that’s great.
Hockey is something I would like to watch live someday, but so far I haven’t done that! I’m currently watching some program about the Tour de France. Are you following that as well?
El Guapo
/ July 5, 2015Sounds like travel really is broadening your horizons. Here’s to the next country you make your own!
Are there any Polish or Russian societies in your part of Belgium? If they do lectures or hangouts, it might be a good place to keep your skills sharp…
No Blog Intended
/ July 5, 2015There should be, and I think I should try to find them. Next to that there’s always the Internets and that helps as well of course! Also, I’m staying in touch with some Polish friends, which is nice as well ๐
Osyth
/ July 5, 2015You are so right that to enrich the spirit we need new experiences, new places, new people …. and it doesn’t always need to be easy. Here’s to getting you to Russia (I’m hoping to be there again later in the year – just Moscow for a week this time but spending time with some Russian scientists this last couple of days has ignited my need to be there again) – you definitely need to get there as soon as you can ๐
No Blog Intended
/ July 5, 2015Ohh I really really hope so! When I see what this experience has done with me, I’m sure that Russia will shape me even more as a person. I now feel that I want to see and more and more, and I think that that’s a good sign! ๐
Osyth
/ July 5, 2015There is no doubt in my mind that Russia will shape you, alter you and that you will feel different as you go forward. But in the best way. Not a fashionable view but the truth.
editalozovska
/ July 6, 2015Oh yes! Ja na pewno kilka pierogow bym chciala! ๐
Goodness, life is a learning curve – I am so proud of you! ๐
No Blog Intended
/ July 8, 2015Thank you! I’m a little proud of myself too ๐
To wybraj – z serem, ze szpinakiem, z miฤsem? Gotowane w patelni? To sฤ moje ulubione ^_^
Alissa
/ July 8, 2015I have only managed to scatter my heart and make a couple of homes all over my own country, and that feels hard enough for me. I’ll never be able to live somewhere and feel whole anymore.
The practical side of the problem… I have my possesions in three different places in two cities. In sudden need of something? Bet it’s three-hour journey away.
Congratulations to your self-confidence! ๐
No Blog Intended
/ July 9, 2015It has its up and down sides! But in the end I think it’s good to have a broader perspective by living in different places. And the practical side is definitely verrrry practical ๐