Taxi!

The day started with jumping in a taxi and ended played with a taxi. We have finally departed from Warsaw- a sense of relief. It is abundantly clear that inner city apartment living is not good for our family dynamics. After hopping into a taxi (just ask Michael about this :)) and via rail we travel north to Wloclawek to meet with Michael's family. A lovely couple Ella and Wlowek who have a backyard as big as ours. To our collective delight we are also introduced to a 2 year old chocolate labrador TAXI who reminds us of who we have left at home :(. She is beautiful and after a relaxed afternoon and evening Michael and I agree that we really love living with "dog" people they (we) are really a different breed, happy to go with the flow!

Felix tells Marta how he was a small egg

Tonight we caught up with old friends Marta and Peter for dinner. We enjoyed a wonderful summer evening at their garden 10 km from the centre of Warsaw. They have a block of land covered in fruit trees including a divine cherry trees complete with ripe plump juicy (YUMMY) cherries! Over the course of a picnic dinner conversation flowed as did the lovely white wine. From out at left field, in a matter of fact way, Felix described to Marta how he was an a very little egg before he was a boy. This egg grew into a baby in "Mama's" tummy and he popped out as a baby. I wish it had been that simple.

Montassori Kinder- Warsaw

On our first afternoon in Warsaw I randomly saw a sign avertising a montassori kinder just down the road from our accomadation. Lech rang for us that evening and arranged for us to visit with Felix the next day. I stayed with him for the morning until after lunch. I found the place really inviting and a beutiful space for children. I have always enjoyed reading about the phyliosophy of Montassori for childrens education and it now lovely to have Felix experience it first hand. Felix has enjoyed going each day and will continue to go for this entire week. He is still talking to everyone in English, although I did notice today there is a little more polish being spoken to Tata. One teacher who can talk to me in English remarked that he is very helpful and gentle with the children. Last Friday Felix apparently raved about his siter Matilda at the lunch table. The teacher said that is was a lovely expression of love unfortunaetly only it was only understood by Felix and herself.

Visit to see Mariusz

Paddling a Polish River

Impressions of Warsaw

We fly into Warsaw with the sun shining- a radical difference to wet cloudy London. Jumpers were quickly removed as we walked out of the aeroplane onto the tarmak. I think Felix and Matilda were relieved to only be on the airplane for 2.5 hrs rather than the 2 they had experienced 10 days earlier. Lech met us at the arrivals area and hailed a min-van taxi to take us to our accomadation. I forgot they drive on the RHS of the road. It feels a little back-to-front for the first 2 km. Warsaw is hot, sunny and in the thick of summer splendar a stark contrast to the Febuary 3003 experience last time.

Bubbenhall Visit

We traveled by train to to visit Uncle Philip and Sanna. After a claustrophobic week in London it was literally a breath of fresh air when arriving at their home. Felix and Matilda felt right at home, dogs Jess and Dora where immediately taken out to the wonderful Wendy house. We were fed so well. I don't think we will need to eat for a week. Aunt Elizabeth also arrived for lunch on the Saturday after which we went for a walk to the local park with the dogs. Felix and Matilda enjoyed the walk. Felix really enjoyed walking Dora, a nine month old "Westie", a perfect size for him to lead. After a week with an extremely limited toy supply (we even lost Matilda's only toy dolly "baba" on the flight) Philip and Sanna's house was a treasure trove of toy, books and activity surprises. The fresh air and the alcohol consumed meant that we all slept well in small very spongy beds. Sunday morning Felix and Matilda again enjoyed playing with Dora and a basket of naked "Barbies". We attended the Bubbenhall Church where Felix rang the bells cast 400 plus years ago. Thomas joined us for another very full lunch. A miniature railway ran rides in the afternoon, Felix managed to ride the steam and diesel engines with a permanent smile across his face.. Felix was extremely disappointed that we were to leave and return to London, pleading with us to just stay "another couple of long minutes more".