DIARY OF A TOURIST, WHO HAS VISITED A FAIRYTALE
Day 1. The point of destination №1 – Ancient city of Przemyśl
It was the matter of fortune, that we had not so much time for exploring the eastern city, which is the border between two grand lands. Anyway this time was enough for Przemyśl to leave its impressions not only in our memories, but somewhere deeper as well. How many times in life you will see excellent architecture of ancient cities, you will never stop fascinating it. And Przemyśl is not an exception. Walking down the streets of such cities as this one, you feel, that you are neither here nor in this century. You are maybe in 19th or even in 18th century. Moreover, it is kind of strange to see all of these modern people! There are plenty of historical places in the city, especially in the area of an ancient part of the city as well as on market square. The city could be called a “monument-city”, because of its past, which flows into the everlasting, into the history. But the other city was named like this later.
The point of destination №2 - Małe Ciche
In translation from polish the name of the city means “small and quiet”. And it is really so. This small and beautiful town became the second home for the period of my stay in Poland. I felt charmed me with its beauty and surrounded with its warmth there. But what new and important I have opened for myself were the people, who welcomed us with kind hearts and lovely tender eyes. During the period of stay in their house I was treated like an old friend, who is always welcome in this house. And there are not enough words to describe how delicious they cook! Every day we could try and enjoy the dishes of polish cuisine.
Day 2. The point of destination is Velichka. At a depth of 50 storeys.
Have anybody dreamed to visit a fairytale, when he was a child? I suppose, that a lot of people have dreamed about that. I can assure you, that there is such a place and not so far away! In Velichka your dream comes true and it will cost approximately 50 zloty (monetary unit of Poland). Inside this salt mine there are exciting corridors, which are 200 km long, varied chambers, majestic sculptures, each of them has its interesting and fabulous history and a lot of other places. While inhaling this air you will understand, that you have never breathed in such pure air before. In addition, a nice and friendly tour guide will promise you, that after this salt mine tour, the life is prolonged for a day. So that means, that for 50 zloty you can buy not only a ticket into a fairytale, but to prolong your life! It is beautiful, isn’t it?
Day 3. The point of destination is Krakow – A dream city
If you remember, in the beginning of my story I have mentioned a city, where the past flows into the everlasting. It is time to open the secret. This city is Krakow. When you first arrive there, you get an impression, that it is a proud town. And it is not without a reason. The city is proud of its majestic beauty and while walking around the city, you start to understand this proud, power and greatness. You should deserve this walk around the city. But it is only at the first sight. When you come here the second time, it is more opened, welcoming and communicable. The city seems to be more pleasant, friendlier. Each street greets you, it like calls you: “Come, walk around here! You will not regret!” And it is really great there. The streets are full of small cafes with its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Krakow is famous because of its proud monuments. I had such an impression after visiting Vavel, an impregnable fortress, that frightened me with its size. You have a strange feeling there, like a spirit of its owner still lives there and he is watching you and is happy, that you have visited him in this ordinary day. From one side I found myself frightened, from the other side I felt warmth.
Day 4. The point of destination is thermal waters. Pleasure and relaxation.
Not that far from Zakopane there are thermal waters, where you can relax and forget about all your life problems. I can describe this place only with one word, which is “relax”. The heart of this place is fabulous view on Tatra mountains, which are covered with snow. While you are sitting in spa and observe these picturesque mountains, you understand, that life is beautiful and it is important to live each moment with a beat of your heart.
Day 5. The point of destination is Kasprowy Wierch
This day stuck in my memory. It was the day, which presented me the feelings, which I have never felt before. I tried to remember and to feel each second of this day and I did not want to let it go. In this very day I have walked the way from earth to heaven.
Kasprowy Wierch is one of the tops in Western Tatra. The mountain is 1987 meters high. If you get a chance to climb this mountain, do not miss it, because you will regret it later. Maybe you will be scared of 3 hours climbing to the top. Anyway if these 3 hours will be not that easy, do not give up and this way will become your life; and your eyes will never forget, what they have seen. To feel squeaky snow under your feet is pleasant and chill, because it is +25 degrees outside. These impressions are unforgettable. To be surrounded with mountains covered with snow and to observe this beauty are unforgettable impressions. To be able to see the snow covered mountain tops, and to feel your heart beating faster – these are incredible feelings. And the most important thing is to conquer this road, to find courage in yourself and this mountain – these are impressions, for which you should live. On the top you will see that, what you have struggled for. Just try! You will surely do not regret about this!
Day 6. The point of destination – Krakow. Farewell day.
The last day of our stay we have spent in one of the most antique hotels of Krakow, which was so comfortable and welcome as the city itself. During the last rainy day we have walked along romantic streets of Krakow, which smelt of warm rain, than we had a cup of coffee in one of the coffee houses and said goodbye to the city with a smile on our faces. Who knows if that was a rain or maybe the tears – it is the secret. While sitting in the café and watching rain drops falling on the stone-block pavement of the Market Square I have promised to myself, that one day I will come back.
I would like to say thanks to the General Consul of Ukraine in Kyiv Rafal Voloskyi and the whole Consular department for their help and work. Without all these people we could not imagine such a dreamlike journey. And once more individual gratitude to Ievgenii Polochek, the President of Healthy way of life Community in Katowice for the welcome and friendly atmosphere, we have met in Poland.
Anna Kovalenko
Student of Journalism Institute at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
