Mom R. has been visiting for the past couple of weeks. We were so happy that she was able to come for Easter again this year, but the weather has been the pits! It started snowing the day she flew in and kept snowing off and on for the first whole week. Yuk! It looked pretty, but was too cold to go out and do much in. We had one nice day the next week and have been rained and drizzled on ever since. But no self-respecting Polish pottery aficinado would let something as insignificant as horrible weather prevent her from making a run to Poland, so off we went! We spent the night at our usual stop, the Elim Christian Center, affectionately called "The Mission". The Mission is centered in an old palace built in the 1500's by a German nobleman.
It had fallen into near complete disrepair and was purchased several years ago by a Christian mission organization. Volunteers have spent countless hours and money slowly working to transform the building into a viable retreat center. The hosts are wonderful and we always enjoy visiting with them. Spending time in such a poverty stricken country is always eye-opening. We have so much! And take most of it for granted. But due to the skyrocketing prices of the pottery, Mom and I did our best to help the local economy. :) I was stunned by how much prices have increased in the 5 months since I was over there with my Mom. I'm not sure if I'll be able to continue shopping like I'd hoped to; it's no longer the bargain it used to be, but I just love the stuff!
On our way to the factories we stopped to explore one of the local cemeteries. I was so saddened by the neglect and obvious poverty. Rusty, slipshod iron crosses and toppled grave stones on the few marked graves. By contrast, the cemetery in the next little town is always well tended and bedecked in colorful flowers. I've passed this cemetery on every trip and am surprised each time by the explosion of color. Poland is definitely a country of contrasts. If anyone is looking for some Polish pottery, let me know soon, before it's no longer worth it to make the trip! Better yet, come over and we can go together! :)
It had fallen into near complete disrepair and was purchased several years ago by a Christian mission organization. Volunteers have spent countless hours and money slowly working to transform the building into a viable retreat center. The hosts are wonderful and we always enjoy visiting with them. Spending time in such a poverty stricken country is always eye-opening. We have so much! And take most of it for granted. But due to the skyrocketing prices of the pottery, Mom and I did our best to help the local economy. :) I was stunned by how much prices have increased in the 5 months since I was over there with my Mom. I'm not sure if I'll be able to continue shopping like I'd hoped to; it's no longer the bargain it used to be, but I just love the stuff! 
On our way to the factories we stopped to explore one of the local cemeteries. I was so saddened by the neglect and obvious poverty. Rusty, slipshod iron crosses and toppled grave stones on the few marked graves. By contrast, the cemetery in the next little town is always well tended and bedecked in colorful flowers. I've passed this cemetery on every trip and am surprised each time by the explosion of color. Poland is definitely a country of contrasts. If anyone is looking for some Polish pottery, let me know soon, before it's no longer worth it to make the trip! Better yet, come over and we can go together! :)
2 comments:
How did I miss this post?!?!
Just want to chime in to say that I *LOVE* my mug & daily, drink several cups of my "Mama's Milk" tea out of it & lovingly think of you, my friend!!
Thank you once again!
I'm planning on doing all I can to stimulate the economy as well - so I'm thankful that Mom R has begun to prime the well for me!
:)
Yes, and Amen -- never enough of the stuff -- at least I can find it here in TJMaxx. BUT it's NO WHERE near the same as experiencing it in person. Oh....I think I'm *finally* over the trauma of the time we drove it with the glum sisters. A trip to Waechtersbach would be in order as well. I still have my hunter green luncheon plates and large mugs!
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