45 Kopernika Steet

32-569 Płock

12th April 2006

Dear Adam

Thank you for your letter. I'm very glad that you've laready sterted to adjust to new place and people. I know you're not happy about moving to a small town, however you shouldn't be biased. Believe me, life in a small town has many advantages; I know what I'm saying since, as you know, before I moved to Warszawa I spent many years in a small town, where I was born and where I grew up. Therefore I can take an objective look at both places.

I think that the difference betwen a town and a city is as striking as the difference between day and night.It's not only the lifestyle that is different but also the people, the relationship between them, their hierarchy of values and the quality of life in general.

First of all, in a metropolis life is very busy. You don't notice the flow of time because you're occupied all day long. You get up early in the morning, have quick breakfast, go to work and come back home usually in the evening. You settle into a groove and even don't realize that there's more to life than just work. You become involved in a rat race and you must keep the pace, not to allow other people be better than you. You become so blinded by the desire for power and success that you stop noticing the beauty of the world around you and the pleasures of the daily life. In big cities the sense of community is lost, people often don't know who their neighbours are. And think about the streets of a metropolis-noisy, always crowded with cars and polluted with exhaust fumes. And don't forget about all the dangers of city life; car accidents, violence, robbery and murders.

The inhabitants of a small towns are, on the other hand, warm and friendly to each other. Therefore, the sense of comunity is very strong there. Happiness is determined there not by your income but by your enjoyment of life. People there know how to find pleasure in the most usual elements of their daily life and success isn't measured by the progress of your career. Life in small towns is not only peaceful but also much healthier. The air is clean and fresh and industrial pollution hasn't spoilt the beauty of the landscapes yet. In such tranquil environment it's easier to regain your physical balance and peace of mind.

Adam, I'm sure you'll appreciate life in a small town. You just need some time to get used to new conditions and environment.

I'm looking forward to hearing from you soon. I hope your next letter will be more optimistic.

Best wishes

Joanna