Cracow
23rd September, 2003
Dear Mary
I'm very sorry I haven't written for so long but I was really very busy after moving from Brighton to Cracow. Now, that we've finally settled in, I have some time to describe you all the changes we've experienced recently.
Cracow is a big and beautiful city on the Vistula River, in the south of Poland. We live in a comfortable apartment with a terrace, in a block of flats in a modern housing estate, close to the city-centre. My first impressions concerning Poles are very positive. I think they are very friendly and kind people, our neighbors helped us a lot when we were moving house. And I've already made friends with two girls living next door. They are called Kasia and Asia and they speak English very well. Last weekend, I went with them sightseeing. They showed me the most important places in the city. I love the Market Square, it's awesome! It's so lively and busy with crowds of tourists and various artists who sing, dance or play various instruments there. I also like Kazimierz which used to be a Jewish district of the city. Today, it's famous for its many cafes and pubs.
One thing that my parents absolutely hate about Poland is driving. They still haven't used to driving on the right and they choose public transport instead of going to work by car. My dad complains a lot about the condition of Polish roads-believe me, they're absolutely terrible. You can't drive very fast here because, actually, there are no motorways! And there are many holes in the roads so you must be very careful not to damage your care or not to cause an accident.
We all love Polish food-it's delicious and very healthy. My dad is crazy about pierogi and bigos (you'll know what they are when you visit me and try the dishes yourself) and my mum has been learning to cook them but, unfortunately, she isn't very successful. Our neighbor, Mrs. Marzenka, is trying to help her and gives her a lot of advice but my mum dishes don't even resemble Polish pierogi.
That's all from me know. I hope you'll visit me next summer-maybe my mum will have learnt to cook Polish meals by then.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you soon. Give my best wishes to your parents.
Lots of love
Pat
XXX
