Traveller Living in Toronto

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Warsaw:

April 8, 2008. Off to Warsaw - my first venture into the middle part of Europe. I had been to the south, ventured into Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, and France - some places several times. My idea of Poland was from images I had seen on TV when Solidarity was making strides against the Soviet Union. It is difficult for me to believe that was almost 20 years ago.

Anyway, I had a conference at which I was to present a paper on my project in Kenya. KLM got me there efficiently and with grace, something I can not say for most the North American airlines. I tried the bit about not sleeping until evening but I could not hold off in the evening so went to bed. I slept soundly but knew I had a presentation to make at 9. That was 3 a.m. back home. AND I felt it.

The Holiday Inn was pleasant - the breakfasts excellent. The Intercontinental was a good facility for the conference and the lunches (buffet) were excellent and it gave me a chance to try Polish foods.

I slept, attended sessions, and graded papers. I skipped sessions on Saturday to walk for about 3 1/2 hours to the Old Town and through some of the parks. I also had time to visit the modernistic mall across the street from the Holiday Inn since the food court was much cheaper than buying hotel food.

It rained only briefly during the day that I took my walk. Two mornings however, it was wet when I got up so it rained overnight. How nice of the weather to cooperate.

I was Impressed by the modern cars, the construction, the similarity of stores in the mall to stores in Manila, Singapore, Toronto and elsewhere. Sometimes going to Old Town where the stores are small and family owned is much more interesting. I do not shop at those world chains at home so why should I there?

As an academic, I got ideas for future research. That was the prize of going there.

All-in-all one really short trip which threw off my sleep pattern completely but a wonderful experience which I would do again. ¶ 10:08 AM

As a professional economist, there are many comments I can make about work but my private life as a formerly married man might be of interest as well. I look for feedback at djinasia@gmail.com. As a traveller, there are times when I will do a travelogue which for me is of great interest. As a spiritual person who has tried many denominations (and who finds good and bad in each) I have insights into my spirit and where I might be on such deep issues.