The End; thus, a New Beginning.

Just as the speed of light so was my stay in Poland as an Erasmus student and intern. As days turned to weeks, so did weeks turned to months; and finally a start came to a finish. Moments in Katowice felt so good that the thoughts of it's end saddened me :(. This arose a question in me, Why do good things come to an end?. 

Katowice: The city of gardens.

Placki po węgiersku

Katowice, the aspiring city of gardens creates a brilliant platform with superb integration of education, fun, friends and community for the beautiful minds. My time in Katowice was terrific; from trying new things (ice skating, paint ball, go kart...), to eating new scrumptious food (placki po węgiersku, gołąbki, flaczki, żurek śląski, kiełbasa, fasolka po bretońsku...), to drinking new piwos and Wódkas (Tyskie, Lech, Żubr, Żubrówka,  Luksusowa...), to learning new things (polish language, blog writing...), and above all making new priceless friendship (Bulgarians, Colombians, Czech, French, Germans, Hungarian, Poles, Portuguese, Romanians, Spanish, Turkish...).

My internship at the international promotion office of the University of Economics in katowice was a rewarding moment; right from developing my communication skills, to event management, presentation skills got much more effective, creativity development, advertising exposure, making valuable career contacts and many more. To the international promotion team (Iza, Edyta, Kasia, Magda 1, Magda 2, Marek, co-interns and a host of others), I want to say a big THANK YOU for giving me an opportunity to work with you and also creating a comfortable environment. You guys are simply the best! ;)

Getting back to Finland seems pretty strange. I am finding it difficult to get back into the Finnish system for example; the language, I find myself speaking polish to people around me and in return I get a weird look. Another issue is food, I don't see myself eating the Finnish sausages any more, after I have tasted the best so far in Poland. For that reason, I had a stock of Polish kiełbasa (sausages) on my return to Finland. Nonetheless, it feels good to be back seeing old friends and those I can call my family. :)

I'm looking forward to the autumn semester at Savonia University of Applied Sciences Varkaus, which is the time to grab the BBA :). Now I can say; good things come to an end for better things to begin.
  

Episode 4: Silesia Days 2011

After several weeks of preparation for the highly anticipated Silesia Days 2011, it finally came to a successful end. The International promotion team of the University in collaboration with the Erasmus Student Network strategically organised an awesome weekend in Silesia region of Poland for International students from all over Poland. 

This event focuses on the exposure of the priceless (undiluted) opportunities that exist within the region. Opportunities such as; quality education, rich culture, business opportunities, employment in multinational companies, recreational spots and many more.

The four days event attracted many international students from Universities all over Poland. The first day began with arrival of students to the dormitory in Katowice, followed by an integration dinner and party. 

Although I wasn't available for the Integration dinner, I guessed everyone had a great time looking at their faces.

Nevertheless, I participated fully on the Day 2 of the Silesia Days. On the second day was the Conference day which had speakers from the Marshal office of Silesian Province, European Capital of Culture Katowice 2016 and ex-Erasmus students. 

They call us ex-Erasmus students but personally I don't see myself as an "ex" because the ERASMUS spirit just never leaves you. I'm proud to be one and always would be. 

Me giving a presentation on "How Erasmus changed my life!"

The second day was rounded off with a trip to the brewery to taste one of the freshest beer (Tyskie) in Europe  and afterwards a funky bus party just made our night spectacular. The Silesia Days programme continued on the 3rd day with Extreme Economics.

After all the challenges they came out to be the BEST!

Finally, the 4 days event was concluded with a trip to the Coal Mine and a typical scrumptious Silesian dinner. This annual event has experienced rapid growth since the past few years it has been in existence. Kudos to the brain behind this event, we international students appreciate it and look forward to staying/coming back to Katowice or any other place within the region.

Ps. Silesia is the most auspicious region in Poland. 

Here is a short video clip from Silesia Days 2011:

For more photos, click here: Silesia Days 2011

Facts about Poland (Silesia Region)

Did you know

Poland is the eight most populous country in Europe, sharing it's border with Russia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Germany.

Did you know

The lyrics of the famous song New Year’s Day by U2 refer to the movement for solidarity led by Lech Wałęsa in Poland. U2 has played two concerts in Silesia (in 2005 and 2009) at the Silesian stadium in Chorzów.

Did you know
Poles are one of the most hospitable people in the universe. 

Did you know
Carp is one of the most traditional Polish Christmas Eve dishes.

Did you know
Soups are the most frequent polish meals.

Did you know
Since 15th November 2010 smoking is totally prohibited in public places in Poland.

Did you know
The Radio Tower in Gliwice is nicknamed "the Silesian Eiffel Tower".

Gliwice Radio Tower - by Andrzej Jarczewski

 

Did you know
The University of Economics in Katowice is the oldest economic institution in the region.

University of Economics in Katowice

Did you know
The two biggest beer producers in Poland are located in Silesia.

Did you know
Poland and Ukraine are the organizers of the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship.

EURO 2012

Did you know
Polish actress Izabella Scorupco was the girl of James Bond in Golden Eye.

Did you know
Katowice is one of the 6 cities that qualified for the final of European Capital of Culture 2016.

Did you know
A polite way of calling someone stupid is saying "Blondie".

Did you know
All Polish banknotes have Polish kings on them.

Did you know 

There is a flying saucer in Katowice.

Flying saucer in Katowice

Did you know
ESN – Erasmus Student Network represents international students under the principle of “students helping students”.

ESN logo

Did you know
Modern-day strongman legend Mariusz Pudzianowski from Poland has won more World’s Strongest Man competitions than anyone else in history.

Did you know
Silesia Days is one of the biggest student events in the region which is held once a year in May. The event attracts international students from all over Poland. For this year, the event will be held between 19th - 22nd of May.

http://www.esn.ue.katowice.pl/silesiadays/ 

Did you know

Dreams come true in Katowice.

Dreams are made real.

Easter in Poland

Easter is yet another spectacular celebration around here. I have witnessed it in Nigeria, in Finland but none has been like the rich cultural heritage combined with this special Christian festival in Poland. Although some similarities may be found in some other Central European countries, the Polish culture still has it's unique influence on this highly recognised Christian commemoration.

Among many unique traditions is Święconka which can  be translated to "The Blessed Basket". According to my observations, the basket consist of several festive delicacies but the essential ones are;

• bread;
• meat;
• eggs (as a symbol of new life);
• and salt (as a symbol of preservation and strength). 

Easter Eggs

The basket is filled with the above listed food items amongst other items which is being packed and beautifully decorated. This basket is then taken forward to the Church on "Holy Saturday" (the Saturday before Easter Sunday) to be prayed upon by the Priest. After the basket has been sanctified, it is therefore regarded has been blessed and ready for consumption as breakfast on Easter Sunday. :)

A cake shaped like a lamb

On Easter Sunday morning, the family gathering at the dining table is another very important characteristic of the Easter festivity in Poland. I was opportune to share this joyous morning breakfast with Ania and her family. There we shared a little of every item from the blessed basket.

Another interesting ritual of the Polish tradition during the Easter festival is the Easter Monday. This day in Poland is regarded as "Wet Monday". A day which is specially set aside for boys to have fun in pouring water/perfume on girls usually till 12pm. This act of pouring water on girls is to wish them best of luck through the year.

I'm glad to be a part of this fascinating Polish traditions which makes my love for Poland grow stronger and stronger. Finally, I would like to kindly ask everyone that has read this article to please have a minute of silence for the victims of this celebration. :(....

...the poultry.       

Live...Love...Share (Nationwide pool party)

It's about half way gone into one of the most beautiful seasons, spring. And just before we know it, another year will pass by so quickly. It's amazing to see how growth rapidly takes place, how a child has turn into an adult and the next thing you know is how an adult has turn into a child. But still growth is beautiful, I see it in nature with the environment surrounded by the beauty of blooming flowers after a long cold winter.

Flowers bloom. Photo by me

Despite all that, this change has unfortunately affected many people out there causing bad state of health. One thing I know for sure is that, it's temporary! So please, if you are one of those who are terribly down physically or mentally...CHANGE is CERTAIN! 

Team Erasmus

There are many great opportunities out there that are in its simplest form if only you can open up your inner mind to accept it when it comes. An example is a recent event I took part in which made me do things I had never done before but made me see life from another perspective.

Well, I guess the picture says it all. I took part in a nationwide swimming competition. But I prefer to call it a nationwide pool party. This is because of the warm and fun-filled atmosphere at the swimming hall. Many Polish students in creatively designed costumes, you can see for yourselves:

 

 

 

Seeing the way polish students could humbly integrate with we foreign students is highly commendable. It was a great experience for the team of ERASMUS students from the University of Economics in Katowice. And finally, I would say these few words; Life is short! Live, Love, Share and take a leap of faith to participate in the little things that make life worth living!

 

Laser house to Ice rink

Life in Katowice could be much more exciting if you know the right places, move with the right set of people and finally utilize your spare time to it's max! So far in Katowice, I have been able to live my dreams and on the other hand I'm able to put my fears behind me.

Among many other interesting things I have tried during my stay here, is going to the laser house and trying Ice skating.

Laser Maze: Just like the film - ENTRAPMENT

The laser house (www.laserhouse.pl) is another kind of game world on it's own. If you have seen the science fiction TV series Star Trek, you will definitely understand what I mean. 

Despite the fact that the laser guns and other gadgets used looked really freaky, the game which lasted for 20mins (single round) was very stimulating.  The game is quite similar to paintball because they both have the same goal of shooting at the opponent in other to get points. A small group of ten people could easily get the game started.

And now speaking about Ice skating, I have lived in Finland for over two years now but never could I boldly get my legs into those scary looking Ice skating shoes. But finally, I have conquered my fear and not only did I try the shoes on, I have also skated. ;) And Yes, I skated like every professional on his/her first day on the Ice rink. :D  

Check out my Ice rink adventure below:  

One more language is GOLDEN

If only you speak all languages there is in this world, then this post is irrelevant to you. Better still you can leave a comment and share your experiences about either the motivating factor(s) for learning a new language or your learning process. That being said I would like to share the joy in learning a new language with you my cherished readers. ;)

As much as going to a different country (or even in the same country where different languages are spoken depending on the area you are in) from yours could be so much fun so are the challenges involved. Among other culture differences is the language, where you can either find it irritating or interesting to learn how to speak it. I have had the opportunity to be in two different countries (Finland & Poland) where the spoken language are clearly different from each other.

Numbers

Initially, getting to Finland I knew I had no other better way to survive the everyday life than to learn the Finnish language. In spite of the fact that English language is used for my degree programme, I still needed to learn one of the most difficult languages in the world. Moreover I had in mind that in other to get higher chances for a reputable job, I would need a very sound Finnish Language skills. Along my way there were difficulties, but still the learning process was very much fun. The act of learning "yksi, kaksi, Kolme,... one, two, three,..." again in the classroom felt so much relaxing and it brings back my childhood memories. And most importantly my finnish friends were always ready to teach me one or two new words every time we meet. These factors were very much motivating and I have since been eager to learn more of the language. 

But now I face a new challenge which is learning the Polish language. I must say the scary part of speaking the poilsh language is from its pronunciation. I can remember vividly the trouble I faced when I needed to pronounce the old name of my host University (Karol Adamiecki...). But now the learning process has been much fun for me and a way to bring smiles to the faces of the Polish people. Smiles on their faces in the sense that, I walked into a mini food shop (Monika Sklep, Monika's Shop) to buy some eggs. Usually I always point at the things I wanted to buy, but Unfortunately in "Monika's sklep, Monika's shop" they don't have the eggs placed on shleves that one could easily see them.

Monika Sklep

But now, I had no other choice than to begin a conversation in whichever way I could because I needed this eggs so badly. The conversation started "Dzien dorby! Good morning" I said, "dzien dobry, good morning" she replied...I tried to explain to her in English and also managed to give her descriptions of what I wanted but all to no avail :(. Then a light sparked in me, remembering that Ania has once thought me the name of one of my favourite breakfast dish. Then I went on to say "prosze jajecznica, scramble eggs please", the shop assitant couldn't help but laugh her head off after hearing me say that.

Eggs

 

Not to take too much of your time, I would like to conclude with 7 points why I think you should learn one more language, they are;
- Tool for facing the high speed in globalization,
- To enhance easy and better communication,
- To be accepted easily into a new environment,
- To show respect for other cultures,
- To attract people towards you,
- To put smiles on people's faces,
- To be able to express your love in the language of your future partner ;) (if applicable).    

The hidden truth about the Poles

"What do you think about the Polish people?" This is one of many questions I am frequently asked by Poles on a daily basis. Unfortunately, there is no word or sentence that I can specifically say which will perfectly describe my thoughts about the Poles. Nonetheless, I experienced three different scenarios in Katowice which I would love to share with you.

I have just left the city centre heading home by tram. It was a rush hour so the tram was quite crowded but I managed to get a seat and just like every other day, people gazed at me with amusement. On approaching the second tram stop, I suddenly noticed that majority of the commuters on the tram quickly alighted. Then I wondered what was going on. Before I could say Jack! Three Police vans with their sirens on arrived at the scene.

Surprisingly a larger crowd boarded the tram almost immediately but it was very obvious that they were not normal commuters. This group of people had similar shirts, scarf, hats and they were shouting furiously while banging the tram windows. Yes, they were angry (visiting team) football fans who had just lost a match. Knowing this I said to myself "What the hell am I doing on this tram?:(" with the knowledge that such football fans could be very violent, I felt like sinking into the seat.

To add insult to injury, I am an obvious foreigner. How worse could it get?:( Although the tram was being escorted by the Police, it still doesn't guarantee my safety. A few seconds later I heard a whisper "murzyn, murzyn" negro, negro...that says it all, I got their attention immediately. The tram became awkwardly silent while the closest guy to me began a conversation "Skąd jesteś?" where are you from?, I replied "Jestem z Nigerii" I'm from Nigeria. They were all amazed that I was able to understand and reply in polish language. Luckily for me, at this time I knew a few sentences ;).

The guy continued with the conversation in polish, but then I was lost and I replied "Nie rozumiem, I don't understand." But they were all so interested in having a conversation with me, so they had to ask one of them who could speak english to come over and help with translation. The conversation continued with many questions asked and also they told me how much they love the ex-Polish national team football player Emmanuel Olisadebe a Nigerian.

Hearing all these made me feel so relieved, seeing that my presence could make angry football fans stay calm (at least for a while :D) and willing to have a small talk. My second encounter was also on a tram but this time, it was a more cheerful experience. A man was seated with his little sister/daughter, little did I know that they were talking about me. The man spoke to me in polish but I did not understand much of what he said :( which was a pity. On getting to my tram stop the little girl ran towards me and pointed at my wrist. I didn't understand much but I rolled up my jacket sleeves, not until then that I could understand that she was  requesting for one of my wrist bands which I cheerfully gave to her.

Finally, the third experience is very fresh in my memory and it would forever last in my mind. This happened just last Saturday (5.3.2011) at a photo studio where I was to get an express passport photograph. There I met an old man, who gracefully welcomed me despite the fact that he is not the owner of the studio. He could only speak in polish but the owner of the studio helped with translations. The old man was very passionate about his speech telling me how much he loves Africa so much and also told me that he has a friend who is currently in Ghana and how much he would also love to visit Africa someday.

To round it off when I was about leaving, the man shook my hands firmly and kissed the back of my hand saying "Kocham Afryka, I love Africa". I was overwhelmed by his speech that I almost had tears in my eyes to hear one out of many say such about Africa. Having these three different experiences with the young, youth and old explains the compassion of the Poles.

Now, I would let you choose the right words or sentence to describe these poles. But there is one thing that is certain, katowice is a place where not only the University's staff are warm and kind hearted.      

I am sorry :(

Hello my faithful readers, firstly I would like to apologise for the long delay between my last post and now. I have been up and down facing some challenges on my career path which I needed to attend to urgently but bearing in mind that I will never abandon my friends out there.

I have got many heart-warming feedbacks from my frequent readers who left comments on my post and also those who contacted me personally to tell me how my writing has inspired them positively. Hearing all these comments is a source of joy to me to know that my postings has made a positive impact on my friends out there.

Therefore I would like to use this opportunity to say a "Big Thank You" to all those who took their priceless time to give me a feedback and also to those who patiently read my post but in one way or another couldn't leave a comment but I am hoping that someday I would get a feedback from you.

It has been a long time from Christmas till now during which quite many things have happened in Poland and even during my short visit to Finland. I promise to get started immediately with my latest postings.

 

My Christmas in Poland

...was as beautiful, bright and golden as this tree

 

The beauty of the Polish Christmas celebration can be seen not just only in the decorations on the streets,in shopping malls, or at homes. But most importantly in the Poles themselves with the warm and hospitable atmosphere they provide for everyone around them. 

It all started at the Christmas eve party organized by the Erasmus Student Network Chapter at the University of Economics in Katowice. A clever plan was made in the sharing of gifts among every exchange student. There was a secret ballot before the event whereby we randomly pick a person's name whom we would buy a Christmas gift.

As simple as it was it gave every student the chance for creative thinking and cheerful giving. Well the evening started out right with different entertainment by several nationals and the presentation of gifts by our "Erasmus Santa". The slightly low sound of Christmas carols played as a background music just complimented the beauty of our gathering.

The evening was completed with a buffet containing several tasty Polish Christmas dishes ;). Which I would definitely recommend you to try out. The evening turned out to be a great success and we all had a taste of the highly anticipated Polish Christmas tradition.

But as for me, my polish Christmas experience didn't just end yet! I was invited to share a traditional Christmas eve family dinner with Ania and her family. There I learnt about many more Polish Christmas traditions such as the candle light which is placed at the entrance of the house signifies that a stranger is welcome to have dinner with the household.

Also, everyone sitting at the table is obliged to try out a little of every food on the table. In addition the singing of carols is very essential and the shepherd mass in the Church is usually beautiful to witness. I had a golden moment with Ania's family and I felt much like I was at home although my polish language skills is still under construction :p, I fell in love with singing Christmas carols in polish :D.

Christmas in Poland, I would definitely try again and I mean again!!! :)