.

Lagos … usually people associate this name with Nigeria or France. Rarely they know that this is also a city in southern Portugal…  We went there with my friends just after our trips to Andalusia’s cities. We just realized that Lisbon is much more closer to Seville than Madrid and it would be lovely to go there as well. We didn’t want to pay for the highways, as they are pretty expensive in Portugal, that’s why we chose the costal way: Seville – Lagos – Sines – Lisbon – Sintra – Lisbon – Seville. And that trip was fantastic!!! :)

First we visited Lagos. The ancient city with 2 000 years of history located just at the rocky coast. Saying honestly – that was the city that made the biggest impression on me. All these views from Ponta de Piedade – breath-taking!! wonderful! I just couldn’t stop looking at these beautiful rocks, beaches, sky-blue water … I felt like a small child – I just ran as fast as I could – just to put my feet into this water; just to feel the sand under my feet; just to touch the biggest shells I’ve ever seen; just to climb a rock and see what is in the other side of it; just to close my eyes and breathe a fresh air, listen the most beautiful music of the sea and feel the wind on my face ;)) Unfortunately we didn’t have enough time to stay there for a longer time. We still had to pass a long way to Lisbon, that’s why – after good lunch at the top of a cliff – we moved forward.

I don’t want to write much things about Sines, as it is a very small port village and we didn’t spend much time there. From

there we moved to Lisbon. The view from the 25 April Bridge, that remind me the bridge from San Francisco – was awesome!!! That view will stay in my memories for a looong time. But I quickly noticed that Lisbon is really beautiful from a long distance, while from a short distance it’s not that wonderful. Mostly because of an old shabby and sometimes dirty buildings. But definitely – Lisbon is beautiful and there are many places to see there. We saw the Castle of Saint George – with a nice view on the whole city; Lisbon Cathedral – it was the most beautiful cathedral I’ve ever seen, because of it’s simplicity, no gold stuffs plus very spiritual music/prayers inside; Balem district with Balem Tower (from 16^th century in Gothic

style, the symbol of Lisbon, sooo elegant and classy, also UNESCO World Heritage), the Monument to Discoveries and Jeronimos Monastery (magnificent building, build in memory of Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India); Alfama – the oldest district in Lisbon with very narrow streets and old trams;  Gare do Oriente – very unique and very modern (I’ve never seen anything like that before ;)) railway station in modern part of Lsibon, in Expo side of the city. Lisbon is really magical, sometimes it reminded me Istanbul.

In the last day of our stay in Portugal we went to Sintra – 30km from Lisbon. Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 19^th century Romantic architecture. In this city I saw the most beautiful palace I’ve ever seen! So different than these in Poland! Generally this city is famous from beautiful palaces, because queens and kings took a liking to this place. We saw only one palace – Pena Palace from 19^th century. On the top of the hill in the Sintra, so colourful, so unique, so classy and elegant, with a nice view on the whole Sintra and beautiful park. We spent whole afternoon there and for sure it is worth visiting!

Portugal is really beautiful! I didn’t know that there are such a beautiful places in the Europe. I hope I will be able to come back there in the future :) 

Moorish roots … islamic remains … Flamenco dances … Spanish guitars … sea food … olive trees … Spanish taverns … smiling people on streets… juicy oranges on trees … bullfighting rings … tinto de verano …  10 beautiful days in sunny Spain. That was my first time in this part of the Europe and I would never suppose that it’s so beautiful, so charming, so colourful … With Ewa, Hania and Michał we visited the most beautiful cities in Andalusia – the south part of Spain. We traversed by car almost 1500 km and we found even  time to visit Portugal :) Each single trip is always special to me, each trip makes me rich with new experiences, memories, adventures, breath-taking views etc. But this trip to Spain and Portugal was really special. Mostly because for the first time I traveled with my friends. We were laughing like crazy, we were fully enjoying our holidays, we were joking… ahhh – it was awesome!!

Sevilla

Because we had a flight directly to Madrid, we took the bus from there and after 6 hours we arrived to Sevilla. Michał was there – with his big smile and a strong hug ;). We just left our bags in his small cute flat and went to Starbucks to drink a good “Caffee Late” (after uncomfortable trip in the bus we couldn’t keep our eyes open ;)). Of course – with our tourist map – we went sightseeing. The Cathedral of Seville from 16^th century – with sepulchre of Columbus and beautiful view from it’s tower; Torre del Oro – a watchtower and defensive barrier on the river; Plaza de Espana – spectacular place and architecture with a big fountain in the middle of the square; Alcazar of Seville – originally a Moorish fort, now a royal palace in Seville with beautiful gardens and Arabic architecture…. Seville became one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever seen and for me

personally it’s even more beautiful than Madrid! It has it’s own charm and atmosphere. And when you are there you just feel this Spanish culture and climate! :)

Ronda

That was our next destination in Andalusia trip. Small city with breath-taking views! Very old city located in a very mountainous area – 750 m above the sea level. It’s famous from El Tajo canyon, impressive Puente Nuevo bridge (120 m tall, was building 42 years) and Plaza de Toros – the oldest bullfighting ring in Spain, that is still used. Lovely place for sightseeing.

Granada

Located near Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is tremendously beautiful city with narrow streets, typical Spanish taverns, the most delicious ice creams ;), people from all over the world, groups of people playing the guitar and dancing flamenco on streets. Alhambra – a Moorish citadel, is probably one of the most famous items in Spain. We couldn’t see this palace from insight, because to get the ticket you have to book it one month before. But we saw this breath-taking palace from the top of the city – from one of the most famous terrace in this city, where people gather together during the day and night, to see the citadel, play the guitar and sing Spanish songs. I love this place! The atmosphere is really special there.

Cordoba

We didn’t spend much time in Cordoba, as there are not so many things to see there. Well – maybe we didn’t read enough guide-books to get more information about this city ;) The city was build in ancient Romans times and what really impressed me there is Mezquita – Roman Catholic Cathedral. It was at the beginning the biggest mosque in the world, but later on it was transformed into catholic cathedral. It’s really unique and beautiful. When you go inside you don’t know if you are in church or in mosque. It’s because of Arabic architecture insight – non-ending pillars that symbolize endlessness in Islam and Christian altars. All of that makes a great impression on all visitors, it made a big impression on me. In the whole city you can find an old ruins from Romans times.

I was thinking if I should write here something about the two hardest illnesses that I went through … two illnesses that made me weak as a human being but at the same time made me rich of the experience that I went through… two illnesses that had a big impact on my life and of who I am today … two illnesses that changed something inside me and that made me stronger. Now I’m not shy, I’m not afraid of saying it aloud that I was Anorectic and Bulimic. Maybe some of my good friends would say: ‘Ania, I would never suppose that you had this kind of problems before. You’re smiling all the time, you enjoy your life the way it is etc.’ But yes – I was anorectic and bulimic and then I didn’t enjoy my life at all. Saying differently – I hated myself, I was unhappy, I didn’t like my body, I didn’t feel that there is somebody else in this world to love me the way I am and I felt unneeded … I was blind and I couldn’t see the sense of my life…

When I was 16/17 I started to have a huge obsession about my body, the way I look and about food. I was eating almost nothing because I perceived myself as a fat ugly girl. In a short time I weighed 49 kg and my weigh was still decreasing. I started to have serious health problems. With help of some doctors I started to eat normally…. but it was not a long time when I started to be bulimic. From eating almost nothing I started to eat too much. And then these never-ending remorse… I couldn’t stop eating. I’ve never ate so  many sweets before, and the worst thing is that I didn’t control myself. And I was always ending up in a toilet throwing everything out. Yes – it sounds horrible and disgusting. But this is bulimia. I was fighting with it for more than 4 years. I don’t know if I can say that I’m the winner now, as you never can say that you got out of this illness. This is the same addiction as alcoholism, but the object of this addiction is different. There it is alcohol, and here it is food. Have you ever thought that food can be dangerous?? Yes – it can be. It can be very dangerous. It can even lead to death – like in case of anorexia and bulimia.

Why I’m writing about it?? Last week my friend came to me and said: ‘I need help Ania. My roommate is killing herself. She’s typical bulimic and she already gave up. She doesn’t believe that she can get out of this hell.’ That made me think about the way I can help. What can I do? When I was ill for bulimia, and when I had also these doubts if I will ever get out of it (I visited so many doctors, psychologists etc. but nobody could help me), I promised myself, that I will do everything to help people with the same problems. During my life I met so many people (mostly girls, but I met also some boys) with this kind of problems. They were always shy of telling me about it, because these are – as I call them - silent or hidden illnesses. I will never forget my Italian friend from Prague, who was eating only watermelon in the whole day – girl with 180 cm and with only 40 kg. We were sitting and crying at a one table because of our helplessness. I will never forget the Study Session in Strasbourg and my friend Markus. There I told him that I’m thinking about opening NGO in Poland for people ill for anorexia and bulimia. He said: ‘that’s an awesome idea Ania. Do you know anybody with this kind of problems? Because I do have the same problems.’ I will never forget the camp for anorectics and bulimics I attended in Warsaw. I met some girls there, where some of them were after suicide trials. Some of them were maltreat mentally by their husbands. I promised myself there, that if I will get out of this hell, I’ll do everything to help these people. And today this thought came to my mind again. What can I do? How can I start doing something in this direction? Million questions in my head. Million thoughts. I will not give up that easily, because I know that there are so many girls who need help, that they are waiting for somebody’s outstretched hand. And in Poland they will not find any hospital, places, foundations where they can get some help. It is sad, that there are no NGOs or other places in Poland where they would be able to stay and undertake the therapy. This is my biggest dream, to open something like that. Let’s hope I will meet on my way helpful people that will help me to realize it, as I would not be able to do it by myself. Let’s hope… :)

To all girls and boys with anorexia and bulimia: You are not as fat as you imagine. Enjoy the power of your youth, of your body. Don’t feel guilty. Take a deep life breath and appreciate each part of your body and each second of your life!

Warm greetings! :)

ania

NAGLE

"Nagle coś się kończy, jakby runął tobie świat. Pragniesz cofnąć czas – na próżno. Nagle widzisz jasno tyle utraconych szans, słów, na które już za późno. Zapominasz co dnia, że każda chwila to dar. Masz ją, by móc przebaczać, kochać, zostawić ślad...

Nie ma sytuacji w której wolno ci się bać, że na miłość jest za późno...

Nagle ktoś ci bliski znika, zanim powiesz mu, że dla ciebie był… jedyny. Nagle życie minie, jakbyś nigdy nie żył. A Ty nie będziesz tu bez winy. Bo zapominasz co dnia, że każda chwila to dar. Masz ją, by móc przebaczać, kochać, zostawić ślad...


Żyjesz tu bez próby, ucieka ci sens, a tego, co nagłe unikać wciąż chcesz. I pytasz i klniesz. Modlisz i boisz się . A szczęście przyjdzie nagle i w przebraniu, które znasz. Spróbuj dostrzec je na nowo. Dotknie twoich żagli, lekko muśnie twoją twarz. Spróbuj zawsze być gotowy...

Nie zapominaj co dnia, że każda chwila to dar. Masz ją, by móc przebaczać, kochać, zostawić ślad. Nie ma sytuacji w której wolno ci się bać, że na miłość jest za późno…

Anna Maria Jopek

Living my life so I'd have "no regrets" was a lesson I took in and believed in. I saved dimes and quarters while paying my way through college to save for my own three-month tour of Europe. I've gone up in a hot-air balloon, traveled extensively, worked for good causes in my church and taught hundreds of children to read during my 23-plus-year career as a special education teacher for Massachusetts public schools.

My husband, David, and I raised three happy, productive children, all married now, and enjoy our eight grandchildren. I've been lucky enough to have had a supportive husband who has allowed me to live my life as I wanted to live it. He did double duty around the house when I went back to school to get my master's degree, watched nervously as I took a ride on a Harley and silently cringed when I insisted on going parasailing. He worriedly wished me bon voyage several times as I traveled far and wide during summers when he had to work.

I never worried, though, because I abide by this life-affirming passage I found a few years ago. This, I believe: "Everyone is dying all the time. Everyone is also living all the time. It's all in your perspective which one you're experiencing! Choose wisely." It's so much like my mother's advice. And it's helping me now.

Eight months ago, I was unexpectedly diagnosed with colon cancer. Since then, I've had surgeries and several rounds of chemotherapy. Statistics say I have about another year to live. Maybe I do, or maybe I'll have more. No matter: I refuse to let cancer change my philosophy. When I feel well, I pack in as many experiences as I can. I visit friends, travel, laugh, read wonderful novels, play with our grandchildren and cherish those I love.

I believe in living my life. At some point -- hopefully much later than the doctors predict -- I'll feel too poor to enjoy what used to give me pleasure. Then, I hope to do just as my mother did. I'll reminisce with family and friends about my wonderful life experiences. I'll savor my memories. And I'll say to anyone who'll listen, "I believe you should live your life so that at the end of it you will have no regrets."...

That was always my dream to come here one day to experience the real NEW YORK life, see the Liberty Statue, walk among high skyscrapers and visit Manhatan. I was there and i already miss the atmosphere of this city...

I didn’t know till the last moment if i will go to NYC. It was such a spontanous trip  - but these are actually the best one. I called to Hajar – my lovely moroccan-canadian friend that i met in Istanbul and we decided to meet each other in NY. Isn’t it crazy?? :) With my Chinatown ticket – i got into my bus in the morning and after 4 hours i was in NY! I was expected Hajar in the bus station  but unfortunately she lost her way and i had to wait another 4 hours. But it wasn’t that bad – i had a chance to observe happy people in Chinatown and try chinese food :) After few hours Hajar arrived and we could finaly start enjoying our time in NY. We couldn’t stop talking and talking and talking...  hehe – as always :D  After delicious shrims in cheap chinese restaurant we moved to Hajar’s friend house in Brooklyn :) 

As NY is known as a fun city we decided to go for the party. Hajar’s friends took us to a nice club in Manhatan. That was one of my best parties ever – really great music, nice club – whole floor was mine and Hajars (we rocked the party hehe :)). At 4 am we were back home – hungry, sleepy and tired but with a great humors :)

Another day we went to the city centre. We visited Hajar’s friend and then we moved to Time Square. Ahhh – such an amaizing view!!! And sooo many people around!!! I couldn’t stop looking at these high buildings, passing cars and people. I was happy of being there, in one of the most famous and powerful place in the world, i was so excited :))

Hajar had to go for her bus to Canada so i went with her. I didn’t want to say ‘good bye’ to her so quickly, i just wanted to spend more time with her. I was so greatfull that Hajar came to NY just to see me. She’s such a good friend of mine – i always take positive energy and big strength from her. Thank you Hajar for your beutiful being :)

When Hajar left, i decided to take a loooong walk. I wanted to see as much as possible, so instead of taking complicated metro, i walked from Time Square to Chinatown. I chose a Broadway  Street where i could admire known bulidings and places like: Empire State Building, The Chrysler Building, Bryant Park, Madison Square, Flatiron Building, Union Square, Brooklyn Bridge ...  Ahhh – it was a looong way but it was worth it! Of course i couldn’t miss shooping in a cheap Chinatown. I still believe that Dior’s perfumes that i bought there are original :D hehe  :)

I spent such a good time in NYC. Another dream became true ... another amazing trip ... another beautiful memories...

Thank you Hajar for everything :)

Being here – in Washington DC is somehow my life-changing experience. I would never suppose that in such a short time i will visit this place. Morocco... Turkey ... and now America! I’m happy, I’m proud of myself becasue i achieved my another goal. I made it! And now i know that this effort, my determonation and energy that i put to come here was worth it. I’m in DC now and i’m enjoying my days here. I enjoy – but in different way than before...

I fell in love in this city. I don’t know why – but i feel like at home here. During last 2 weeks i visited all famous places of DC: The White House, Lincoln Monument, National Museums, Washington Monument, the Capitol, Georgetown and many many others. I know by heart the way to Geaorge

Washington University ...  i passed the White House almost 30 times – always trying to get through a crowd of visitors and turist who are hopefully looking for G.W. Bush in one of his windows ... I know every single metro-stop from Van Ness to Farragut  North station... I like this city!!! During my first days in DC i broke all stereotypes about ‘stupid’ Americans, ‘unhealthy’ Americans, ‘fat’ Americans, ‘unfashoned’ Americans... Of course – i still keep my opinion that these people are strong individuals, people who don’t care what others think about them, people who are not afraid of saying what they really think, of wearing what they really want. Here you can feel a real Freedom – freedom with a big ‘F’. I’ve never felt something like that – even in Poland, in free and democratic country. You should come here and see what i’m talking about - at least once in your life.

Because i do sightseeing mostly alone – i meet so many people, people who are so open, smilling all the time, wishing a good day... I will never forget faces of some people that i met here: Amanda from LC in DC,  Korean AIESECer with his ‘dzien dobry’ :), Kheile and Kathleen from the World Bank,  Samirr from KRC Research, nice lady from Safe Way market, Alan and Matt from the Book Store :) and some other met on the street faces :)))

I promiss myself that i will do everything to come here again – but for a longer time. I’m searching now for some internship in DC or NY. I know that it’s hard to get intership throught AIESEC so i will try to find something by myself. Hope i will have enought of luck this time and i will be able to ‘celebrate’ my another success soon :)

Warm greetings from DC, from the 'Politics & Prose' book store where you can find the best cappucino ever :)