Poland first came on my radar a few years ago, when the Crazy Polish Woman worked in my office, she told me how beautiful it is and the I’d love it. Then four or five years ago, I discovered both Jo and Meg. Meg blogged about her early visits to Warsaw, where her daughter and son-in-law lived with their tiny twins. Next, Jo posts about her visits to see her Polish family in Beltchatow and Krakow. One of my school friends, Jackie, went to Krakow in the depths of winter (crazy girl) for the Christmas market, absolutely loved it and has been back several times since. Never being one to laze on beaches for holidays, Poland went on my ‘one day’ list.
In spring 2016, Meg arrived in Europe for a year, I already had a holiday booked in September, and work pressures meant that taking leave was difficult, then I became ill and vague ideas of flying to Warsaw flew out the window. Maybe next time I thought.
This spring, I saw a whispered comment on one of your blogs, from Meg implying that she was making plans. Whispers because she was planning a surprise trip to see her family.
I started plotting. Checking annual leave charts, hotels, and flights, I knew it was possible to fly from Bristol with a budget airline, but to Modlin airport, some distance from the city. The times weren’t very good, I’m not keen on arriving in a new city late at night.
British Airways to the rescue, with a flight actually costing less, arriving at Chopin, where transfers are a doddle. Everything fell into place.
Getting information about the city was difficult, because there are no up to date guide books. I found an e book for my kindle, watched a few YouTube videos, tried to work out how many zlotys we would need, to eat, drink, move around the city and for any entry costs. We ended up taking around £175 worth each, and brought home nearly half that, it’s an inexpensive destination!
Three weeks before our departure, the excitement was mounting, and some funny business was going on with certain people’s blogs, more little whisperings. I had an idea what it was but didn’t dare to dream that I was right, especially when I drew blank with a direct question. Then I had an email saying, ‘Secret’s out’, from Jo, she’d been in league with Meg with a plan to rock up for lunch on the Sunday. I was beside myself, we all were.
Some of my friends think I’m mad choosing to fly across Europe to meet online friends. They don’t understand the richness of these friendships, but every one of the people I’ve met so far are warm, loving people, real friends.
Thanks to my traveling friend Lindy for this lovely photo of us, and for joining me on an adventure once again.
Now I’m leaving you with some photos, impressions of Warsaw.
I’m tentatively linking to Cathy, she has an on-going challenge about the anticipation and preparation for a particular destination. She’s in Niagara and Buffalo this week, but I’m particularly looking forward to her long distance walk, the Camino de Santiago, in a couple of months.
Lucid Gypsy 
Fabulous meeting of blogging comrades. What a treat. And we get to see the three of you in one place. Can’t get any better.
It was absolutely brilliant 🙂
What a great story! Love it. I’ve met some good blogging friends during visits to their countries but have never planned a trip around a visit. Good for you all!!!
Marvellous! Would that I could have been there too…I’ve met you and Meg already, but not Jo!
How many days were you in Warsaw, Gilly?
I agree Sue it felt like there were several people missing!
😊
Oh, and meant to say I totally agree about the richness of some blog friendships!
Awesome!! I cannot afford to visit online friends but if I could I most certainly would, especially those I have met on blogging sites with those things that interest me. I love your photos and that you could meet them. I commend you and do keep on traveling for as long as you can. 🙂
Well, Meg and Jo I have met, but still not you and location wise we are the closest!
Perhaps this could be the summer? Are yo having lots of visitors?
Not a one! I think they have new pastures to explore and let’s face it youngsters (teens) get bored easily. I think Rosemoor has a plant fair sometime in the summer, must look it up.
Isn’t it wonderful how this all worked out, Gilly?! It’s as if the universe conspired to bring you all together. I love how you heard whisperings on the blogs about this surprise trip and how you all just made it happen. I’m sure it was fabulous to meet such lovely lady blogging friends. I’ve met Jo, of course, and also Marianne, Annette, Anne and several other bloggers, but I have yet to meet you or Meg or even Jude. Blogging friends have certainly enriched my life, whether I’ve met them in person or not, but I really hope to meet all of you one day. I know you had a fabulous time. 🙂
I’ll link this to my next anticipation and preparation blog, scheduled for July 27. I know, it’s a long time off, isn’t it? The other option is I could include it on my “call to place” which will post this coming Thursday, the 28th of June. Let me know if you’d prefer sooner rather than later. Thanks so much for sharing this and for linking up. 🙂
I’m glad you like it Cathy, since you began this brilliant challenge I’ve been thinking bout it, but didn’t manage to make time You link whenever you want honey, if you think it fits, no worries if not 🙂
I’m glad you think it’s “brilliant,” Gilly. Such kind words and some that are rarely said in regards to my ideas! Haha! I really enjoy reading about how people’s plans come together. Travels just don’t happen out of nowhere, after all.
Since I’m already in Buffalo and I already linked to the next anticipation post, I’ll just leave it as is, if it’s okay with you. Thanks so much for sharing this! 😊😊
What a wonderful travel experience. Thank you for sharing the story, Gilly! Love the photo of you, Jo, and Meg!
Thanks for the lovely memories darlin. It seems so long ago already but we did have one fabulous evening together. My track record with shoes is not good. A pair of sandals fell apart on me in Tavira last week and I had to limp to the nearest shoe shop. Love you hon. It’s a joy to know you xx
This is just a fantastic story Gilly. I’ve loved following you all and was very excited for you.. I’ve also had the joy of meeting up with bloggers and it is an experience that is quite memorable. Love the photo of you all, it is lovely to put a face to blogging buddies.
Gilly, how fantastic! I don’t think you’re mad at all, I would do it given the opportunity, to meet such dear blogging friends, such friendships every bit as ‘real’ and as important (more so, in some cases!) as off line. I haven’t met dear Jo – yet!- and I don’t know Meg via blogging, but I’ve met several blogging friends, one of whom I’m going to meet in a few weeks down in Sussex when I next visit. Now…you and I don’t live that far apart. And Jude too. What say you? It’s possible! Hugs 🙂 xxx PS Lovely photos!
I’d love to meet up, I do work full time though so I can’t just jump in the car and go. Do you have lots of spare time?
We’ll have to plan something Gilly, that would be lovely. Spare time is something neither of us have much of it seems, but hopefully we can work something out as the year goes on. I’m disappearing from blogging for a little while, but will be back soon and will catch up then. My email, meanwhile, if you want to get in touch, is: shezzer59@gmail.com
Have a lovely summer Gilly…we’re having a blazing West Country one so far aren’t we?! 🙂 xxx
Thank you for taking me along on your wonderful journey to visit with blogging friends. Your photographs showcasing the sites you visited are beautiful. It looks like you’ve created a bond with these gals that will be lifelong. Great photograph of all of you. The joy on your face Gilly is priceless.
Ismy 😎
Ahh thanks Issy, Jo and I have met before, Meg and Jo have met, but it was the first time I met Meg. It really was a joyful day that passed too quickly!
The glow on your faces showcased the joy of all of you getting together. BRAVO … for being adventurous. 😎
Meeting up with blogging friends is so much fun and I’ve always found it’s like we’ve known each other forever. We spent a wonderful afternoon with Jo and Mick in Yorkshire nearly two years ago. Unforgettable!
That is such a lovely photograph!
Oh, my dear friend. How weird to see myself in a header in Reader! And how to delicious to see familiar Warsaw so sharply and differently though your eyes. Your photos are wonderful, especially the one of the fence. You’ve no idea how touched I am to be part of what drew you to my second home. Just sorry I was too wiped out to prowl with you into the evening. Thank you and Lindy for enriching my Warsaw with wonderful memories. I’m so lucky to have deep friendships in the blogosphere – because indeed that’s what they are.
And I was touched by your wonderful welcome sweetheart, and that you thought of things like the maps and bus tickets. it was a really lovely day, too short of course, there’s never enough time for all the things there are to talk about is there? Even the thunderstorm was magic, a rare event for me. Who knows you may just come to Exeter one day, fingers crossed.
Oh and none of us caught your virus either 🙂 we were well looked after, Ma Gulaga kept her far reaching eye on us ❤
(I think I’ve been excommunicated from Reader. I haven’t been posting much, but I am posting.)
Wonderful a Gilly! I have met blogging friends in the UK and France and here in NZ. So special .. meant so much to me 😃