Travelling used to bring me so much joy - I had a packing routine which invariably involved red wine, loud music and chaos everywhere, because I like to have everything laid out in front of me, trying on intended outfits, adding and discarding according to luggage capacity, and deciding on variations of mixing and matching. Interestingly I have a similar approach to wrapping Christmas presents!
However, since all the chaos the pandemic brought about, and horror stories from this summer, I’ve had less confidence, so have been more methodical - no wine, at least 3 days to prepare amid frantic checking of passport location (aways in its safe place, until I move it), airport arrival times, connecting trains, trams or buses and liquid allowances for security.
Last Thursday I was doing just this as I prepared to meet my daughters in Kraków for a weekend of exploring. There are a few ‘must haves’ about our trips: I have to be able to fly from Scotland (they’re both in London), preferably to a destination that none of us has visited, and we split everything 3 ways. So far we have been to Sitges (near Barcelona), Porto and Brussels.
However, I can’t remember a time when I instantly felt at home in a new city, but I did in Kraków.
Maybe this feeling has passed through my generations, because my great great grandfather, although of German descent, was born in Posnań, a university and trade city a little over 2 hours from Berlin. My step-grandfather was Polish, so my curiosity has been piqued for some time.
Visiting the Wieliczka Salt-Mines gave us an appreciation of how wealthy Poland had been over the centuries, and therefore a desirable country to invade, which has happened on numerous occasions over the centuries. However, what struck me during my research was that in spite of the myriad conflicts, Polish communities continue to be resilient and hospitable, immediately welcoming Ukranians during the current Russian conflict. Mercifully, the Poles currently appear to be experiencing a period of peace, everywhere we went we were warmly welcomed and I look forward to returning at some point.
We paid our respects at Auschwitz - a truly terrible place and a stark reminder of how utterly barbaric and cruel human beings can be to each other.
The Old Town with its vast palatial squares, Wawel castle, Planty Park and pretty white horse drawn carriages was enchanting. Walking alongside the River Vistula provided calm contemplation, as we reflected on our extraordinary experience in Krakow. Accommodation for us was in the Jewish quarter, Kazimierz with a wealth of bars, clubs, restaurants and coffee shops.
Before leaving Scottish soil, and while preparing to board the flight in Edinburgh, I recognised the First Officer, but as he was clutching a takeaway coffee while punching in a staff passcode, I decided to delay alerting him to my presence. However, during the flight I asked a steward if they could let Doug know that ‘Charli from North Berwick was on the flight’. Once we landed, I was invited to pop in to say hello, achieving a lifetime ambition to sit in the cockpit of a plane!
Since my return, I have been very happy and settled at work, holding Support and Supervision sessions for some of our Compassionate Neighbours, and personally enjoying all that my local community has to offer. Utilising my experience as an accredited coach afforded me the opportunity to conduct the support and supervision sessions much as I would a coaching session: listening, enquiring, listening and reflecting back. Feedback from one session was particularly welcome:
I got a lot out of my support and supervision session yesterday. Having been through many ‘tick box’ versions of these, I felt that Charli was really listening and focusing on the issues raised, and she added some constructive suggestions.
Last night I was enthralled to spend a couple of hours in the company of Richard E. Grant (along with a capacity audience at The Usher Hall) - regaling us with moments from his memoir: ‘a pocketful of happiness’ in which he describes the beautiful marriage he enjoyed for nearly 40 years until the tragic loss of his adored wife, Joan, a little over a year ago. Vulnerable, brave, effusive, honest and authentic are just a few of the words that spring to mind when reflecting on the evening. I started reading his book today, which is written as he speaks, and also conveys diary entries, a habit he has maintained for 55 years. An opportunity to develop my understanding of another’s experience with death and dying had been my initial motivation for attending last night, but I feel I have had a glimpse into the heart of a man with a very strong moral compass.
The sun has appeared on what has mostly been a wet Friday and a wee dug is sending unsubtle signals that a walk is in order! Having been praised by the vet for her excellent condition this morning, the very least I can do is to maintain her neat waistline.. While working on my not so neat one too!
Weekly blogs are becoming more troublesome for me to accommodate, because I am busy with Catching Light Wellness Coaching and NBCCC, so I will aim to post 2 a month.
Stay cosy, be well.
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