niedziela, 22 czerwca 1997

Wyspy Kanaryjskie 1997

15-06-1997 - Niedziela
PLAYA DEL CURA

Około 5-tej czasu miejscowego przyjazd z lotniska, niedaleko Las Palmas i zajęcie pokoi. My trochę niżej ( M.-5 ), chłopcy nad nami (M.-3 ). Warunki komfortowe, których się nawet nie spodziewaliśmy (pokój dzienny, aneks kuchenny, sypialnia, łazienka i około 30 m tarasu z dwoma wyjściami). Rano śniadanie w formie bufetu, co oczywiście najbardziej odpowiadało naszym chłopcom. Dużo urozmaiconego jedzenia. Wieczorem obiadokolacja, również obfita, jedyny mankament to brak napojów. Co spowodowało, że na tej pierwszej kolacji wypiliśmy butelkę czerwonego wina. Sam hotel to zespół około 200 apartamentów, rozlokowanych na skałach wulkanicznych, na różnych wysokościach, do których można się dostać poprzez system wind i schodów. Wszędzie mnóstwo alejek i schodów z poręczami. Z roślinności podziwiamy szeflery, rosnące tutaj jako drzewa, żywopłoty z datury i wiele innych. Bardzo ciepło, również w nocy, a jednocześnie dość ożywczy wiatr od oceanu.


16-06-1997 - Poniedziałek
LAS PALMAS

Wycieczka autokarowa do stolicy Gran Canarii - Las Palmas. Tam przeważnie chodzimy po sklepach, oczywiście chłopcy szukają nowych gier na Playstation, kaset ,,Mangi" i plakatów. Samo Las Palmas nie robi większego wrażenia. Mieszanka rozmaitych stylów i epok. Miasto jak wszystkie inne jest położone na skałach wulkanicznych. Wyżej położone dzielnice miasta są znacznie biedniejsze niż te, położone niżej. Ciekawsza była droga do Las Palmas i z powrotem. Piękne widoki, chociaż pozbawione roślinności góry i skały przypominają raczej krajobraz księżycowy.


17-06-1997 - Wtorek
PUERTO RICO

Przy słonecznej pogodzie -29 stopni, po śniadaniu piesza wyprawa do Puerto Rico. Po drodze oglądamy, prowadzoną przez firmę "Tito", budowę nowego super-hotelu. Widać wielu pracowników i dobrą organizację. Samo Puerto Rico imponuje oprócz oczywiście architektury, pouczepianej w skały wulkaniczne, dość bogatą roślinnością, Helenka co i raz odkrywa rośliny, które w europejskich warunkach ( polskich) rosną w doniczkach, a tu są dumnymi drzewami, jak np. kretony, fikusy i araukarie. Dużo żywopłotów z chińskich róż.

Wszędzie mnóstwo Anglików, mają nawet własny miesięcznik. Kąpiel w oceanie i powrót do naszego puebla. Po drodze obserwujemy zatrzymanie dość dużego ruchu samochodowego przez robotników wysadzających skały przy drodze. Przy okazji - zadziwia nas, a właściwie przeraża brak wyobraźni pracujących, związany z zagrożeniami od strony spadających skał. Nie ma żadnych zabezpieczających siatek, a tam w górze trzyma się to wszystko na słowo honoru. Blisko nas Camping i zabudowania Playa de Tauro. Duży kontrast z dominującymi wszędzie bogatymi hotelami. Dachy z falistej blachy, brak szyb w oknach i niechlujne otoczenie tych domów. Na dachach pełno brzydkich beczek z wodą, nagrzewającą się od słońca. Obok niewiele lepsza knajpa " A cucaracha "

18-06-1997 - środa
MASPALOMAS

Około 9.30 wyprawa autobusowa do Ocean Park ( Maspalomas - bilet 340 peset ). Byliśmy trochę zawiedzeni, gdyż spodziewaliśmy się więcej atrakcji. Dobrze, że przyjechaliśmy wcześniej i mogliśmy bez tłoku korzystać kilkakrotnie z różnych urządzeń, przeważnie wodnych ślizgów. Potem zrobiło się znacznie gorzej, mnóstwo ludzi i duże kolejki. Marcin z Markiem oczywiście wielokrotnie wypróbowywali te atrakcje, a i we mnie odezwała się chłopięca dusza. Helenka spłynęła torem wodnym na dużym kole.

Następnie przy palącym słońcu długi spacer do wydm, na najbardziej wysunięty na południe kraniec Gran Canarii. Mnóstwo ludzi, duża ilość kobiet w stroju "topless". Jedna mała uwaga - niektóre z tych pań powinny przed rozebraniem się na plaży spojrzeć w lustro. Nie jest to zbyt estetyczne przeżycie, oglądanie starszych kobiet w takim stroju, a właściwie bez. Zmęczeni i spaleni słońcem wracamy autobusem. Kierowcy tych pojazdów to prawdziwe asy kierownicy.


19-06-1997 - czwartek
PUERTO DE MOGAN

Po wczorajszym, palącym słońcem, dniu chłopcy byli zmęczeni, a więc z Helenką poszliśmy na spacer po okolicznych drogach, podziwiając wytrwałość budowniczych, lokujących swe domy na nieprawdopodobnych wysokościach. U mieszkańców Wysp Kanaryjskich (tubylców), ustrojone kwitnącymi krzewami i drzewami budynki kontrastują z ich zaśmieconym zapleczem. Po południu wyprawa autobusem do Puerto de Mogan. Niesamowita droga, miejscami tak wąska i o takim stopniu skrętu, że dwa pojazdy nie mogą się wyminąć. Strach czasami patrzeć, a co mówić o jechaniu tą drogą. Jednak, jak już wcześniej wspomniałem, miejscowi kierowcy autobusów i pozostałych pojazdów, to mistrzowie kierownicy, hamulca i gazu, nie mówiąc już o klaksonie, którego używają bardzo często w trudnych sytuacjach. W samym Puerto de Mogan zaskoczyło nas mnóstwo kwitnących krzewów, rosnących wszędzie, na dachach, tarasach i przy domach; żywopłoty przy elewacjach. Helenka była zachwycona i stwierdziła, że tu jest najładniej. Ładny port, pełen bogatych jachtów i rybackich łodzi. Obok portu, prawdziwa mała "Wenecja". Piękne, bogato strojone kwiatami budynki z wąskimi ulicami, bardzo dużo mostków i trochę kanałów. Zrobiliśmy sporo zdjęć. Natomiast druga część miasteczka, ta górna, to już biedniejsza dzielnica, przeważnie hiszpańska z wieloma schodkami do domków, poprzyczepianych do skał wulkanicznych. Mało turystów, a więcej naturalnego życia tubylców.


20-06-1997 - Piątek
PUERTO DE MOGAN

Jeszcze jedna wyprawa autobusowa do Puerto de Mogan, tym razem komercyjna, na cotygodniowy bazar. Po drodze kilka refleksji. Bardzo mało rowerzystów (widziałem tylko jednego) na tych kanaryjskich drogach. Nie ma się zresztą co dziwić, gdyż jest to bardzo niebezpieczna jazda. W każdej chwili można zostać przyciśniętym do skał lub zepchniętym w przepaść, do oceanu. Podobnie jest też z pieszą turystyką, praktycznie nie ma żadnych szlaków. Sam bazar okazał się w istocie trochę mniejszy niż się spodziewaliśmy. Kapitalne sceny targowania się należą tutaj do rytuału, szczególnie wśród sprzedawców senegalskich, spośród których wyróżniały się dość pulchne murzynki w swoich narodowych strojach. Kupiliśmy płaskorzeźbę z hebanu - 2000 Peset /1 DM ­ok. 80 Peset /, kapelusz dla Helenki - 1000 i klapki - 1500. Dla chłopców nie było nic ciekawego, szukali noży, a znaleźli tylko finki. Kupiłem jeszcze kasetę audio z hiszpańską klasyką. Dla babci, opiekunki naszego domowego ogniska, kupiliśmy zestaw zapachów - 1000.


21-06-1997 - Sobota
TAURITO PLAYA

Był to najdłuższy dzień, a właściwie dzień, noc i znowu dzień. Do południa byliśmy w Taurito, maleńkiej miejscowości, składającej się z dwóch hotelowych kompleksów i sztucznego jeziora. Niestety można było tam wejść tylko za opłatą - 1000 Pes. Zrezygnowaliśmy i po zrobieniu kilku zdjęć wróciliśmy do hotelu.

Ostatnie spacery i długie oczekiwanie na wyjazd autokarem około 1.30 na lotnisko. Stamtąd samolotem o 4.20 najpierw na sąsiednią Teneryfę, a po zabraniu tamtejszych klientów "Scan Holiday", do Warszawy. Długi lot Boeingem 747 PLL Lot i około 12.45 Okęcie. Stolica nie przywitała nas zbyt przyjemnie. Pochmurnie, deszczowo i dużo chłodniej niż na Wyspach. Po drodze dobrze zorganizowana próba okradzenia mnie przy wyjściu z autobusu MPK linii 145. Na szczęście dla naszych finansów i dokumentów - nieudana. Dworzec Centralny i otoczenie Pałacu Kultury robi przykre wrażenie. Brak WC, brudno i śmierdząco. Pełno różnych typów, bezdomnych i naciągaczy. Po długim oczekiwaniu i kilku nerwowych chwilach, potwornie zmęczeni wsiadamy do pociągu i przesypiamy całą drogę do Jeleniej Góry dość wygodnie w kuszetce. / dzięki kolejowym legitymacjom zapłaciliśmy tylko za miejsca leżące, my po 29,a chopcy po 22 złote l. W domu około 6.30.

czwartek, 8 maja 1997

My reflections 1996-1997

May 16, 1996
Thursday

I am writing these words and I am listening to the Radio “Z”. It is enough interesting station. Much music, a little politic and of course an advertisement. Outside it is cloudy. It has been so ugly for about two weeks. I do not remember so cold and wet May. Alone at home. Helenka treats for children and boys have gone in the school. Marcin by train at 8.03 / today only, everyday at 6.58 / and Marek on foot.
The idea of writing this diary comes from Sherill Howard Pociecha, who wrote “ The English Advisor or how to use English for communication in the real world. It will not be a typical diary and rather a collection my thoughts and reflections I hope. That is enough for today. I am hungry and I am going to eat something and to have a nice cup of coffee. It is 10.30 a.m.

May 20, 1996
Monday

They say – “You have much time”. That is right but only partly. For I am retired and I need not go to work I schould be happy. Well I am but for other reasons. For example I have much time for doing what I like, sport, tevelling, helping my children with their school problems, working in the garden and at learning foreign languages, reading papers and books. Besides I am not sick and according to other people I do not suffer from lack of money and I can afford many things.
The most important I love my wife and I am loved by her. What more one needs to be happy. I do not know. Maybe I exaggerate. There are bad moments in my life after all.

May 23, 1996
Thursday

It is not bad. My student passed her exam in English yesterday. There days ago I read very interesting novel by Jack London “ Lost Face “. The hero of this story is a Pole who is called Subienkov / rather Russian name than Polish /. The most surprise for a reader is the ending. The splendid scenario for an exciting film. I wonder who is whenever done it.

May 28, 1996
Tuesday

A letter to my mother who lives far from my place. An occasion – The day of mother. I am happy? My mother still lives, only she one. The black year 1985 in which they were death – January – my mother in low; July – my father; At last August – my father in law. My Helenka was splendid, in spite of this all she was able to endure it. Why am J so sad today?
Outside it is awful weather, cold and wet. Instead of spring it is autumn. Marcin has gone out with his class by train for few days to visit Torun, Kolobrzeg and other towns.
Last Sunday there was a great solemnity of church in Wlen. The bishop arrived to visit a small religion community. There were a great deal of people everywhere. My son Marek and other young boys and girls were given to a sacrament. Many people, many very important words during the sermon. Words only words, oven very nice ones they do not replace good deeds. – Maybe a small faith.
Other day, Saturday, three days ago, other place – Janowice Wielkie. A little, poor church, few people and big hospitality. They say there are many ways which lead to the same aim, to the same God. Who is right? Perhaps everybody.

June 3, 1996
Monday

Yesterday, Sunday – it was enough busy day. In the morning I helped my elder Son with his essay in philosophy. Title of our work – “Philosophy and Art”. An interesting subject, is not it ? Relations between a work of artist and receiver. Beauty. Subjective or objective feeling of beauty. A very interesting views Polish philosopher Roman Ingarden, who writes about a special connection between aesthetic objects and people. My Son was a little in other opinion as me. Ii is good. People should different from themselves.
In the afternoon four sets of tennis in court, which is situated next to old children hospital for convalescent rehabilitation of locomotive organs. There my wife was on duty on Saturday and Sunday.

June 7, 1996
Friday

It was a religion holiday yesterday which is called “Corpus Christi”.
Which is better? to work manually hard or to work intellectually. In my opinion the best work is simple operation which is allowed to think. For example: Painting, of course not artistic one only housework. Then I am painting walls and ceilings and I am listening to the radio and last but not least - I think.
A letter from my friend who was found by me after twenty years. It is long, long time. Everything changes, people change too. Instead of friend in Poland, an older, strange man in Germany next to Denmark. Am I disappointed? Maybe. Did I expect much more? I hoped.
Whose fault was it? I do not know. Perhaps time is only guilty of it. One needs to wait, but a long separation is a killer friendship, I suppose. I would like to be mistaken.

June 9, 1996
Sunday

A ruined temple. Is a ruined, empty temple still really temple? Which is more important? A temple without God or without people. Is God still in a deserted temple?
Peple can sometimes leave their church but God rather do not do it. What reason of my reflections? Outside, next to my house there is an old, ruined, deserted Protestant Church.

June 11, 1996
Tuesday

What does “happiness” or “to be happy” mean? For example: In the evening after very hot day listening to splendid Chopin with a glass of cognac in hand and to look at stars. There was on a green roof which was decorated with flowers and other plants yesterday. Alone?
Not at all. I have felt presence my family all the time.
On Saturday Marek, Marcin and me we went by car to Rakowice where we swam for the first time in this year. We were surprised enough warm water and a lot of people. Helenka has preferred to stay at house so as to be able to do her gardening. Flowers are for her the most love, of course after her boys and maybe her husband.

June 19, 1996
Wednesday

I have not had any time for few days. Just I take a short break to write some sentences.
Together with my wife we tidy all the house. Besides I have painted a hall and a living room.
Sooner I have had painted three radiators.
Today it is Marka’s ceremony. He is finished his elementary school and he was rewarded two books. One award for the first place at a mathematical competition and second for very good estimates. We are proud of both our sons because Marcin got third position in his class and he has good estimates too. I am sorry I must finish it. My work is waiting for me.

June 28, 1996
Friday

It is finished at last. It was a very nervous week? For Marek has passed his exams in mathematics and polish and he will attend Marcin’s school /secondary school/ next school year. Marek is happy and we are too.
After enough hot beginning of month it is cold and windy. Maybe all the summer will be like this week. Our plans for vacation: I would like to go by train and by bicycle where I have never been. This is Slovakia and Bieszczady Mountains. Marek intends to go to Aachen in Germany to attend an international camp of youth from five countries of Europe. At last but not least all family is going to go by plane to Greece for a week. Besides Marcin wants to stay at house with Helena. In my opinion he is being spoilt and pampered by her. Sometimes they argue but in a moment a loving mummy prepares a Marcin’s favourite dish. For my elder Son
prefers staying at home instead of to going somewhere.

July 4, 1996
Thursday

Yesterday I read a following sentence “Everybody is dying day by day”. That is right but it is sad. What should we do? Nothing, the first of all - to live. Let us have always a nice day and hope. Every one has hope even people who are suffering from a death illness.
To kill a man it is simple. One needs only to take his hopes and dreams away from him.
Besides today it is American holiday “Independence Day”. Other anniversary – fifty years ago 42 polish Jews were killed in Kielce. Who was guilty of this unnecessary crime?
Crowd, simple people – workers, housewives, policemen and soldiers. Why it is happened? – a year after cruel war. Reason is complicated, first of all for lack of tolerance to others who differ their religion, but it is only a partial answer.

August 1, 1996
Thursday

It was a very interesting month – July. First I have realised my small dream – from 6 to 14 I went by bicycle about 500 kilometres from Nowy Targ across East-North Slovakia and Bieszczady Mountains to Przemysl. I have spent many exciting days to meet different people and to talk to them. Besides, of couse, direct contact with nature. The weather was good, my mental and physical health too.
On 15 of July 18 anniversary of our marriage. How fast time pass away. At this moment we are at home without Marek who has gone to Aachen in Germany for two weeks. Marcin and me play almost everyday volleyball and in the evening we watch Olimpic Games in Atlanta/USA/. Helenka is glad of her beautiful flowers which are admired by passing people.
I met a sympathetic family from Holland last week. They spent two days in Wlen and intended to go to Krakow. We have spoken German.

August 11, 1996
Sunday

Marek is already at home. Yesterday we were waiting for him until 11 p.m.
He has come sunburnt and tired but instead of to go to bed he has gone to computer at first to play new games. I must confess that I have played a very interesting computer game “Civilisation II” for few days too. It is the best way of waste of time. It does like a drug.

September 20, 1996
Friday

A family travel by plane to Greece. It was first flight for Helenka and boys. Very warm and very salt sea. Last night – Greek night, a dance only for men and drinking wine without hands. Both boys have done it well, me a little worse. Nea Skione – a little fish village, excuse me, a town where live about thousand people.
In summer season certainly much more. My favourite Greek meals: small fishes and salads. And what about drinks? Of course, wonderful “Ouzo”, “Metaxa” either. Residence “Sabine”, a hotel “Dolphin Beach” in Possidi, places – Chanioti, Pefkochori, Kalithea. Names, which I will perhaps remember any time. People, maybe some persons. A Russian woman who called Aleksandra. She has been homesick very much and afraid for her Son who will have to go to the military and fight in Tschechenie in autumn.
There was an adventure not far Loutra – a very strong tempest, a lot of flashes of lightning and thunderclaps. We got wet very quickly. After that a kind Greek helped us with our drying. Only a week and so much impression.

October 1, 1996
Tuesday

After very cold September it is getting a little warmer. Today is my Birthday. 46 years – time for some reflections about Past. No, I will not sum up my life. It is early enough.
I have lost with my Son Marek. We have played basketball, next to our house and old, ruined temple. Score: 30 to 28.

October 3, 1996
Thursday

Next result: 16 to 0. “Pogon” Wlen – football team has won with Gosciszow. Why am I writing it? Maybe for I am a manager this club. In the evening great surprise for Poland. A poet Wieslawa Szymborska was awarded Nobel Prize. I have read her verses. I liked very much ones – “Jeszcze” /Still/. Perhaps any time I try to translate it into English. Very simple words in Polish language and very difficult in others. Should poetry be translated? No, it was created before Babel Tower after all.
Marek is getting a man, not child. He is often given to letters from girls. That is a pity he is not keen on writing, especially letters. Poor women.

November 26, 1996
Monday

Very long time passed when I had written last words in this diary. Nothing interesting happened. It is fine but today it is very cold outside, it is snowing. And what about your new passion, Leszek? Just I almost finish it. I play already on the most difficult level as “Cesar” – a Rome Deity. Boys love fighting on a screen and play “Tekken” or “Toshinden” on Playstation. Helenka sometimes suffers from headache or being in a bad mood. It is typical of women in their age.

January 12, 1997
Sunday

Time of action – Night 31 of December. Place – School in Wlen. My wife has a new, black frock. She looks very nice. I am first time in my new dinner-jacket from Bytom. We are happy. It is nice and pleasant. Marcin has gone to Swierzawa to play with his friends from his class. Marek with his friend stayed at house. We all have drunk Champagne to New Year 1997.
There are bad moments in my life too. For instance, an unpleasant letter in last days of old year. It is very important for me to be far from old places, far from past. Simply, to be together with my family.
I am reading “Talmud” now. There are many wise truths in this old book. Truths as old as world and people.

May 8, 1997
Thursday

My life as life of young retired man is rather boring and maybe sad. Why am I in no mood today? Outside it is bad weather , it is cold and rainly. Boys have enjoined a new colour printer for three weeks, which Marcin and me had bought in Goerlitz for about 550 DM.
In last months I spent much time to work or to play with computer, especially with “Microsoft Office 95”. Besides I am reading a German book “ Im Westen Nichts Neues” by
Erich Remargue. It is a book my youth, which I read when I was a teenager. What else? I am trying to learn few words and sayings in Spanish. We are going to have a nice week in Canaries Islands from June 14 to 22 with known tourists firm “Scan Holiday” .