April/July 2016 – meetings
The end of summer brought us a few recent camping trips before it got too cold. It seems that my toddler likes climbing challenges.
Australian Museum has organized series of events with Australian travellers. As a result, I had the opportunity to meet some amazing people:
Chris Bray and Clark Carter, who struggled with the arctic Victoria Island crossing, with their second successful attempt. Tim Cope - an incredible 3-year horse riding trip from Mongolia to Hungary.
Tim Jarvis, who recreated in the most possible authentic conditions Shackleton nearly 100 years earlier his people sailing and climbing rescue from Elephant Island to South Georgia, and the Australian adventure legend Jon Muir, who in addition to climbing and reaching the poles, for me the most impressive stories from Australian deserts . It was a great motivation boost, now I have a lot of books to read.
Iron Maiden - again toured in Sydney, so I couldn’t miss the opportunity. It was worth to jump next to the stage with such a show.
January/March 2016 – tour guide
After 15 year break I worked again as a tour guide for Atlas Tours, the Polish agency from my hometown Zory, where I was making my first steps in this profession. I still like leading the groups, especially around my beloved Sydney.
On the occasion of Ewelina’s birthday, we went for dinner to celebrate. Our pick was Port Denison, a small island near the opera. It is interesting that this fort was built to protect the port of Sydney against tsarist Russia!
October - December 2015 – Holiday time
One of permanent points in Melanesia, like in Polynesia, is a great openness and hospitality of the local people. Trip to Fiji combined traditional travelling with relaxation on the beach. First we hiked in the mountainous part of the Viti Levu island, where the locals invited us to their homes, reached the highest peak of the country (1323m), participated in the daily life of the village. Later, by contrast, we relaxed on the beaches of paradise islands. A little touristy place, but very beautiful and easy going.
Time flies - Natan is already one year old, our moms after 8 months found their way back home. We rely on ourselves now – not too much sleeping anymore:) I could relieve only one way - a concert of Sydney rock band- AC/DC. The stage was full of vigor.
July - September 2015 – I still go ahead
For the first time in four years Australia won the rugby match against New Zealand. This happened probably because I was holding the Wallabies flag on the stadium’s pitch during the national anthem which surely helped the players:) It was fun!
In Sydney, home to about 12,000 Poles, I recently spend some time at Polish community meetings, events, etc.. I’m slowly preparing for un-motorized Australia crossing - and although it's probably in a few years, I’ve visited David Booth in Canberra and he again has brought me a lot of answers to my questions regarding what, where and how, and above all I learned technological innovations from the ultralight equipment world.
May/June 2015 – back to the roots
After 14-year break I returned to my job roots - the offer to Tour Guide Polish tourists in Australia. It turned out that the full bus will still have two Polish and two local guides in Kakadu National Park. I supposed to be only as additional local attraction. Less responsibility, but never mind, I liked it anyway.
Poles are famous for their love to drinks but still I was shocked to see the group like that. It overcame my expectations, but fortunately everything was combined with a large dose of humour. At least my 40th birthday I spent in laughing atmosphere. Additionally with the company of saltwater crocodiles.
The size of national parks in Australia is incredible. If we took all 23 Polish national parks together, it would be still only 1/6 of one Australian park, Kakadu (it is the size of Slovenia). In addition, the total area of all 516 Australian national parks will be almost as big as the size of Poland.
Another Sydney's annual winter attraction is a VIVID light and sound festival. As usual, the whole city was beautifully illumined.
February/April 2015 – European Tour
The first reason was work. Academies Australasia College sent me on a journey where I promoted the school on Eastern European market, trying to get as many potential students I could. I visited 25 educational agents, made three presentations, I was involved in eight student's fairs - very intensive, but fun. Besides it was nice to visit Poland and Lithuania, Latvia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria and Hungary.
The second reason was my book publication. After a year of hard work it has finally lead to complete the job. It is colorful edition with lots of photos, maps, and implicated adventure's anegnots mixed in the main plot.
Book (in Polish only) available at a promotional price of PLN 34.90 (plus shipping costs) on publisher website Sorus
The third reason was to show my newly-born son to the family, because life in Australia does not encourage to frequent visits.
And the way to Poland we took a short stopover in Dubai, visiting the world's tallest building. Besides we flew also to see Kuwait, where we rented a car and visited this tiny and very expensive country.
December 2014/January 2015 – Travellers' meetings
I had the pleasure to be visited by top Polish travellers. First, honored by the presence of Eric Krasny, and then by Simon Springer. They both rode on motorcycles from Poland to Australia, and they shared their impressions with us in our house. It was nice.
A month later I was lucky enough to meet Wojtek Dabrowski in Sydney during his trip around the world, probably the 12th one! It was interesting to hear the private first-hand session about exotic world destinations which are still waiting for me. In return, we could show Sydney from a slightly different perspective.
And so we went camping, so our little son could taste tent’s life already.
Australia football team for several years was fighting in the Asian Cup Championship. They have been moved to this continent after they smashed American Samoa 31: 0, in their own backyard they were too strong. In January "Socceroos" was hosting this event, and in Sydney the final was held. I bought a ticket well in advance, and it paid off, as Australia made it to the final and beat South Korea. However, it was not easy, a score 2:1 in extra time. Madness on the stadium.
