"If you're going through hell... Keep going!"

Manchester, UK - Visit to the beloved city!

2011-12-11T21:18:00.000Z

Manchester is one of the cities worth going back to - for so many reasons - one of them this year was world class football presented by the Manchester United. More to add that we joined celebration of 25th anniversary of Sir Alex Ferguson working at Old Trafford. To hounour him the North Stand was named Sir Alex Ferguson Stand!

We enjoyed a lovely weekend-city break while sightseeing the old spots we all admired while living there - great to catch up with the city!:)

More photos in the Picasa Album:

Manchester visit in 2011

Autumn in Wilanow Palace Park

2011-10-04T21:32:00.000+01:00

October 2011

First glance at Autumn in Wilanow Palace Park - more of Gold Polish Autumn is due to come...

Autumn in Wilanow Palace Park

Warsaw by Night

2011-10-04T21:30:00.000+01:00

October 2011

Photography by night is very demanding - it requires precision, accuracy and a tripod:) We have decided to walk around old city of Warsaw and catch the moment and appreciate the attractions by night - results can be viewed in Picasa album:

Warsaw by Night

October in Wilanow Palace

2011-10-04T21:28:00.000+01:00

October 2011

The summer went fast - without many sunny days, so the beginning of autumn with its bright sun was a great opportunity to relax in Wilanow Palace park - especially after recent renovation which brought past brightness alive.

The park and palace look very representative and full of life thanks to great cultural events organized by ambitious team.

October in Wilanow Palace

Warsaw during workday

2011-10-04T21:25:00.000+01:00

October 2011

Thanks to visit of my grandfather I was able to see Warsaw during a workday as a tourist and appreciate calmness, silence in Wilanow Park and city centre without the stress of work. This day off really gave me a lot of energy!

Warsaw during workday

Golden Sands in Bulgaria

2011-10-04T21:14:00.000+01:00

September 2011

Last time I visited Golden Sands in Bulgaria was with youngsters camp - which you may guess was a different type of trip, than this year holidays - well deserved after whole year of hard work.

Golden Sands is a place to recommend - with the great beach, warm sea and sun that does not burn the skin. There are many attraction during day and night for every age so that's a place to visit!

More pictures in the Picasa album:

Golden Sands in Bulgaria

Kabacki Woods in Warsaw

2011-10-04T21:10:00.000+01:00

August 2011

The summer of 2011 was not very sunny and enjoyable due to cold weather and rain, nevertheless we had a chance to catch some sun and we went to explore the Kabacki Woods, Botanic Gardens and Powsin Cultural Park - places in our neighbourhood which we recommend to visit!

Photos available in the Picasa album below:

Kabacki Woods in Warsaw

Polish National Stadium - the Open Day

2011-07-24T17:30:00.002+01:00

The National Stadium in Warsaw has been built on the ruins of the old stadium, which was a host to market where people traded everything for many years.

The new stadium can host 58 000 people and looks really wonderful, the architecture amaze everyone - you can check it out in my Picasa Album.

The stadium was supposed to be open in June 2011, but it will be officially opened in November 2011... well it will be ready for Euro 2012!

Polish National Stadium in Warsaw

Book recommendation: The Adventure Capitalist

2011-06-23T17:31:00.000+01:00

I often search for the great entrepreneurial books - mainly about great entrepreneurs (Richard Branson biography) or some marketing inspiration (Seth Godin, Meerman Scott). However, it was the first time I engaged in a travel that focused on trading goods bought in one country to be sold in another one.

The adventure capitalist by Conor Woodman is a title I recommend, as it shows very interesting places around the world and their people making every day living out of trading. These places differ by techniques of trading, culture and climate - which all in total makes this a valuable lesson.
The world reveals as not managed or run by big multinational companies. It's rather down to us, those small businesses that make it work for Corporations and world.

The surprising fact is that not all the trades are successful or work well. Trading is not simple as it involves many factors and people. Therefore it is a charming true adventure through trade around the world.

Involved: camels, coffee, chilli, horses, jade, inflatable surfboards, fish-mackerels, wood...

Oh well - read it and you won't regret it!:)

Available through Amazon

Apparently the whole adventure was also filmed and available on YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RD6o4J1X9wg

Warsaw uncovered by bike

2011-06-23T17:15:00.000+01:00

It always strikes me that even the big, metropolitan cities like Warsaw, London, Paris, Berlin which I visited, have areas, even nearby city centre which look like village - full of nature. Here Warsaw - Siekierki area.

One of the bridges across Wisla in Warsaw - Siekierkowski Bridge

National Stadium in Warsaw - building in process...

The view on Poniatowski bridge and the National stadium.

Warsaw is a great Polish city to cycle around as it has many bike paths which lead to the main attractions and destinations.

I am waiting for the Biking in Warsaw brochure to sightsee the most of Warsaw cycling.

Welcome in Warsaw!

Valencia - City Break 26-30 April

2011-05-22T18:38:00.001+01:00

Valencia is a wonderful city in Spain - not as tourist as Barcelona, but so worth sight-seeing! Therefore, you won't see many tourists fighting to take a good picture as in Park Guell in Barcelona - which is a positive aspect!

Valencia surprises by the city design - where historic area is well connected and supplemented by the XXI century architecture. The city of arts and science is a magnificent architectural piece - with Opera which looks like space ship, cinema that's like an eye in a water, the Science museum, Agora and Oceanarium. This centre of culture and science offers a lot of attractions for everyone - from science experiments, 3D movies to dolphins show and unusual sea animals.

What fascinates me the most about Valencia, is that they moved the river outside the city in 1957 - which resulted in the creation of parks, playgrounds, chillout area for citizens of Valencia in the channel of the river! I admire this decision of local government who could easily sell this area for business, roads, commercial use - but instead created a wonderful area for relax, leisure, culture and science.

I wonder if we could move Wisla in Warsaw out of the city? And what would happen with that area?

Opera building

Ciutad de les artes y de las Ciencias

Agora building

Dolphins show

Unusual flowers - micro photography

Turtules - micro photography

City of Culture and Sciences on water...

Funny road signs in the park

Old Valencia

Cathedral and the Plaza de la Reina

Historical Valencia

More pictures in the Picassa album:

Valencia - City Break 26-30 April 2011

Golden Polish Autumn in Wilanow

2010-12-05T16:12:00.001Z

Golden Polish Autumn is a wonderful time of year, sometimes it lasts a month, sometimes a day - that I can't even have time to capture it! This year it was wonderful showing all best it has - expressive, deep colours of leafs and bushes created a romantic atmosphere around.

Here are some pictures I captured during a walk around neighbourhood:

Wilanow - newly designed blocks of flats, that makes everyone think that this is Spain

Life in Wilanow

2010-12-05T15:47:00.001Z

Wilanow is a wonderful district of Warsaw where we currently live. The new Wilanow area has been designed by famous architect - Perry from INVI architects and gained a lot of prestigious awards for design.

September 2010 pictures below and in Picasa Album

More pictures at Picasa Album:

Wilanów - Nowe Miasteczko Wilanów

Holidays in Hungary

2010-12-05T15:34:00.002Z

Hungary is a wonderful holidays destination because of:

swimming pools with thermal water (hot water from underground which keeps high degrees 28-35C) which are hot all year long so even in winter you can sit outside and enjoy...
... great, tasteful, delicious local wine
whichever region you go to - you will enjoy their wine made in small, family-driven vineyards

We have gone to Eger region - every day different swimming pool and vineyard in Egerszalok - can't complain!

tasteful wine from Egerszalok!

Greatly accommodated vineyards in mountains.

Marzipan museum in Eger

Water jumping!

More pictures of Hungary - Eger region at Picasa Album:

Węgry - Miskolec-Egerszalok-Eger-Damjen-Poprad

Master of Science in Project Management Graduation

2010-12-05T15:25:00.001Z

Achieving Master of Science in Project Management at University of Salford was a great adventure which allowed me to gain very useful knowledge and skills, which I utilize in my work and private life.

Moreover, while living in United Kingdom I was able to meet great people from various countries, cultures who became my colleagues an friends forever.

The visit to UK will be always melancholic and enjoyable as this culture, country is overwhelming with it's possibilities and culture mix.

Here some views from the travel to Salford&Manchester in August 2010.

Salford Quays - still growing in strength as a new business centre

Me and Łukasz Szczekala - best Masters of Project Management

old, good, red brick buildings in Manchester

Printworks in Manchester - city centre

Congratulations to all graduates of Master studies in Project Management at University of Salford 2009-2010. I wish you all success in the future careers!

More pictures at my Picasa Album:

Master of Science in Project Management Graduation

Surprisingly wonderful Amstedam

2010-07-05T21:34:00.001+01:00

When going to Amsterdam for a business trip I was expecting busy, tired city - and I was shocked - positively! Amsterdam is the city I could live in - with the great architecture which connects the British style of post-industrial buildings with the new designs and style.
I was lucky to have a sunny weather which allowed me to enjoy the boat trip through the canal which is the main route of the city centre as the city was build on the artificial islands connected by bridges.

I recommend visiting this city as it has a great spirit of freedom, relax and respect for everyone!

Wonderful building as a welcome - train station

Houses on the water! The great invention as they go up when the water raises - no more floods!

Gorgeous, thin houses with the hook on the top - they are placed there to move the furniture into the flats as the stairs are very narrow but windows are wide:)

Most of the canals are surrounded by barges and restaurants...

...but also water houses where people live as in the normal house!:)

Another great view from the boat.

Ajax Amsterdam stadium - as usual the football stadium was on my map

My Ukrainian friend - Oleksander who is making career in Amsterdam and was my host:)

bicycles... everywhere - the most enjoyable way of transport!

Isn't that just wonderful?

Amsterdam has loads to offer for everyone - I enjoyed the architecture, bicycle routes and canals - but you may find other ways to enjoy this city:)

More pictures from Amsterdam at my Picasa Album:

Amsterdam 2010

Bieszczady mountains

2010-07-05T20:36:00.000+01:00

There are place everyone loves to come back to. One of that places are Bieszczady mountains in south-east of Poland. I first climbed to Polonina Wetlinska at the age of 7 and then continued to walk up and down during my junior high school times and high school times. Sometimes with the backpack which carried clothes and food for 3 days. It was tough but great lesson of respect to the mountains, exercise building the character and strength. The success of reaching the peak was great - after the hard work, team work, pain it felt amazing.

We came back for that feeling of happiness, but also freedom which you can feel surrounded by unlimited space and nature. The best moments are the once we share with the closest people so we shared this adventure with Aga and Lukas, who are like family to us!:)

Entrance to the route towards the peak of Polonina Carynska - Marta, Aga and Lukas warming up:)

Mountain stream

The track within lovely trees and bushes

Peak of the mountain with the glade

Signpost showing our target to be at 1297 m

The gorgeous view from the top on the Bieszczady mountains shared between Poland and Ukraine

Early May... but the snow was still present at the top!

Our pack of friends - happy because of the great achievement and fun

Impressive environment and surroundings

As usual - more pictures from this amazing place available through my Picassa album:

Bieszczady mountains, Poland

Back to the routes... Rymanow

2010-07-04T19:08:00.000+01:00

After long absence in Rymanow in south-east Poland, where I spent most of my holidays until the age of 18 (from 4th year) I went for a lovely weekend with my family.

Lovely fruit trees populate the area where few years ago we used to weed the potatoes.

Everywhere I go the football is around and with me. This is where I was training, improving my skills with imaginary players and real friends:) This metal goal replaced the first wooden goals we had. During the best days of that pitch we had the nets on both goals were we practised penalties and free kicks.

Ah! And behind the goal are flowers - underneath together with 2 friends we dig and placed our toys... we said that when we get older will come back dig them out:)

It's good to have a good childhood memories and place to go back...:)

Holidays in Hurghada, Egypt 2010

2010-07-04T18:05:00.004+01:00

Everyone needs a break from time to time to "charge the batteries" and have a break from everyday duties. We decided to be like pharaons - with the full service and high standard we went to the place where weather is 99% certain - hot with warm sea - Egypt!

Egypt is a lovely place for these reasons:

amazing coral reefs close to the hotels and sea surface so we could have do snorkelling instead of diving. We have seen amazing, colourful reefs with wonderful fishes - all sizes and colours. Once we went on the boat trip with few stops to see different reefs in the sea - I recommend that trip - to Giftun Island where after snorkelling everyone can relax on sand beach.
ancient places are very close to wherever you go. We were staying in Hurghada so decided to go to Luxor to see the Pharaoh tombs in the mountains. These are placed deep underneath the mountains.
Luxor Temple - magnificent temple with large columns and statues decorated with colourful paintings all over them

It was very enjoyable stay... however adventurous as always...

20 minutes before we landed in Egypt the Polish president's airplane with him and 80 other Polish officials crashed in Russia and national mourning was announced for a week (week of our holidays!)... so the atmosphere among the Polish tourists was not the best...
Because of the ash cloud our one week holidays were extended to one more week... The waiting was quite exhausting as the officials were "closing" and "opening" the sky every couple of hours. In the meantime we were transferred to 2** hotel with friendly staff but horrible standard (cats in the restaurant, awful food). After first lunch I caught the Pharaohs disease which is quite unpleasant and ended in the doctor's office...

But hey! Egypt is still worth going to see the reefs, enjoy great weather, warm sea and ancient architecture and places!

Morturary Temple of Hatshepsut

Ancient painting

Paint is still fresh and colourful after so many centuries!

Colossi of Memnon

Luxor and Nile

Entrance to the Luxor Temple. The alley of gods with the ram heads.

The scarab for luck:)

One of the very few obelisks which survived in the Egpyt.

The bay at the Sunny Days hotel, which I recommend at it has this natural swimming pool!

Magnificent columns in the Luxor Temple with paintings and sculptures carved in them.

Relaxing at the red sea which is so clear and transparent that you can see the reef even on this picture!

Marta at our hotel's bay with the BagIt Poland bag!

Sunny Days Hotel - I recommend this hotel as it has natural bay of the sea and the hotel rooms are around it! It is natural swimming pool!

The sunset at the Red Sea.

More pictures from Egypt with M&M on them is available as usual in my Picasa album:

Holidays in Hurghada, Egypt 2010

Puma&Pepsi football advert

2010-03-13T22:29:00.002Z

Football is my passion and some kind of religion I celebrate. Playing this beautiful game makes me excited, passionate and positive. It is about the team, individual capabilities and skills, strategy and tactics... and more importantly about the style...
Style and originality has been exposed in the newest Puma advert - I just love it. A bunch of British football fans singing a song in the traditional pub, having a pint of lager or ale - enjoying the game: enjoy the advert!
After watching this advert I just want to go back to Manchester and enjoy the game once again:)

I was wondering what song they were singing and finally found the original version:)

another football advert I really enjoyed recently is called "Oh Africa" by Pepsi

and the old Pepsi advert I came across which is very funny

Enjoy the wonderful game!

Skiing in Ustrzyki Dolne

2010-03-13T13:38:00.000Z

Skiing is my another big passion, and I was very excited about the perspective of going to Italy for skiing, but due to work load and lack of planning ahead... we didn't make it this season.

Nevertheless, we managed to go to Ustrzyki Dolne with my brother-in-law and enjoyed really good snow conditions and atmosphere.

me showing off as usuall.

M&M going up :)

skiing is always great fun

Pawel and Marta after another slide

Marta trying some new moves

from the woods :)

Very snowy winter in Poland

Skiing in Ustrzyki Dolne

Wilanow and Wilanow's Palace

2010-03-13T13:15:00.001Z

Wilanow is a wonderful district of Warsaw in the south-east area of the city. It is calm and full of parks and green areas. In Wilanow there is a Wilanow's Palace - the residency of Polish King - Jan III Sobieski. The palace is currently repaired and gains back it's charm. The castle has large park which had it beauty in winter but looking forward to seeing it in spring time!

More info about the palace at their website.

Photos in my Picasa Album:

Walk in Wilanow and Wilanow palace

The opening of BagIt Poland company

2010-03-13T12:54:00.000Z

Be Enterprising!

I strongly believe that having your own business is most rewarding. My best friends started their own businesses - Lukasz and Maciek print in different techniques on eco-bags.

BagIt Don't Bin It Poland is the business licensed from successful British company. It promotes ecological bags which are produced ethically (Fairtrade) to the best quality (ISO9001) printed using eco paint (ISO14001).

To learn more about the business and make an order or promote the business go to www.bagit.pl

Pictures from the opening:

The opening of BagIt Poland company

Volleyball: Politechnika vs. Resovia

2010-03-13T11:56:00.001Z

Volleyball is my big passion, and there is no better feeling than watching the volleyball game live! Especially while sitting in the fan club sector, where you cheer the whole game long.
Living in Warsaw, I haven't forgot where I come from, and when my home town team - Resovia Rzeszow came to battle Politechnika Warszawska - we (M&M) went to the guests sector to cheer our team which won easily 3-0!

The best fun club in Poland which travels with their team!

and the best volleyball team - Resovia Rzeszow!

Marta cheering for Resovia!

Ursynow Hall in Warsaw

Me singing and cheering:) In the Barcelona t-shirt... but still red colours - the colour of the greatest... Barcelona, Manchester United and Resovia Rzeszow!

Volleyball is beutiful sport and I recommend everyone to come to Poland and enjoy great, friendly atmosphere and highest level of the game!

More pictures within my Picasa Album:

Volleyball game Politechnika Warszawska vs. Resovia Rzeszow

Bob Marley birthday in Bialystok

2010-02-06T10:13:00.000Z

Yesterday was the 65th birthday of the great musician Bob Marley and I suppose the whole world was celebrating this in different ways, the reggae music of love and peace. M&M happened to be in Bialystok in the north-east of Poland (podlaski region) where we went to the Herkulesy club to enjoy the polish hip-hop and reggae bands.

The star of the night was Kacezet & Dreadsquad who came late because of the delays in train travel (we still can't control winter in Poland). Nevertheless, it was worth to wait and enjoy the very positive concert by this duo, which I recommend!

I enjoy the Bialystok a lot as it reminds me of Rzeszow, but I still did not manage to explore it - maybe next time I will have some more time to sightsee:)

Cheers!

LipDub Phenomenon

2009-12-20T17:58:00.000Z

The first clip of LipDub I found while browsing my favourite website: Joemonster.org came from de l'Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)- the University in Canada, where 172 students of communication courses where singing and dancing while walking through their University campus. It was so enjoyable clip that I am confident that most people who browse regularly the Internet have seen it:

I Gotta Feeling

But today I came across the Polish version of it with different song - and I am proud to say it is extremly good and I enjoyed it a lot! The students from Adam Mickiewicz University (UAM):

Alphabeat - Fascination

I love such projects as they bring a lot of happines and positive energy!

Cheers to all those people who participated and worked hard for it!

Maleo Reggae Rockers

2009-12-14T19:48:00.000Z

Maleo is a polish reggae band which plays really wonderful music with great lyrics - some of the songs are in English so while searching through the YouTube you might listen to them - I recommend that :)

During their concert tour 2009 they visited Warsaw and we have decided to join the party in Hybrydy club. I got to admit that this was a very positive night with loads of jumping and dancing with people who equally enjoyed the rhythm:)

Benjamin Krain - Photojournalist

2009-11-16T20:40:00.000Z

This is a great photographer I came across while StumbleUponing the Internet.

I have to admit that the photos are one of its kind segregated in WHO WHAT WHERE categories - well thought with a little story to each album. I recommend:
Benjamin Krain - Photojournalist

For the good evening:)

Museum of the Warsaw Uprising

2009-11-15T18:32:00.003Z

This is the first interactive and fascinating Polish museum I've ever been to! I enjoyed it a lot - the time machine to the hard and difficult times in Polish history.
The museum is placed in Warsaw, more info on their website.
Photos from the visit to the Museum of the Warsaw Uprising:

Museum of the Warsaw Uprising

Phantom of the Opera (Upiór w Operze)

2009-11-15T18:18:00.001Z

The musical called the Phantom of the Opera, which I've seen in Warsaw in ROMA Theatre was unforgettable spectacle, which I truly admired and enjoyed.

The actors were singing, dancing like I would never imagine, the Polish person can. The soft, strong and clear voices of the singers gave me a fresh picture of the Polish culture and capabilities.

Every day we are surrounded by the music, voices played in radio, tv and Interent - BUT! They do not represent the true potential which the nation has - that's why I invite you to come to Warsaw and enjoy the show put on by the crew of ROMA.

The ling to ROMA Theatre in Warsaw where you can see the play: Link here

The photo album as usual at my picasa album

Upiór w operze, Teatr Roma

Visit to Poznan

2009-11-15T17:12:00.007Z

Poznan is a special city for me, I have applied to study at Economic Academy of Poznan, however I was declined - I needed 3 more points from my final high school exams...

Well! I do not regret that I did not get to study there - at all! Life treated me well since then - I had been able to study & travel & meet all the great friends along the way! Cheers to all of them - from Germany (Schwaebisch Hall), Spain (Vic) and UK (Salford & Manchester)!

Poznan... yeah! I really enjoyed the walk around the city with my best friend - Makum, who has been living there for 4 years now and was able to share with me stories, legends and history of the buildings, surroundings and places. I admire that passion - so if you ever visit Poznan - let me know:) I will contact you with Makum!

I enjoyed visiting the city during the day, but we also had a great night life - parties in Poznan rule!;) Thanks for the cheerful party in "Stary Browar"! :)

Here are some photos - more at my picasa album as usuall (on the bottom of this post - link)

Starting visiting the city with mixed architectural styles

The old tenement which used to be a Bank

Makum and the traditional "Golden Polish Autumn"

I am so happy that I finally managed to capture this time of the year - it's so beautiful everywhere with the golden, red, yellow leaves all around...

The Malta in Poznan where the regatta takes place every year.

By the end of the day we managed to get to the old town and the magnificent view had been presented to me:

The city hall of Poznan

The colourful tenements in the Poznan market

The city hall from different angle

Historic tenements around the city hall - at the Poznan market - represent various architectural styles and history

inspirational!

Poznan Market at the sunset

Makum & Mario

I recommend visiting Poznan, this city has a lot to offer, and is magnificent as you had a preview of what it has to get you inspired and fascinated :) Visit the Poznan website for more information: www.poznan.pl

More of my pictures from that trip at my picasa photo album:

Visit to Poznan

Cycling around Warsaw

2009-10-27T16:47:00.007Z

My favourite way to visit and sightsee is by cycling around it! In every city I lived this was my first purchase or rent, whether it was my home city Rzeszow or Schwaebisch Hall (Germany), Vic (Spain) or Salford and Manchester (United Kingdom).

The bike is the most friendly and healthy option to commute in the city, and this is my choice for Warsaw. Well... for now, until it gets cold (hah! it's cold now - October!)...

Here are my first photos from the cycling around the Warsaw...

Marta at the beginning of Marszalkowska Street

Our bikes - here at Lubelska Unia Place

The Lazienki Park - here the Chopin monument, where during the summer famous artists play his music.

Marta enjoying the sunny day and the classical music of Chopin

Wonderful buildings in the Lazienki Park

not only us were enjoying the lovely weekend in Warsaw :)

I was impressed by the lovely surroundings in the park

Yes! This is a real palm in the centre of Warsaw! I suppose someone wanted to bring closer some exotic place such as Australia to the citizens?

Traditional Polish products... here fresh bread with the lard with pork scratchings and a gherkin

The first Polish car powered by electric engine! (More info on: http://www.imotive.pl )

The Royal Castle in Warsaw (view from the river side)

Life in Warsaw goes really fast... but I hope that I will find more time to go around and take some more photos to share and enjoy!:)

If you ever travel to Warsaw then contact me and I will be glad to meet and show around :)

Cycling around Warsaw

Visit to the ZOO in Warsaw

2009-09-13T17:36:00.002+01:00

My first ever trip to the ZOO as the part of M&M adventures happened in Warsaw just recently. I have to admit that it was a wonderful experience to see those animals so close, in one place from very exotic places.

It seems like the ZOO has the mission to bring the nature, far places closer to people who are not able to travel so far and often. It is bringing people from around the world closer together by showing them the environment of people who live there. The animals and plants indispensable elements of our surroundings and often are our own, never seen by people on the other side of the globe.

Fascinating, isn't it? Just makes you want to travel and see those places and people, learn about the culture and heritage of the nations that live in the areas of those animals and plants.

My photos from the Warsaw's ZOO available at my Picasa gallery:

ZOO in Warsaw

Zabkowska Street Celebration

2009-09-06T17:35:00.007+01:00

The Zabkowska Street is placed in Warsaw's Prague on the East side of the Wisla River. Prague was a separate city until XVIII century when it was absorbed to the Warsaw. It was destroyed many times during various independence battles, wars and fights.

It is a unique place, so different to the West side of the city. Mainly because quite a few buildings survived the II World War, unlike the West side where all the buildings were demolished to the ground, which were rebuilt based on the photographs and paintings.

I was astonished by this district and the history - however disappointed that the local government is not doing anything to protect the historic buildings - or more important take care of them that people could live in them with pride...

Anyway, the festival was a really interesting event because Prague is inhabited by many cultures from around the world: Japanese, Chinese, Slovak, Brazilian, Cuban or Serbian who had a chance to share some of their culture with local Warsaw citizens.

Photos from the festival available through my Picasa gallery:

Ząbkowska (Warsaw's Prague)

St Sebs Open Day

2009-07-16T17:34:00.002+01:00

Saint Sebastian's Community Centre in Salford is a lovely place for people in the neighbourhood who can attend some extra classes, eat quality food for decent price and enjoy many events organized.
Together with my team we have been helping the centre for over a year with the new strategy, marketing, sponsoring, price strategy, event management and many more. It has been a great cooperation with the General Manager who managed our volunteers successfully.

During St Sebs Open Day on 30th July 2009 we came along to make research about the people who came to the event and to run our Financial Literacy projects sponsored by HSBC (we've been awarded a grant after successful application by George Akomas team).
It was very enjoyable experience - we've been building piggy banks with kids while sharing our tips and advice about saving! More than 30 kids visited our stand and spend some quality time with our team members.

Check out pictures at Picassa Album: St Sebs Open Day

Seville - Day 4

2009-06-22T22:21:00.008+01:00

After two days of walking in the historic city centre of Seville we have decided to see attractions which are situated bit further. The city bikes came with a great use allowing us to commute fast and enjoyably.

Marta with our city bikes at our first stop - the city walls.

Seville has many bridges across the river. The new designs bring new, fresh spirit to the city.

Olimpic Stadium, another football ground visited during the trip.

M&M in the area of Expo 1992 which Seville was host of.

Marta aiming higher and higher :)

The monastery in Seville.

The bull fight area and museum

The bull fight arena, which stills hosts the competitions on Sundays

The kiosk at the Bull Fight stadium, a little bit different to the Old Trafford kiosks in Manchester :)

Bull head chopped off by one of the Toreadors

Just posing... not a toreador, so calm person am I...

back to the Seville's parks to hide from sun :)

Marta smiling as she was leading me through the Seville to explore and find attractions which were not on the tourist map... We are the travellers:)

Flamenco night!

So much tension and emotion in Flamenco...

... and skill, rhythm and spirit!

I recommend you a trip to Seville which is truly magnificent city which so much history and tradition hiding within the buildings I showed to you. Andalusia is a very interesting region to explore and Seville is a stop not to miss!

Cadiz - Day 3

2009-06-22T22:17:00.005+01:00

What kind of visit would it be to Spain without going to the sea side? Well, I can't imagine it therefore we took a 90 minutes train to Cadiz. However, the first half of the day did not allowed us to lay on the beach, we sight-see the city and later when the sun came from behind the clouds we had time to enjoy the sea and beach.

The city hall of Cadiz.

Another massive Spanish cathedral.

Myself relieved to see the sea again... I love that view which makes me wonder...

Marta waiting for the sun...

Freedom!

The moment is our so it's time to enjoy it!

The city walls which surround the historic area.

Cadiz as most of the Spanish cities has narrow streets with those tiny balconies.

The view on the Cadiz Cathedral and the seaside

San Sebastian castle

Cadiz City centre

Cadiz is a lovely city which is worth visiting and has beautiful sandy beaches where you can have a break from the Seville's high temperatures.

Seville - Day 2

2009-06-22T22:09:00.006+01:00

Stadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan - The Football Stadium of FC Seville. Another stop on my travels around the world during which I promised to myself to always have a look on the local football team stadium.

Marta in The Alcazar of Seville, a royal palace which is massive and has gorgeous gardens.

The rooms of the palace has been richly decorated in ceramic.

One of the squares within the palace.

Marta enjoying walk in Alcazar while the sun was still behind the clouds.

Hundreds of visitors to the palace allow taking care of the enormous gardens of the palace.

What a fantasy the had centuries ago? Fountain in the garden and paintings within the walls, all designed to relax and inspire the owner.

Myself hiding from Marta in the garden labirynth.

And the sun came back for the afternoon allowing us tu further explore sights of the city.

The summer house of the recent queens.

Plaza de Espana. The magnificent palace which was build in 1929 for Spanish-American Exhibition. The buildings are not occupied and visitors can take only few pictures there and head off to the Maria Luisa Park which surrounds it.

M&M enjoying the high tempretures and sun :)

Cadiz mozaique - the next city we planned to visit during our stay in Spain

The day has finished by the romantic dinner in one of the "advised" restaurants we found in our great travel guide. Here Marta ordered the seashells :)

Seville - Day 1

2009-06-22T21:45:00.012+01:00

Another challenging year in Manchester, United Kingdom has finished and M&M decided to go on city break to Seville. We are fascinated about Spain, its culture, tradition and language. Therefore we decided to again visit another region of that amazing country - Andalusia...

The streets of Seville are surrounded by the beautiful buildings which create the atmosphere and mirror the traditional Spanish architecture and culture.

Seville as the every traditional Spanish city has a mixture of styles heritage of the invaders: Arabs, Phoenicia and Carthage.

The bishop's house

Break for traditional tapas in the local tapas restaurant, which was so great that we came back there. Interesting was eating on the large steps decorated in all sort of ceramic figures.

Busy tapas counter with porg legs hanging above the customers. Spaniards are fast and loud when preparing the food and it is fascinating to watch them serving and getting around such small space.

The great invention of Spaniards who hang those linen across the buildings to protect people from the sun burnt.

Plaza Nueva - the main city square in front of the City Hall

This building reminds me of Wester Movies and Dramas such as "Doctor Queen"

The lovely square nearby the cathedral

Calle Mateos Gago (one of the lovely streets)

Giralda the bell tower of Seville Cathedral, which was builded by different conquerors, who added styles from their times baroc, renaissance, islamic.

M&M walking around the Seville

Torre del Oro - the tower overlooking the Guadalquivir river. Legends say that the Indies stored their tresure there.

One of the amazing bridges in Seville. The new designs are a proof that the city has not stops and continues developing and investing to remain its position and attract visitors and businesses.

Marta enjoying the Spanish nature in one of the parks.

After the tireing first day of walking around the Seville the earned Dinner time had came...

Visit to York

2009-05-26T19:18:00.011+01:00

On Saturday 23rd of May M&M together with Agi&Lukasz decided to explore another city - York, which is just 90 minutes by train from Manchester. It was recommended by many people to us, therefore we wanted to check it out and we do not regret it...

Marta in the York Gardens

Agi & Lukasz in the King's Gardens

myself enjoying the amazing ruins

one of the King's mansions

M&M in York

photo courtesy of Lukasz

M&M beginning their adventure in York

In the Yorkshire museum we found out that York was not only Viking city but also Roman's
After seeing visiting the museum we had a chance to learn history from a real people who tell fascinating stories of Roman times. Saturday was the day of Roman's in York and we had chance to see their weapons, techniques of pottery and arching.

Then we moved to city centre to see the York Minster. The largest Medieval Gothic cathedral north of the Alps and a treasure house of 800 years of stained glass. (Link to more info)

The nice weather allowed us to see the Minster in full view and delight it size and architecture.

Because it was Roman's day - they accompanied us throughout the city by various activities - here walking with slaves.

One of the churches in centre of York.

Once we've seen the Roman's we decided to move back in history - to Viking times. The JORVIK (York in Viking language) Viking centre was exciting way of learning about those times! (Link to see more details)

After experiencing travel to Viking times we tried it ourselves ;)

Then we went to the York Dungeons for some excitement, and I have to admit - it was a fantastic visit with some scary moments and fun. (more info)

Then we went further to explore the city. The Clifford Tower allowed us to have a great view on the city from the top.

Marta and Agi happy from the great trip we took.

Lukasz the greatest :)

York Minster

M&M enjoying the city of York

York is a nice city, worth seeing - the view is a great example of English city

Some traditional architecture houses (Chester looks all like that)

Some elderly people fighting for their rights... respect for them!

Ah... classics:)

Marta on the boat trip!
River boats are very popular here in UK, allowing you to go from Manchester, York all the way to London!Finally, in the end of day we took a Yorkboat. An amazing tour guide took us to the South and North end of York and told very funny and interesting stories about history of the city.

British houses mostly are very common and simillar, but the once by the river were unusual - beautiful:)

Last view on the York Minster from the city walls you can walk on around the city centre.

City walls

Micklegate, one of many gates around the city leading to the heart of York...

York impressed me by the history - Viking and Romans - and the heritage which is available to see and touch. Also the attractions available are amazing - they do not allow you to get bored!
We have purchased the York Day Pass and it was totally worth it - we saved a lot of money and have seen the best attractions!

If you wonder where to go in UK - York is one of the locations to go! Visit York!

Article about Our, SIFE Salford success!

2009-05-06T22:49:00.004+01:00

On the photo: (from left) Lujan Patitucci, Lukasz Szczekala, Thomas Hurst, Spyros Spyrou, Bekki Stanyer, Daiga Strupa, Mark Hartwell, Ismael Salehmohamed, Mariusz Andreasik
The fantastic SIFE Salford representation team!

The article has been published in Student Direct on 4th of May 2009. The newspaper is reaching 50,000 students in Salford and Manchester, UK.

Once again Big Thanks to the presentation team (Lukasz Szczekala, Thomas Hurst, Spyros Spyrou, Daiga Strupa, Mark Hartwell, Mariusz Andreasik) that achieved an amazing success!

Also many thanks to the people who supported us throughout the year - Louise Kenworthy & Abdul Shama and to those who prepared us to the final presentation - Paul Cowell and Barry Forrester and our panel of judges at the University, our partners and sponsors.

Thank you!

The final report of SIFE Salford available here (PDF): Outside pages (20 Mb) & Inside Pages (32 Mb)

The presentation file available here: SIFE Salford Power Point Presentation (51 Mb)

SIFE SALFORD IN SEMI-FINALS OF THE SIFE UK NATIONAL COMPETITION

2009-04-30T22:09:00.001+01:00

University of Salford first time represented in prestigious entrepreneurial showdown

London, 23 April 2009

Earlier today, SIFE Salford, the University’s of Salford most entrepreneurial students, made their way to Semi-Finals of the SIFE UK National Competition, after investing more than 3500 hours into the community projects and achieving, thereby, an undisputable success as a barely one-year-old SIFE team to go through the competition’s Opening Round.

The accolade is a ‘dream coming true’ for the SIFE Salford, the competition’s first-timers team, that was selected to represent the University of Salford for the first time in its career earlier in March this year, during the Regional North-West round of that prestigious tournament.

“Our team is honoured to be awarded a place in the Semi-Finals”, said Lukasz Szczekala, Communications Director. “We could not be happier, because we proved ourselves and the other teams that it doesn’t matter how many years of the experience the team has, but it is the true passion and cooperation between students that matters the most”.

In order to win over the competitors from such universities like Sussex, Swansea or Birmingham, the Salford University team presented the results of their 5 entrepreneurial projects, including: ‘Northwest Student Enterprise Conference’, ‘Business Game’ and ‘St Sebastian Community Centre’ to the panel of nearly 100 judges representing UK’s most renowned companies: HSBC, KPMG, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and ASDA, to name but a few. The students chose their projects carefully to match the needs of Salford’s residents with an aim to empower them, educate and increase employability within the region. Mariusz Andreasik, Vice President of SIFE Salford summarized: “Judges appreciated the most the way we created economic opportunities for more than 400 people from our local community and that is SIFE Salford’s prime goal.” The team’s efforts were also intensively covered by the local media, thanks to whom students reached nearly 600 000 people.

“I believe our first success in the National Competition comes down to our 60 great members representing 15 countries with different backgrounds and cultures. But this variety is what actually makes our team unique”, continues Andreasik.

The SIFE UK National Competition recognizes students’ hard work during the academic year, enabling them to meet business leaders, speak to the potential future employers and network with each other. The award in the Finals means prestige and the secure place in the SIFE World Cup, this year in Berlin, where the team will compete against the National Champion teams from all over the globe.

Debuting SIFE Salford was also nominated to three awards during the National Competition, including: Rookie Champions for new teams and those sponsored by Wilkinson and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. The team has now even more ambitious plans – to introduce new project – ‘Loaves & Fishes’, a drop in advice centre for homeless people, while carrying on with existing aid given to the local community. The ‘big dream’ is to represent their University again in the next year’s World Cup.

Press Release by Marta Karas

www.sifesalford.org

Skiing in Italy, Sauze d'Oulx

2009-04-11T15:15:00.010+01:00

Hey ho! Just wanted to share with you my great experience of skiing in Italy. Together with fantastic group of friends (Marta, Lukasz, Agi, Karolina, Lukasz, Tung) we were skiing & snowboarding in amazing resort of Sauze d'Oulx nearby Turin. The place where there were Winter Olimpics in 2006.

Our holidays were organized by ThomasCook and Nelson, and I strongly recommend them as we had smooth holidays from early beginning to the very end!

I would love to share with you some pictures from that holiday!

Myself skiing. I got to admit that the slopes were prepared to the highest standard, allowing me to get the speed, I had hardly ever experienced...

also, the slopes were empty so I could have tried the carving style without thinking that I might do some harm, or someone can hit me. What a relief!

Tung snowboarding - Aussie style!

Lukasz was on the other hand jumping all over the place, hitting the trees and snow :)

Tung tried a bit of jumping as well, had to prove the point :)

Wonderful slopes in the trees. Wonderful surroundings of Alps and smooth, silent and long (up to 10km) tracks.

The view from the top... takes a breath away...

Olimpic track... going down? You sure?

Marta on the reindeer spreading the joy!

Quite steep tracks didn't discourage our positive team :)

Surroundings were flabbergasting!

Friends forever!

Small person in the massive mountains

Hey ho! Let's go... go... faster!

Our lovely hotel in the town centre, just 5 minute walk in the ski boots from the first ski lift! Very convenient location! Assietta Hotel is the place to stay!

Lukasz trying some carving style at the high speed!

M&M in Alps!

M&M and Tung enjoying the sun

Our amazing team, sun burnt but happy enjoying local cuisine

always with style

hmm black slope... for beginners, isn't it?

well... sunny throughout the week apart from one day... which was snowy and foggy...

Thank you Italy for the wonderful time we had!

The only brave who got to the top to try the black track.

M&M
Ski and snowboarding team

Bum boarding!

Thanks to all the friends who enjoyed Italian Alps with me! Let's do it again!

Greetings to all skiers, snowboarders and fans of mountains!

An Avalanche of Success... by SIFE Salford

2009-03-18T23:15:00.003Z

The great achievements of SIFE Salford team had been recognized by the local newspaper. Those successes include winning of grants from: HSBC, Enterprise-rent-a-car and Wilkinson. The money earned will be spent on the three projects our team works on:
- Financial Literacy for Kids (FLiP Kids)
- Freebies for businesses (teaching local businesses and students about legal and ethical aspects of using unlicensed software as well as showing the alternatives)
- St Sebastian Community Centre project (helping the social enterprise sustain in the difficult economic downturn)

Congratulations to the SIFE Salford team!

Especially to George Akomas (FLiP), Lukasz Szczekala & Mariusz Andreasik (Freebies; St Sebs) and Spyros Spyrou (Freebies)

The article has been published in Student Direct on 23rd of February 2009. The newspaper is reaching 50,000 students in Salford and Manchester, UK.

Article about SIFE Salford winning the Wilkinson Grant

2009-02-23T15:08:00.004Z

The article has been published in Student Direct on 23rd of February 2009. The newspaper is reaching 50,000 students in Salford and Manchester, UK.

I am proud to say that Mariusz Andreasik & Lukasz Szczekala earned well-deserved laurels by preparing the grant application and for their great involvment in St Sebastian's Community project, for which the money will be dedicated.

Congratulations to all project members!

SIFE SALFORD SCOOPS £200 FOR CHARITY PROJECT - Wilkinson Grant Accolade for Entrepreneurial Students

2009-02-21T22:29:00.003Z

Welcome!

I haven't updated you for a while, mainly because I've been very busy with University, work and student society - SIFE.

Todays news is about a great achievement, which I've been a great part of - the project I am a leader has been awarded a grant by Wilkinson company. The grant application was prepared by myself and Łukasz Szczekala with support of Marta Karaś.

This is a great news and will stimulate my team to work towards our common and projects objectives. Below, I present you a press release prepared by Marta Karaś, the PR&Marketing Adviser for SIFE Salford.

/// Press Release ///

Salford, January 2009

SIFE Salford (Student in Free Enterprise), the new society for entrepreneurial students of the University of Salford, has been awarded a £200 worth grant in the Wilkinson Entrepreneurship Individual Topic Competition. SIFE Salford’s young entrepreneurs’ team will destine the money towards developing the Salford’s St. Sebastian Community Centre.

The Wilkinson Hardware Stores rewarded SIFE Salford for the best fulfillment of the SIFE international criteria – creating the economic opportunity by helping others to succeed as an entrepreneur and improve an existing business.

“We are delighted that we have been awarded the Wilkinson grant, it is great news for our young team and we did not expect that award,” said Mariusz Andreasik, Vice President of SIFE Salford and Project Leader. “We are a true mixture of students representing 19 countries and over 20 different courses, but we all live here in Salford and we want to give something back from us to the local community. The money we now have will be used to develop and implement a marketing strategy for Cafe Green owned by the St. Sebastian Community Centre.”

On top of this award, the SIFE Salford team has also a chance to win further £500 and a trophy to be presented during the SIFE UK National Competition in April this year. In order to do it, students will have to prepare a report demonstrating the results achieved thanks to their community project.

SIFE Salford’s Communication Director, Lukasz Szczekala on team’s further plans: “The year 2009 is going to be a very challenging year for the society, because our team is still growing with new members and we are involved in several projects, both charity ones, as well as related to economic and teaching financial literacy”.

Along with the cooperation with the local community, the society sets its aim for this year to improve the skills of its members in order to increase their employability. To achieve that, various workshops and seminars will be organized and will cover broad business and entrepreneurial subjects.

For further press information please contact:

SIFE Salford V-ce President and Project Leader, Mariusz Andreasik
www.sifesalford.org

Volleyball match: Resovia - Delecta

2009-01-08T17:45:00.004Z

First Polish League Volleyball match between Resovia Rzeszow and Delecta Bydgosz.
The match we attended in the new year to cheer our local team!

Start the action!

The best fan club in Poland! They were cheering for 2,5 hours without stopping for a second!

Resovia was winning 2-0 after great attacks and defending

Unfortunatelly, Delecta came back and equalized 2-2.
Thankfully, Resovia managed to win the last ball and end that game winning 3-2.

Marta, Lukas & Agi the volleyball fans happy with the Resovia win.

More information about Resovia Rzeszow here.

Rzeszow in Snow

2009-01-08T16:55:00.008Z

Today I would like to show you pictures of my home city, Rzeszow in South-East of Poland, the capital of Podkarpackie region.

the Rzeszow coat of arms

Lovely, newly renovated City Hall (in polish Ratusz) with the golden eagle from Poland national coat of arms (although after fall of communism it has a crown)

View on the City Hall from Slowackiego street

Interesting sculpture in the city centre with the quote from the best Polish football coach, Kazimierz Górski who led Poland to 3rd place at World Cup in 1974.
The quote says: "The ball is round, there are two goals, either we win or they".

An old historic tenement at the market square (the main square in Rzeszow)

Monument of Tadeusz Kosciuszko, the hero and general of Polish army, who led in 1794 the Kosciuszko Uprising against Imperial Russia.

Old well at the market square, today a meeting point

The monument at the heart of Rzeszow's market place

One corner of marketplace

Newly refurbished old tenements present really nicely

Mistletoe at the well, the meeting point. The wonderful city hall in the background.

Front of the city hall.

Rzeszów welcomes everyone

Entrance to the city hall

I High School in Rzeszow, which I attended and church next to it.

Building of one of the commercial polish banks

Summer residence of famous Polish family - Lubmirski, who owned the city throughout the centuries. Now this building is rented by Rzeszow University.

An avenue of chestnuts, favourite place to go out for a date

Magnificent Lubomirski Castle in Rzeszow. Currently the main law court in the region.

The monument to memory of Polish soldiers

The castle from different perspective

Cannon in front of the castle

The entrance to the castle, the law court

Very nice reperesentation of Polish houses

Learn more about Rzeszow from:

Happy New 2009 Year!

2008-12-31T14:37:00.000Z

Dear friends and guests

I wish you all the best in 2009 Year, that the plans you made come true. However, I wish that a great opportunities appear on your horizons and you will use that chance, that could change you and your life.

I wish you and your family, friends, beloved a lot of health! This is the most important factor in our lives - rest is up to you, and I believe that you can take care of things you can control and decide on!

Take care and hope to see you all happy, positive and full of dreams, ambition in 2009!

Remember that one person can make a change, and I wish you a courage to do so!

In Polish: "Szczęśliwego i zdrowego Nowego 2009 Roku!"

Mario (Mariusz)

Friends reunions 2008

2008-12-28T18:25:00.003Z

Makum, Misiek & me (Mario)

the best friends and neighbours ever! We know each other for about 10 years now and we spent those days all the time together doing crazy things.
Today, we live far from each other (Poznan, Nowy Sacz, Manchester) but we meet twice a year and as before, we share our experiences, problems and thoughts to plan the brighter future for ourselves. I just love those meetings and those guys!:*

Junior High School Reunion!

My Junior High School class was the most funny bunch of friends I have ever met - so many optimistic and crazy people at one place at the same time... unbelievable !
Well, we decided to meet at the second day of Christmas, which seemed to be convenient for everyone as comes back home...

in 2008 for reunion came: Rydzik (Tomasz), Mario (Mariusz), Szczex (Lukasz), Spider (Maciek), Perchal (Krzysiek)

I have more meeting planned with other various friends I met in my home city, wish to have time to meet all of them, but it is limited, even though I wish all the best to each of them!

Skiing at Laworta, Poland

2008-12-28T17:51:00.005Z

The Manchester team: Lukas, Mario, Marta & Agi

Freaky Misiek!

Makum and Misiek in the trees! Snowboarding skills released!

Makum, Marta, Mario & Lukas
Snowy

Happy friends :)

Misiek and Makum determined to show their skills and enjoy snowboarding!

Mario's Dad, Mario, Makum & Misiek

It was a great ski trip to Laworta in Ustrzyki Dolne, Poland! We took two cars full of great friends, optimistic and relaxed skiiers and snowboarders. The skiing conditions were very good and our friend Piotrek from Ustrzyki welcomed us in his village ;D

Team of the day: Mario&Marta, Makum, Lukasz&Agi, Misiek&Ewa, Mario's Dad, Ustrzyk and his Dad.
Thanks to everyone for a great time and support!

More information about the mountain and current conditions can be found on this website.

Christmas 2008 in Poland

2008-12-28T17:05:00.004Z

Me and my grandparents

The Christmas tree decorated by myself

My father played all the carols while me and Marta were singing to share our Christmas spirit

M&M with Kamilek, my godson

Asia, Kamilek and Pawel, the positive family with love and fun!

M&M during second day of Christmas at Marta's home where her family invited me over for a dinner

This was the first time that Christmas Eve and following days of celebration where hosted at my parents house. Therefore, it was a little bit stressful for my mother. But thanks to great organization we are famous from, we managed to go through these dinners, breakfasts smooth and without any accidents.

We sang and played the carols, talked about life and future. We played with Kamilek who was very absorbing and everyone focused their attention on him, as this was his first Christmas!

All the best from my family and hope you enjoyed that time in the way you love!

Escape to Nantes, France [Day 3]

2008-12-15T14:01:00.005Z

Last day in Nantes we decided to explore the island, where museum of machines constructed to the designs of Leonardo da Vinci has its location. Unfortunately, it was closed, but we had a chance to see the elephant and walk around to see more attractions.

Me with "Grand Elephant" - design of Leonardo da Vinci. In Machines of the Ile de Nantes (Visit Les Machines de l'Ile)

Marta showing the home, museum of Jules Verne we visited the day before.

Author of great adventurous books such as "Around the world in 80 days".

Rings situated at Ile de Nantes is an exceptional 350-hectare territory located right in the heart of Nantes, and in front of the historical centre (Visit Nantes)

Marta with huge "Titan" crane used in the shipyard

in the pancake house

at the Nantes stadium
FC Nantes stadium

I could not be in any city and not to see the football stadium there!

In the park

French house - photo curiosity of Marta

Rings by night

Marta in the potato house, having potatoes in five styles

Escape to Nantes, France [Day 2]

2008-12-15T13:52:00.005Z

Second day in capital of Brittany, Nantes was amazing as we explored many sights around the city and tasted delicious specialities of this North-West France region.

Duchy of Britanny castle

Me enjoying the medieval castle

Gold Autumn in France

The LU Tower, where first factory of famous biscuits (Petit)

Marta in the Duchess Anne castle, and in far background the Gothic Cathedral

Amazing autumn in Nantes

Cathedral and historic tenements

Marta wondering what if...

Ah!!! Traditional pastries from Nantes region

le lieu unique - old biscuit factory turned into cultural centre

Marta enjoying lovely autumn time

M&M in the castle

The moat around the castle - by night

La cigale - the gorgeous restaurant

Me with tasty pancake with orange sauce

M&M in Nantes

Croissants... lovely, tasty great with coffee!

Escape to Nantes, France [Day 1]

2008-12-15T13:31:00.006Z

Escape, because everyone needs a break from everyday life, work, University, obligations, shopping, transport, country, people...
What if one airline offers cheap deals for travelling, what a waste it would be not to take that opportunity! Well, we did not! And I took my lovely Marta to Nantes, France for a weekend to relax and spent some more time together, as in this busy world and times it hard to find time for each other. This time was precious and highly needed, and I'm glad we made it!

And Nantes turned out to be a lovely place for an escape with all the things needed... great sight-seeing attractions, amazing local food and specialities i.e. creperies (crepes) and chocolate.

Passage Pommeraye - an old shopping centre with traditional French products

Young students group playing an amazing music to raise some funds for themselves :)

Theatre of Nantes

Dukes of Brittany Castle by Night

One of the beautiful buildings in Nantes

Marta showing where exactly is Nantes, in North-West of France

Incredible characters made from chocolate

First thing ever stolen from me

2008-12-10T00:19:00.001Z

It is outrageous what happened to me today. My bike (technically it was Marta's bike) has been stolen from a shopping centre where I parked it and secured. It was a daylight robbery!

Last picture of the bike with a lovely owner

It was a shock for me that someone has took my belonging, even though it is of a low value (thankfully!). The main issue is that, how, why someone did that if it was a low quality and value - what drives those people?

I was very confused by this situation and did not have a clue how to react... thanks to my friend Lukas who was there with me (his bike did not got stolen) we made a joke out of this whole situation...

Happy Motoring to whoever is in possession of my great bike that did not have a front break...!

SIFE Salford adventures

2008-11-07T11:38:00.006Z

SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) Salford is a fantastic team of positive, highly motivated and smart students of Salford University. I am proud to be a member of this student society and grateful to be a Vice-President for upcoming year.

This is a big responsibility and challenge but I believe that we can make it to the National Finals and go through to the final four. This can be achieved by hard and creative work on our projects. Each team member have to dedicate time and energy to make our goals happen.

Each team has to integrate before working together. We were a bunch of new people and the SIFE Leadership Weekend 2008 was a great event when we got close to each other and 'clicked' as a team. We were the most recognised team, well known and positive.

We started our weekend by climbing this platform and walking around it through various obstacles. It was exactly what we needed! A lot of adrenaline, some scary moments - all to release the stress and loosen the muscles after all the University and part time jobs tensions.
The campus is based in Grantham nearby Nottingham at PGL Campus

Our team enjoyed great food and networking opportunities with the brightest students from all UK Universities.

SIFE Salford 2008/2009 team - the most recoginsed team ;)

The weekend was very challenging weekend. Many workshops, business challenges and outdoor activities took place. But the networking events are the core of these events, and we had a great time!

Free hugs!
Salford team all nice and smart

A month ago total strangers... a month later friends forever!

Chicas de SIFE Salford
How smart and representative

and finally... M&M had a marvellous weekend! We loved all the activities and entertainment. I just can not imagine what would be if we did not join SIFE...
it is all about great fun in life...

...now it is time for the hard part - working on projects and team work towards the one goal: making economic difference in other lifes using various channels and approaches.

'I was given an amazing chance and opportunity, I want to share that with others and open doors for them as well'.

Visit SIFE Salford at www.sifesalford.org

Day off in Sale

2008-10-24T19:41:00.003+01:00

Have you ever wondered how the villages around you look? Sometimes you might forget how the traditional villages and nature looks, once you are settle in metropolitan city as Manchester. It is worth to escape from the trams, buses, busy streets, high buildings to some rural area.

I decided that we should visit one of the towns on the Altrincham tram line on lovely Sunday 28th September 2008. I have chosen to go to Sale as I found on the website the nice park and lovely path by the river.

Traditional houses in Sale
It is Sale, reminds me of Castlefield in Manchester

My Lovely Marta enjoying autumn

I do enjoy day off...

Natural sculpture

Lovely estates in Sale

"Ślimak ślimak pokaż rogi" - "Snail, snail show horns"

British traditional household

Explore your surroundings and appreciate them once for a while.

City - Chelsea

2008-09-14T14:19:00.005+01:00

Manchester City is being bought by Abu Dhabi Development group which is going to invest millions of pounds in club and players - as it happened in Chelsea few years ago. An early clash of these two clubs was very interesting to watch.

Warming up

Full stadium of City and Chelsea supporters

Provocation from Manchester United fans? Rented plane was flying back and forth with Red's t-shirt!

Marta wondering who is playing and what for?

Lukas enjoying the game - check his blog for more pics from that game!

Chelsea supporters were loud all game long!

Shaun Wright-Phillips delivering a corner

Frank Lampard, the man who earns 190k pounds a week...

Freekick by Robinho - first GOAL of the game and in new club!

Chelsea celebrating after scoring a goal

Deco, very intelligent and precise player

Didier Drogba came from the bench and tried his best to score

Big Bang - the monument in front of Sport City in Manchester.

There are plenty free seats at Manchester City stadium to book your place for any match - so go and enjoy!

Chester

2008-09-14T14:14:00.004+01:00

I love travelling and exploring places I live in. Therefore, together with Marta we went to Chester which is just 40 minutes away by train and is meant to be a lovely place. Those advertised that tu us were 100% right. It is a lovely city with traditional architecture that reminded me of Schwaebisch Hall and Germany.

The second most famous clock in England - "The Eastgate clock"

Exploring each sight of Chester, according to the map and guide

Enjoying tasty cake made by around 90 years old ladies in church cafeteria. So wonderful ladies speaking in clear accent.

All these traditional houses are now fitted with popular and high-street shops.

Chester castle... which is currently occupied by court - exactly as in my home city, Rzeszow

Chester is cut in half by the river on which there are many water sports to enjoy and have a pleasant walk

One of the old, pedestrian bridges

the ruins of cathedral

Chester Cathedral

magnificent size Cathedral in Chester

Doesn't it look like Germany? It does to me!

Wedding party coming!

M&M in Chester!

I recommend visiting Chester as it looks amazing and lovely.

Marsden

2008-09-10T22:05:00.005+01:00

I miss the days of Junior High School when we often had trips to mountains to climb on them with bags or without. These journeys were the most amazing where you fight with your body to overcome tiredness and at the same time enjoy gorgeous views.
Thankfully, a part of these memories came back when Lukas and Agi took me and Marta to Marsden to walk around this mountain - hills. Lovely weather but very windy on the top and fascinating views... this was all we needed, a break from the city.

Controlled reservoir

Marta in floowers
M&M enjoying the trip

Lukas and Agi - our guides and fantastic couple

view from the top

at our stop

it was very windy, hard to stand but human always fight against it and try to control it...

Full Enjoyement

Mountains are silent, only sounds of nature are surrounding us... this is the best place to contemplate and think or to forget all the problems, issues and be once on your own with yourself...

...it is magic to experience that and always worth to go...

Heaton Park

2008-09-10T21:50:00.006+01:00

Living in Manchester and Salford is great, but in everyday life it is hard to see too many parks and nature. Of course, there is a big park at Salford University Peel campus, but it does not feel so welcoming. But more importantly, we do not have a nice weather so often to enjoy trips to park.
Fortunately, the one before last weekend of August, which had also Bank holiday included in it on Monday (23-25 August) was sunny and warm!
Our friends from Leeds and Huddersfield came over to Manchester and together we went to Heaton Park. We took a tram towards Bury and get off at the Heaton Park stop, which is the most convenient way to transport to this lovely place.

Entrance to the Heaton Park in Greater Manchester.

The construction of first Manchester town hall.

Our lovely group (from left): me, Marta, Agi, Karolina, Sylwia

M&M in the animal park - here with Lame:D

Lukas trying very hard to play the ball back to me:)

Freesbie! It was a great idea to take freesbie, it was so funny catching it and passing while standing in the circle. Pure fun!

It's not only about playing good, it's also about making the game look good:)

One of the few reservouis in Heaton Park - you may rent a boat and enjoy:)

Tram museum.

Heaton Park in its full beauty

"Co je Twoja Mućka hej, czy Ci da dziś mleczka?"... :D
"Hey good looking!"

Marta and the peacock

M&M after fantastic day in Heaton Park

It was lovely afternoon with all this animals we've seen and sunny weather. I wish there were more days here in Manchester like that - sunny, warm and fresh, but hey! It's always fun in spite of the weather.

City - AC Milan

2008-08-12T01:45:00.003+01:00

I am a big fan of football, therefore could not miss a chance to watch a great team - AC Milan, which I am fan of and one of the greatest players they had - Roberto Baggio.
Well, I went to the game with Marta who really enjoyed it as well.

Manchester City Stadium is placed in Sport City and looks really nice inside and outside. Here front of the stadium

We had really great places at the stadium - close to the pitch and in the centre of the pitch.

Presentation of the teams. Even though the tickets were only 15 Pounds which is half price for adults, the stadium was not full completely.

Gianluca Zambrotta in action against City players.

AC Milan in attack.

The friendly game finished with 1-0 score for Manchester City.

Manchester City in position to attack.

I have to admit that Manchester City looked much better in this pre-season game than their rivals - Manchester United. While AC Milan without their stars Kaka and Ronaldinho played well in first half and struggled in second part.

United - Juventus

2008-08-12T01:41:00.005+01:00

Friendly game between Manchester United and Juventus Torino was the only chance for me to watch the game live at the stadium. After that, only membership holders can purchase tickets and enter the draw, also during the season I will be working at the stadium during match days.

Manchester United team entering the stadium showing their two trophies - Premiership Championship and Champions League Trophy.

Champions of England and Europe.

Warming up before the game.

Two team greeting each other - and full stadium cheering for them.

Old Trafford stadium - "Theatre of the dreams"

Juventus has great stars and all played that evening - Del Pierro, Trezeguet, Buffon...

United still does not have a fire force in front - even with Tevez ahead...

Tevez in attack...

The game finished with a draw 0-0, but we had a great place at the South Stand - very close to the pitch, next to the kiosk I worked for the last season. It was a great experience to watch the game for the first time in life and wish many people could experience that.

Belle Vue Speedway

2008-08-12T01:37:00.004+01:00

I am a big speedway fan - no as big as Lukas - my friend and new flatmate, but still. Therefore we went to Belle Vue in Manchester to watch competition
for 80th Anniversary of the club.

Lukas in front of Belle Vue Stadium

Me in front of main stand... which is a restaurant! It is cover with glass and it is hard to hear motors or smell of the methanol which is the greatest ever!

Old boys racing in their Anniversary heat.

Very young Speedway racers showed they abilities and skills... need to admit that some of them were very ambitious and showed a lot of courage.

Board with scores and betting odds... however mostly used for dog races which still take place here in England and Manchester.

Old type double-decker red English bus - number 53x, line which takes spectators from Manchester City Centre to Belle Vue.

Main stand and the track.

High class watering can...

Our stand... on the first curve - best view on the track...

Presentation of the main starts of the day - such as Joe Screen, Jason Crump, Leigh Adams, Scott Nichols.

Go!

Just after start...

It was very good day of high level speedway. In the final race Schott Nichols - from Rzeszow (my home city) lost to Leigh Adams - winner of 80th Anniversary of Belle Vue Club.

I have to admit that there is a huge difference between this event in Poland and UK. In Poland it is a great day for the city and about 12 thousand people come to watch the races, while here about two thousands. Also, in Manchester it was more like family picnic with funfair for kids, while in my city is is a great support and emotions for whole family - young kids learn the rules and secrets from their parents from early days and enjoy the competition.

Finally, I thought that infrastructure in UK is way ahead than in Poland but it is the other way round in case of speedway!