Jo’s Monday walk : Zawady

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In total contrast to my last, extremely urban walk in the city of Łódź, I’m taking you out into the Polish countryside today.  I’m going right back to where my Polish story began, in the village of Zawady, around 60kms south of the big city.  It’s a different world!  Dad was born in this village, more than 88 years ago.

As you can imagine, changes have taken place, but not too many.  The original farmstead is still there, but much of the land has been divided up between the family.  The photo above is the view I woke up to from my bedroom, on my first day back in the village.  Early morning mist burnt off to a beautiful day, and it was time to feed the week old ducklings.

I had been staying in the suburbs of Kraków, so the difference was considerable.  The daughter of a farmer, with memories of driving the tractor with her Dad, Zygmunt, when she was young, my cousin Jadwiga loves her garden.  But growing vegetables and keeping hens has to come second to her day job, and more especially to her dearly loved grandchildren.  They are seldom far away, as daughter Ania lives in a self build bungalow within the grounds.  Meet Kinga and Nadia, with mum, Ania, and Babcia, Jadzia.

For those of you who might have wondered, ‘what is Poland like?’ let’s slide the gate open, and we’ll step outside and see.  Poland is a big country and land is cheap.  It’s not uncommon to see ‘land for sale’ signs in the woods that surround most villages.

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The houses vary considerably, some still old farmhouses, others in a far more modern style.  I peep over the fence at the pond which once belonged to Aunt Lusia.  Now her daughter Graźyna and husband Marek have built a home there, among the cherry trees.

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You don’t have to walk far before you’re at the end of the village, and the woods beyond.  I retrace my steps, on the other side of the road this time, passing by cousin Marysia’s beautifully modern home, and a sign that cautions of the ‘good’ dog that bites!

A crossroads points to Ławy, 1.3kms away, and I am tempted to follow it out into open countryside.  But first I need to complete the circuit, back to the main road through the village.  These decorated crosses are found on many corners, scattered throughout Poland. Number 16F is Ania and Hubert’s house, and the garden design business she runs from home.

As the sun droops in the sky and the children play out on their bikes, I cast one more look at the cherries, and then head off down the lane.

Don’t worry!  I do return, but I wanted to show you the ‘whole’ of Zawady.  It’s not very big!  I hope you enjoyed meeting the place, and my family.

I’ve decided to link this post to My personal A-Z of Poland, which has been sadly neglected in recent times.  Much of what appears there is relevant and will provide good background, for anyone who’s interested.  Time to put the kettle on now, for this week’s shares.

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Many thanks to all of you who make Mondays a bit special for me.  Your support and encouragement sees me through the week.  If you have a walk to share and you haven’t joined me yet… well, what’s stopping you?  Details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page.  Just click on the logo above.  You’ll be made more than welcome.

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Let’s start the ball rolling with Laura, in Costa Brava’s wild spaces this week :

A taste of salt and honey

Pauline treats us to a glimpse of an Eye, through floral abundance :

A Walk through sunny Southbank, Brisbane

Hop off your bike and take a walk in equally sunny California!

My weekly ramble- John Nicholas Trail

Yvette has her own unique and stylish way of doing things :

Jubilant Walk with Jo (Nature Day 1)

And you know that Drake does too!  Welcome to Kayserberg :

Home sweet home

Geoff spent his April engrossed in a challenge.  King’s Cross?  Well, he might be!

X is for Crosses#atozchallenge

I don’t often think of hill climbing and Jude in the same sentence, but… she did it!

Conquering Godolphin Hill

Thanks a lot for your company, and for your friendship.  I know that this was a very low key walk, but I wanted to share a little more than just a pair of boots.  In the coming weeks I hope to give you a flavour of Poland, seen through my eyes.  Take good care, and enjoy your walking!

I almost forgot my good friends over at Monday Escapes.  Maybe something for the Bank Holiday weekend?

149 comments

  1. Pingback: Airborne walk | Le Drake Noir

  2. Wow, Jo, what a beautiful place – the photos are stunning. That first one is phenomenal! So nice to be able to experience and learn about your heritage. #mondayescapes

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    1. Hi Corey 🙂 I spent a lot of years ignoring my Polish heritage and trying to be a ‘normal’ English girl. The world’s a very different place now and it’s nice to focus on the gentler side of life.

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  10. I just loved this post Jo, gorgeous photos, it spoke to the inner farm girl in my soul, I would so love to be surrounded by family and rural Poland looks to be a perfect place to live. Of course it has had its terrible history but now it looks so peaceful and those ducks, wow I would just adore them in my garden…I’ll look forward to seeing more of “your” Poland.

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      1. My Uncle used to breed rabbits and as a kid I played with the babies and they always told me they had been “given away”!!!

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  12. It must be amazing to go back to the place your father was born, Jo. One day I want to do that (although I don’t know the name of the the street because it was once a farm and my grandfather left it to the church and they built a mini town on the land. Shame).

    Now I feel like going to Poland to look at property! Such a beautful place 😀

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    1. I think that the wonder of what happened to us was starting to wear off, Dianne, and it’s a good idea to remind myself just how very lucky I am. (I’ll look out for a small plot for you next time I go 🙂 )

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  13. Thank you Jo! I love these trips “to Poland” with you on your walks! Yes, I’ve asked a thousand times, What is Poland like?
    I love your pictures and it’s definitely close enough to what I’ve imagined it to be, and more importantly, still a place I’ll like to visit!

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    1. It has a lot of wide open spaces and lots and lots of trees, Mr. Recluse. 🙂 Natural beauty!
      There are still many places within Poland I’d love to visit. Nice to know you’ll come along with me.

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    1. There’s a lot of work gone on to make it look this way. The house next door has been a building project for about 7 years, but last year Henryk died suddenly and his wife hasn’t been able to carry on the work. The old farmhouse where Dad was brought up is very ramshackle now. Sometimes a mist can be a good cover up. 🙂 🙂 But it was magical that morning.

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  17. What a nice little village you are rased in. Poland is a very beautiful country. Thanks for letting us meet your family and the surroundings from your childhood.

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    1. I had never been to Poland until my Dad was reunited with the family, 9 years ago, Lena. It’s his birthplace but I’m always made very welcome there. 🙂

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  18. What a picturesque country. Thanks for taking me on the village walk and introducing your family. I”m looking forward to your ventures beyond the town’s border.

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  19. I love this writing about personal stuff and could have stayed here all night going from link to link but I’m off to visit some other friends. I can picture yo striding out here, eyes everywhere so as not to miss a thing!

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  20. such a beautiful place, Jo! what a pleasure meeting your lovely family and for taking us to the village where your story began. this particular trip must have been very special. thank you for sharing! 🙂

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