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. Judging by your posts, Poland looks delightful Jo…you make the perfect travel guide while also giving us the personal touch. Loved this walk, thank you! ❤

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      1. Say it ain’t so…you know how I feel about Rafa…why, oh why??? 😦 I love watching Gasquet in play…but missing it. Thanks for the update Jo!! 🙂

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  2. It must have been a great feeling to visit the place where your father was born! Did you used to go there as a kid too?
    I hope to visit Poland someday!!

    Thank you for sharing your walk on #MondayEscapes 😀

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    1. I didn’t go there till 9 years ago. Dad left Poland aged 15 and didn’t return there till then. It’s quite a sad story but with a lovely ending. (It’s in my A-Z of Poland) There’s some great stuff in your Escapes. Just need more time. 🙂

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  3. Pingback: Jo’s Monday walk : Bełchatów | restlessjo

  5. Your walk through the bucolic Polish countryside made me feel nostalgic. I took many such walks when I lived there. Thanks, once again, for the lovely stroll, Jo.

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  7. Pingback: Zbiornik Wawrzkowizna | restlessjo

  8. Another lovely walk, Jo. Thanks for sharing your family with us. This post makes me realize I need to head back to where my mother is from, a rural area near St. Louis, Missouri. I haven’t been back since my grandmother died, but it very much has this kind of feel. Sometime soon I will have to take a trip back there and reminisce.

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  12. Can you just reveal already that you wear shoes with wheels? Ahihihi 😜 So, I wonder how you like the modern look of an old familiar place.

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  13. I have a question: does the word “zawady” means anything in Polish? I am asking because it looks very similar to “zavaditi” in Croatian which means “estrange”. The morning mist adds a beautiful touch to the first and second photo. I love those ducklings, just love them!

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  14. Pingback: A warm glow | restlessjo

    1. People do keep reminding me what a lucky bunny I am, Lisa. 🙂 🙂 My only regret is that Dad was ever parted from his family, but if he hadn’t been I wouldn’t be here to tell the story. Hugs, darlin’!

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  18. This is lovely Jo. I hope it’s not your Dad’s last visit but, if it is, I am glad he has had the peace that comes from coming home. My parents would love to come back home for a visit. Sadly, their physical weaknesses don’t permit travel anymore. We make do with lots of skype and video messages. 🙂

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    1. When Dad told my cousin Adam that it was his last visit, Adam said that he and Marta intend to come to the UK for Dad’s 90th. It sweetened the pill a little 🙂 Thanks, Ann. We never know what tomorrow might bring, do we?

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  19. Jo, thank you for sharing you familial corner of Poland. It is so beautiful and lovely to see the countryside of the country – I’ve only seen photos of the main towns before. The rural location looks so peaceful and interesting that land is so cheap. It is the same in Sweden away from the towns and coast; prices ridiculously low compared to the UK!

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      1. Well, I’ve written a few posts relating to Sweden…although admittedly not one directly relating to where my mother grew up and where still some of my 20 odd cousins live! A definite possibility for the future…Thanks for the idea, Jo.

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