2nd Semester

I'm back in Kraków and the second semester has started! The first week of school we had placement tests. There was some confusion about where the students from the first semester would be placed so my friends and I re-took the placement test. My teacher from last semester was NOT happy about this. As soon as she saw my exam she ambushed me - in the bathroom. After reprimanding me loudly, she informed me that I did really well on the placement exam and that instead of going from A1 to A2, I was going to be placed in B1. 

View of the Wisła from under the Overpass not far 
from Wawel Castle

Walking along the Wisła

At first I was nervous about being placed in B1, but now I really like it. B1 focuses heavily on communication skills since at that point you have learned all the fundamental grammar. Improving your ability to speak, listening comprehension and expands your vocabulary bank. My class has 11 students, which is pretty big, but no one ever speaks English either in class or socially, so it's great practice. Most of my classmates are more advanced than I as well, which I really like. Last week we talked about fairytales in class. Next week we will take turns telling legends from our country to the class and the teacher will correct our mistakes as we speak. It's definitely like being in the hot seat, but it's incredibly helpful and we have such a supportive environment that everyone enjoys it. 

Lovelocks on the bridge to Podgorze

Me, Diana and Sunshine

My class is a nice mix. There are students from the U.S., Germany, France, Mexico, Ukraine and Japan. I also have several of my friends in class with me for the first time, which is nice because we can help each other with homework and since for the most part we all have the same schedule, it makes socializing easy. In addition to my normal classes, I'm taking several extra classes: Communication and speaking, Theater, Polish Grammar, Polish Film, and Polish Folklore. I also have a meetings with a language partner twice a week - once in Polish and once in Spanish. So things are a little busy and there's lots of Polish going on. I actually have days now where I don't speak English. It's strange to think that now my life takes place in Polish and five months ago I couldn't put a sentence together in the language. Listening to people converse on the tram used to be exhausting and now I find it highly entertaining.

The Gang on the Rynek

Sunny Sukiennice

Last week we had several days of.....SUNSHINE! It was a complete miracle. We have not had sun in Kraków since winter started. Not only was it sunny, but so much so that I had to bust out my shades. It was also really warm. We went for walks along the Wisła (the river that flows through Kraków and in front of Wawel Castle), and sat outside on the square with nice cold beer between classes. It was divine. Of course now it's cold again and has been snowing, but we definitely got a nice little taste of spring for a few days. 

Bein goofballs

'The Head' on the Rynek

Manda came to Kraków for a quick visit. Unfortunately she wasn't feeling well, but we did get some good cousin time in and she brought me my christmas presents! A little late, I know, but Warsaw isn't that close and she has been very busy. We also found her a dress for the wedding! Unfortunately, i'm still on the hunt....

My Women's Day Tulip

March 8th, was dzień kobiet (women's day) here in Poland. This is a European holiday on which men honor the women in their lives. Traditionally tulips are given to women as they are the first flowers of spring, but roses and other flowers are also given. My teachers informed us that every woman should receive a flower on Women's Day. It was very touching to experience. Most of the women I saw were carrying flowers. Some of my classmates received flowers from complete strangers and one of my friends bought a bunch of flowers and gave one to every woman he walked by on his way to school, which is not unusual. Traditionally men say something like, 'on the occasion of women's day, I would like to present you this flower.' I received a beautiful pink and yellow tulip that has brightened up my tiny dorm-room significantly.