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On with the belated updates...
After hitchhiking it was pleasant to be back in Krakow. Sylvias family is friendly and made me feel at home. When we arrived at the home Sylvia informed me that we would drive to country for a two day trip.
The Polish countryside is green and mountainous. One day Sylvia and I went on a hike to some ski lodge at the top of some mountains. It was fun conquering the mountain. During our walk to the mountain I tried to pet cows and goats all to no avail. I always thought these animals were supposed to be domesticated. They all kept running away from me. Dumb animals.
The country home we stayed in was such a cozy place. The first night we were there Sylvias dad had a barbeque going on an outdoor patio. We were cooking Polish Sausages over the flames, taking shots of vodka washed down with pickles and generally just having a good time. Sylvias dad was quizzing me on my knowedge of the Polish language. I knew how to say cheers and that seemed to make him happy. Later that night as I sat in my bed Sylvia asked if I wanted to watch a movie. Coffee and Cigarettes. That was the name and she really wanted me to see it. I wanted to see it as well. After so many shots with pops as soon as I laid my head down and pulled the covers up I was KOed.
The next couple of days were my last in Poland. The end was drawing near. Sylvia had gotten the job in Norway and was leaving on a bus a few days after I left for Sweden. Sylvia suggested we go out on my last night for dinner. I agreed.
The following day I went to visit Auschwitz. Im not the type of writer that can express my experience at the camp. Its a bad place. So many dead, so many stories. At times the whole place felt unreal. Seeing the train tracks and the selection areas as well as the number of chimeys standing where barracks once stood is disturbing. If an oppurtunity is there for anyone to visit it should be taken for rememberance and education.
On that note. I arrived back in Krakow late in the evening. I still had time to go to an internet cafe on my way home and update this website. I did so and the update took longer then expected. By the time I left and was on my way back to Sylvias I knew deep down she was going to be unhappy. It was 11pm when I got to her place. When I walked in her room she sharply expressed to me, "This place is not a hostel, you cant come in and out whenever you want!". I apologised. I dont know if Sylvia really was angry about my coming in so late. On some level she was angry because I had spoiled the plans to go out that night for the last time. She later told me I could have at least called.... If I had a dollar for every time someone has told me that... well I would have enough money to buy a PS3 and maybe some change for a Big Mac. I could have sent an email, or called. I do this all the time with former girlfriends, family and friends. I guess Im just selfish at times and as long as I know that I will be at some place then everything is alright.
The next night I had my train ticket for Sweden and it was time to leave. I said my final farewells to Sylvias family and told her brother that if he makes it to California one day all he has to do is give me a call. Sylvia drove me to the trainstation, along the way we were making small talk about the rest of my trip, trying to find work in the UK and about her work with the Norwegians. Deep down I was a little sad about leaving. These feelings were brushed aside and I continued talking as though nothing was bothering me. Just another day. When we reached my train platform there was already people loading on. I was holding Sylvias hand. We walked near one of the doors and turned towards one another. The small talk continued between us but it was all just filler. Finally...
Me: You know you are the best host I have had. The past two weeks have been the best two weeks of my trip and alot of that is thanks to you.
Sylvia: I know, I knew it was going to be special when we first met
Me: Really? I felt the same way...
Sylvia: Are we ever going to see each other again?
Me: (I wish I could have said something smooth like a movie star instead....) I dont know. If Im in the UK, well thats not that far from Poland. Otherwise Ill be in America and you will be in Poland. If its in the stars.
Then I hugged her for the last time and kissed her. Finally it was time to get on the train. I got on and had the idea that I should not turn around to look at her, its alot easier to just find a compartment and sleep. Instead I looked at her and waved bye. She motioned for me to get a compartment near her side of the platform. Good idea. I found a compartment placed my bags in the bins and opened the window. We held hands through the window and stared at each other. I wanted to memorize every inch of her face from the lips to the crows feet. Finally the whistle blew. The ticket controller began yelling in Polish. I dont speak Polish but I like to think that he was saying "Kiss her already jackass". At that moment I leaned out of the window, Sylvia leaned up and we kissed one last time. As the train began to move we held hands until they dropped. I stayed at the window staring at her until I couldnt see her anymore. I sat down. I was alone again. Except this time I wasnt happy about it. I was just lonely. So many days of having someone to talk too, to laugh at and share jokes. I fell asleep and upon waking up found myself on the Polish/ German border. Sweden and Robby were awaiting.
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