Seasonal Changes

By Jessica Kieleszewski

So long as our group has been here, we’ve had a differing of seasons compared to other years; as we’ve had the opportunity to experience ourselves, and hear from the locals. It began when we landed at the end of a particularly hot summer, nearly in fall. Few of us were really prepared for hot weather, thinking to bring along clothes for a fall experience, so our marches through the introductory tour were rather painful.

By the time we arrived back in Krakow, however, we had only two, at the most three days of hot weather left before a speedy transformation into a chilly fall atmosphere. It began to rain a lot more, the leaves changed in the blink of an eye, and on one strange day we experienced heavy snow and sleet for more than 24 hours straight.

Soon arrived November 1st, All Saints Day, and many of the students in our group chose to venture out to the cemetery to experience the polish customs of candles, and prayer. By this point in time, the nights were starting to get rather cold, and after maybe an hour outside, my toes began to sting and go numb, but a great experience it was no matter what.

Nearing December, Krakow prepares for Christmas by setting up its massive Christmas Village in the Square in Old Town. Most beautiful to see at night with all of the lights lit, you can warm yourself with a cup of mulled wine, and spend your time shopping for Christmas gifts. Some of us hope to see snow soon.