trying everything once

It is a Zenit thing.

On how my Zenit broke when in Poznan, parties we did not attend, things we did together and Caramel Starbucks Macchiato.

Not so long ago I told you about my new Zenit ET, which after only one roll became my new favourite in my small camera collection. I loved how intuitive it was to be photographing with it, but it did not last long. I took it to Poznan with me, knowing that if I want to get a chance at capturing this city's magic, this is the right camera for me. Unfortunately it died on me on the second day, since its shutter no longer closes itself fully. Again, pretty unlucky since I very much enjoyed it. And it is the second time around that my Zenit (first 412ls, now ET) fails at working. Still, I tried to stay positive and hope that even though I did not complete the whole roll and I could feel the shutter failing at times, I would end up with a few lovely photographs, which will make me reminisce it all. Now I guess I will come back to my beloved Praktica, since it's the only cam that has not disappointed me so far. What's up with me and Zenits anyway? Why am I so unlucky when it comes to those cameras? Seriously.

The Conference

My third stomatological conference passed faster than I had predicted it would have. We stayed in a lovely hostel little over 200 metres from the main townsquare, where the rooms were made in style of Roman Polanski's movies. Imagine me being all joyful, when the one we got was 'Repulsion'. I am so happy that despite our former worries that the place might not suit us very well, Rosemary's was fun to stay at & had great and helpful staff. Our room was small, yet cosy. There was somebody playing a guitar just outside our window (which I oddly found an advantage). Oh, and also a vodka bar, open from 10am to 5am, on the opposite side of the street, vis a vis our window. Coolest place ever.

3 is a number big enough for me to fail at avoiding comparisons. Gdansk stole my heart and was a way cooler in my opinion. But on the other hand, me in Poznan was definitely more fearless. It's a great thing to be travelling to distant cities, to be able to attend lectures of International professors and breathe some fresh, new air, every 3-4 months. 

I'll try anything once

There is some saying in Polish about Poznan, with its free translation of "city of experience", that I never predicted I would find so true after just one weekend. I had absolutely amazing time. I ate some delicious food (actually staying away from the regional cuisine, next time, I promise!), with a great company. Sure the weather could be nicer, we could see more stuff instead of staying in during the evenings, but I like my choices. I like them to the point of saying 'it was worth it, all of it.' It was my first time ever in that city. Once again, I found myself independent and sure that I can rely on myself. Pretty rad feeling, believe me.

We didn't have time to go around and explore as much as we wished. That kind of breaks my heart, being so close to new experience around each corner and not fully using my options. 

Our maths being flawless, we ended up with extra bus tickets and now we know we want to come back there again, maybe even later this year, for another few days, this time with a map in my hand and a working camera in another. Sending you lots of love, guys! 

pumpkin spice and yoga pants

Varsovie was kind and entertaining. It gave me exactly what I needed, in an exact amount that I needed. Even though it was not as visually pleasing as I predicted it would be, I am sure it's a trip to remember. I stayed at my friend's apartment, which is located in a building with an actual lobby-like entrance. Big aquarium and red leather sofas included! It just might be the effect, which Warsaw has on me. I felt far away from home, far away from everything. But at the same time, I felt that this city was his, and I did not actually belong. (I seem to have a slight problem with our lovely capital.) That's the trick. So I felt all that, and I have to admit that I'd gone reckless. Feels like I might want to make it a habit. I didn't take many pictures, because I rarely took my camera out with me. All you need to know is that we partied well, or at least I have a feeling we did.

If you say "pumpkin spice latte" in the mirror 3 times, a white girl in yoga pants will appear & tell you all her favorite things about fall.

I was so glad to find out, that Pumpkin Spice Latte is not only about the hype, and it's actually a delicious piece of caffein treat. The autumn menu at Starbucks is almost gone, so I'm happy to have tasted it at last! About my favourite things about fall. There are not too many. This fall, I spend my days at the library, dating my books and English Division possibilites. And my camera, sometimes.

Cold days are coming, I can feel it in my bones. Snow might be weeks or days away, and it will take only a moment for this city to be covered with it again, to the fear in my heart and the coldness of my hands. But that also means that Żubroffka movie festival is coming. And THAT'S a real treat for a hipster like me. (Still in denial.) And this is a happy thing. Why exactly? Because I very much enjoyed it last year.

The most amazing feeling in the whole world, is when you decide to stop being egocentric about something. You do now know how it's going to turn out for you in the future, but the feeling is just so pure and simple. It goes down your spine like a spark, ignited by freedom and fairness in your mind. You've stopped playing somebody else's game, congratulations. In other words, I decided to stop being needy and from now on, I won't use people (even if they want to be used), only because I'm bored with my life. 10 points for you, Kasia Górska.

Folks at PTSS Warsaw did a great job, although I still think their lottery sucked (I did not win anything). Next conference will be held in Gdansk, and that makes me super excited, because this is where my best friend lives. We spent most of our Saturday in that lecture hall, listening to facts about endo, bruxism, implantology or ortodontics. Saturday party was pretty much a fail. An enormous crowd, problems at the entrance, not enough % in my blood, the list goes on. But Friday was amazing. It really was.