The dark bright side

by Rawan Afana (Israel)

I didn't expect to find Poland

I hopped out from the cold dark side of the Southeast, heading to the beauty of the unknown, foreign white face of it; behind the Tatra mountains, all the mysteries were spelled suddenly, there was a whole another brightness to it than you expect, I only needed to look at a different direction for once. "We are going on a car trip", my boyfriend chuckled, thinking I will lastly escape the cold sad city of Rzeszow, he warned me that I might fall in love with that side, but I did not listen as I have visited this country for more than three times by now, what to expect, I thought. Furthermore, before I placed my foot inside the small authentic town; I detected a view from behind the glass that I have only seen in a new 'laptop' recommended photos background! A painting that was perfectly drawn by careful hands, owning a few colors yet creating a playground or magic to the mind. It was dawn when I first watched it, then I settled my feet on the white streets, fascinated by the view that my eyes were witnessing; as we had a rented wooden house surrounded by the snow and the views, I held my usual cup of coffee demanding my eyes to satisfy their craving from what they are observing. However, by morning we rushed through the Sunday market and as if it was not winter season, we were seduced by the authentic Polish dresses and wool socks that we saw on almost every shop, knowing ahead that our cold bodies demanding some warmth. after enjoying the sneaky sun merged with the whiteness; we headed on the Gubalowka cable railway up to the mountains to take a better, higher glance of the view, then walked our way through the heavy wind searching for the locals' joy of living in such coldness. As we allowed ourselves to enjoy Zakopane's traditional food, smoked cheese, Moskoles the potato pancakes and soup, my boyfriend glanced at me eager for my reaction about the Polish traditions, sentencing his culture is a major part of the relationship for him. presumably, it is my young age, although my knowledge of the Tatra mountains is limited, and I believe it is not only me since the locals are mostly the ones who vacation themselves in this place, but it also was not filled with tourists for a ski season like that. That place I can state, filled with many components, elements of passion, romance, and joy which was ironic for a cold country. Nevertheless, it makes one take a peek at life again, and acknowledge how there are places that make you think of everything and question your sanity while exploring such a scene; you wonder whether it is real or a shot stolen from a fantasy film! Zakopane is regarded as a ski place, yet it appeared like it can offer a lot more to the visitors. I am aiming for a summer visit as I believe I will be able to enjoy the illustration of the season and give justice to it during warmer times. As we ended the trip by heating our souls in the Thermal pools astonished by the warmth finally, and the silence while again enjoying the view of the mountains. Indeed, I will remain to mention that, I have searched for a gap in these few days I spent in Zakopane, though clearly can say instead, I am waiting to be fascinated again. I acknowledge that as an adult when a view does not recall from the memory, this is when you understand you have been to the right angle of the world.