Vets and Vets

Sunday was a national holiday in Poland in celebration of D-Day - which they now refer to as Independence Day. The Square fills up with people to watch military parades and to generally celebrate their freedom. Craig was in Poland for last year's celebration and was quite impressed with it so we planned on joining in on the festivities this year as well. It had been snowing quite hard all morning so we dressed warmly for our trek downtown only to find out we had missed the whole thing. They were starting to take the stage down and the last few people were going through the free soup line! It appeared they were also simulcasting activities from Warsaw. I was really disappointed! Someone left a small Polish flag on the Square so we took a picture of me celebrating Polish Independence which I just posted. Nice weather, huh???

Later in the evening we heard the sound of fireworks so we headed to our front patio! What a spectacular site!!! Fireworks exploding over snow-covered rooftops is incredibly beautiful! Craig ran for his camera. He hasn't had a chance to download any of the shots yet but we will definitely do that after his return from the UK. We did have to laugh though. The Poles take their fireworks seriously... I have never seen such a spectacular display of rapid fire fireworks in my life. I'm guessing the whole thing lasted less than 10 minutes (Craig said 3 minutes and 26 seconds) I'm not sure if it was due to the bad weather or speed is of essence - but blink once and they were over!!!

And now to the other vet in my life....

I boarded a tram and headed over to the University where I was told there was a veterinarian who spoke English. Armed with an address and a Polish dictionary I made my way to Ul. Grundwaldski 47. The minute I entered the building I suspected I was in the right general location based only on the smell. Ever notice how animal buildings tend to have kind of a funky smell?? Unfortunately, there was nothing in the building that looked remotely like a veterinarian's office. I found two ladies who spoke no English at all so I took out my dictionary and pointed to words. Even with a dictionary they were confused so they pointed me in the direction of a gentleman who spoke English. He guided me outside to another door he called "outpatient". I pushed open the door and found myself in a long, yellow hallway with a single bench along a wall. Seated on the bench were four people -each of them with animals - so I thought I was closer anyway but where is the receptionist??? How can I make an appointment? Just like everywhere in Poland I sat quietly in line. I was beginning to feel like I was in the wrong place when I watched them euthanize a collie mix. Yes, I mean watch. They don't seem to close doors here. Poor lady looked awful when she left the room with the techs carrying the animal behind here. Huh???? I really wanted to hug her because I know how she must have been feeling but I didn't think the Polish dictionary would help. At that point I took a longer look at the animals next to me to see how sick they looked. The cat looked pretty feisty so I stayed put for awhile. Soon another man gently led his German Shepherd (they have a lot of that breed here) into "the room". You guessed it ...pretty soon he was carrying his deceased pet out of the room into a holding area. He left the buiding looking quite distraught shortly thereafter. I can't believe they leave doors open for the general public to view very private moments. I was now confident I was in the wrong place so I proceeded out the building looking for a different door! Next I tried the door marked "ambulance". Ah..this looks better. Happy people with animals at their feet, but still no receptionist. I don't get it. I sat next to a lady with a yorkie who had combed his/her hair into a top knot - poor thing! I watched as people went in and out of a door with happy animals, assuming that must be where the doctors are. At this point I had been sitting for at least an hour (without a pet mind you - I know "dumb Americans" )- so I figured it was time to give up on the vet mission for the day. I decided to go back to the clinic I visited this summer. I know they can help me!!! Now I just have to figure out how to get there!!

After an exhausting morning I opted for some retail therapy at the mall. That didn't last long. I just wasn't in the mood to try to figure out if I'm a size 40 or 42. Enough fun for the day I guess. But wait...I still had a tram ride home. Something fun always happens on the tram! Now that I know how to board and punch tickets it is the people that tend to provide the best entertainment! Since there are very few seats on any tram I found a comfortable position and held onto the overhead rail. There must be something I haven't figured out yet because I seem to be the only person who can't seem to stay in one spot when the tram lurches. I'm going to have to work on my center of gravity or something. At any rate, I didn't knock anyone over and only hit one person with my purse! I've learned how to say "I'm sorry" in Polish since "oops" doesn't seem to be universal. The highlight of my trip had to be the elderly female shoppers who boarded the bus. They had matching hair!! Unfortunately, the hair color matched each other's coats! Oh my gosh...purple hair to go with her friend's coat and maroon to match the others. What a site! Next stop a young man boards with take-out Chinese food. You haven't lived until you are sardined in a tram with Chinese food. Enough said!!!

The rest of the day was without incident. I'm researching boarding kennels next. I know for sure I'm not brining Oliver to Ul. Grundwalski 47!!!!

Dad: Hope the warm weather is taking care of what ails you! Get better soon!