After a chat with my boss-to-be a couple of days ago, it's looking likely that I'll be starting my final placement in a month or so. For me, not only does this mean finishing off and passing over all my work, but also packing up my lovely little flat that has been my home in Warsaw for the last seven months, and returning to the UK.
It really has been a great experience. In all honesty, Poland wasn't on my "must see" list, and I did wonder how I would cope with the cabbage, the cold, and the crazily difficult language (I knew I'd have no trouble with the vodka!). I soon learnt that Warsaw is a really vibrant city with loads of places to go out and so much history, albeit deeply troubled, to learn about.
In fairness, being so far from home has not always been easy. Fortunately, I have found that for every lonely night there have been more where I have been out meeting new people from many different countries. Whilst it can be hugely frustrating not being able to speak fluent Polish, the sense of achievement was amazing when I could ask for my fruit and veg from the friendly shop assistant without resorting to pointing and dramatic hand gestures! Equally, whilst I really Miss my friends back home, it is great when they come out and visit, and they are always a phone call away. Of course there have been the normal work frustrations, but I have always been well supported by my Polish colleagues, and have learnt so much in the relatively short time I have been here.
In all, I'm going to Miss.... the people I work with, my daily walk through the old town and tram ride across the Vistula river, Polish prices, and the friends I have made out here. I am, however, looking forward to coming home... a new placement, a good Birmingham curry, and knowing which way to look when I cross the road!
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