A true English Christmas in Poland
Trip Start
Dec 10, 2009
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2
Trip End
Ongoing
Zakopane, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland
Saturday, December 26, 2009
We started the day with a nice long sleep, which was nice after all the skiing and random activities we've been getting up to - everyone was aching after the full week with added 5-a-side football and gym sessions. I'm not the fittest guy in the world and being out here with the other ski instructors (a few of which are personal trainers) has given me a much needed kick in the backside! Christmas however isn't about being active so a bit of R&R was well recieved!
When we woke up a couple of hours were spent chilling out in the lounge, we were watching films and generally recovering from the night before! Lots of mince pies to hold us off until dinner. We all bought each other secret Santa which was nice - being away from home usually means no presents. I had to buy for the French member of the Pro team, Etienne - I bought him a massive 1 kilogram of cheese, he loves it! James bought me a pack of cigarettes, not the most thoughtful of gifts, but much appreciated as it saved me a trip to the shop. Alan came down dressed up as Santa to give us all our gifts, it was hilarious, especially when we all sat on his knee!
When everyone had arrived (the neighbours came over too) the drinks started to get poured, here they drink Baileys with milk - its absolutely gorgeous, like an alcoholic milkshake. Champagne and Sheridan's soon followed and everyone started getting having a truly 'Merry' Christmas. Soon came the call for dinner and we all grabbed our plates, the English woman (Pea) had cooked us a huge feast! There was plenty to go around the many guests we had and no one could stop complimenting and thanking Pea. Traditional Polish Christmas dinner consists of carp and blood pudding so we were all really pleased everything managed to work out!
After none of us could manage another bite the Sunshine World Pro Team all piled into the kitchen and washed and cleaned non-stop until everything was done, in record time I might add! We then spent the early hours of the evening chatting amongst ourselves, playing games and watching Christmas films - fun was had by all!
Finally once all our guests had left we all got changed and ventured off into a local club called Va Va Voom. They have a live DJ that plays amazing music and some of the coolest people in Zakopane, especially the ladies! After a long night of dancing, laughing and drinking the club closed and those of us that were left had to leave. A well needed sleep was had ready for the guests arriving on boxing day! What a Christmas!
I'll write again once we've done some more skiing and coaching to fill you all in.
Much love,
Ben
Comments
This was definitely my best Christmas in ten years and one of the best of my whole life :) I didn't think Christmas could FEEL like Christmas after "growing up" but this one definitely reminded me that with good people, warmth, positivity and a lot of love we can certainly create the magic which Christmas is supposed to be about at any age. Thanks to you Ben for being such an awesome member of the Pro Team!
Al x