I started writing this blog post in November 2023 and now, in May 2024, I have finally found the time (and energy) to complete it.
Almost 5 years ago I took the biggest leap and moved to Kraków, Poland. It was the bravest decision that I have ever made and it was totally worth it. Moving so far away from home has been incredibly challenging but overall it has been an amazing experience. I have been able to travel around Europe and visit so many new countries. I got a job at an international school and that’s where I spent the last 5 years. During my time in Kraków I met a lot of new people and made some wonderful friends. However, life took a bit of a turn. As much as I loved living in Kraków, I no longer call it home. Last year I accepted a new job in the big city… Warsaw.
I am still teaching but my job looks a little bit different now. I now have two classes instead of one and my timetable looks a little bit different too. However, it has been a really good challenge for me professionally and it has given me a good insight into how other schools work. At my new school I have met a lot of new people and have made some really good friends. You know those people that make work just a bit more fun? It’s something that I think is so necessary and I’m glad to say that I have that.
How is general life in Warsaw? Well, Warsaw is enormous. Yes, I understand that if you come from a big city you might think that I am exaggerating… but I’m not. I come from a small city. You know the one where you can drive anywhere in less than 30 minutes? That’s my home town. Hi, Port Elizabeth – you’re the best. Then I moved to Kraków and that was a little bigger, but still very walkable. Warsaw is not walkable. Thankfully I live fairly close to my job, however it can still take around 40 minutes to get home (depending on traffic and whether or not the buses are delayed). For context, in Kraków I used to walk to work and it took me 10 minutes! In Port Elizabeth I used to drive and it took me about the same amount of time.
Warsaw has some really nice parks and there are a lot of other cities that are fairly close so a quick weekend trip is always a possibility. There are so many restaurants and coffee shops here. I have not explored as much as I would have liked to but that’s because of my next problem – making friends. Making friends as an adult is the WORST! I finally had some good friends in Kraków and then BAM, life change. Making friends in Warsaw is proving to be way more difficult, however, I am working on it!
I’ll be staying in Warsaw for a while longer as I have just signed a new contract with my school. So, I have decided to start documenting more of my life in Warsaw with some more blog posts and regular posting on social media – I know, shock!
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