Poland Pt1 - Krakow

Our first European destination: POLAND! Thankfully, our enthusiasm to explore this awaiting destination was not deterred from the extreme budget airline experience. When we got to the airport we went through to customs where we stood watching a board, waiting for our gate number to appear. Suddenly a flashing number revealed our gate and instantly propelled Lauren and Joel as they spun around and started to run, glancing back only to ensure that we were keeping up. We had no idea what the heck was going on but we were going fast, and Joel and Lauren appeared to be at the front of our apparent competition. Suddenly we got to the gate and saw Joel and Lauren lining up, puffing. We joined them and they explained that there are no set seats, so it's first in, first served! That's exactly what happened. People starting running around the tarmac to get to the stairs of the plane first to ensure that they would be sitting with their friends or family. Fortunately, due to the amazing darting skills of our friends Joel and Lauren, we managed to get seats together and sit out the most boring flight of our life. But, the excitement of the yet to be discovered Poland got us through, and she didn't disappoint.

Landing in Krakow, we made our way to our oh-so-Polish apartment greeted by our oh-so-VERY-Polish host. He was so cute. His aged face hinted a cheeky nature, which was soon confirmed by his hidden smiles. He was so thorough at informing us about the apartment, and of course the magazine stand across the road. After his 15min tour of our 2 bedroom apartment we ventured out to the city square to find something, or anything, to eat! 

Even in the dark, the buildings we saw promised beautiful site seeing for the next day. We found a gorgeous Polish pub that sold drinks for 1 Euro and delicious Polish snacks... our love for Poland had begun - cheap and tasty!

The next day we ventured out from our Polish apartment (above) and returned to the beautiful square where we meandered through the famous Krakow markets. The setting was so picturesque with archways lining the market hall and dainty lamp posts hanging from the ceiling.

We'd decided to jump on board a free historical tour of the city and waited to meet our Polish guide, Chris who did an incredible job taking us around and adding to our wonder of the amazing Krakow. The legends and tales of the Polish city were endless and the historical facts and development of the buildings were truly amazing.

The Renaissance courtyard of the Wawel Castle. The King of Poland, Sigismund I, had it redesigned for his Italian wife and changed the original look of the courtyard to resemble an Italian exterior.

Lauren and I took a particular liking to the Wawel Cathedral and the attached chapels that stood emphatically on the hill overlooking the square. It was the site of Polish monarchs and the centre of political power. After the first historical ruler chose Wawel as one of there residences it then became a site for erecting boasting chapels, and over the centuries each ruler added or reconstructed chapels to the cathedral. What now remains is an eclectic mix of buildings including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance & Baroque styles.

A juxtaposition... functioning, clean and homely apartments in comparison to a completely abandoned, dissipated and deserted building, side by side.

Before coming to Poland, Tim met a lovely lady who came from Poland. He asked her for the hot spots to hit and she happily gave him a list of 'must dos'. I thank Jesus everyday for Tim's encounter with this lady (perhaps angel!?). She told him about a small cafe that we were to find and try their famous hot chocolates. When touring a city in minus 5 degree weather, the thought of a hot chocolate can no longer remain a thought, but must become a reality! So we found directions to this cafe and arrived at a corner that displayed an old, degenerated and unappealing building from it hanging a sign with our cafe name. We didn't believe that this could be this place and felt a little unsafe opening the door to walk inside. Yet, walk in we did and we were absolutely delighted. The dim-lit rooms were occupied with dark-wood tables and decorative chairs. The roof was adorned with old lamps and the walls hung stylish paintings and photographs. The entry into the second dining room was a wardrobe the sat against the patterned wall and you would have no idea of the entire second room, apart from the waiters stepping out from the wardrobe holding mugs and cups. We took a seat right next to a heater and asked for four hot chocolates. Heaven!

Our last night in Krakow involved a traditional Polish restaurant and more gasping at the wonders of the city square. We indulged ourselves with cabbage and ham soup, lamb shanks, dumplings, toasted bread and cottage cheese, complimented with a glass of red wine and Polish beer for the boys!

Next stop on the map - Auschwitz Concentration and Death Camps.

Fiji Pt2 - Radisson Resort & Fijian Orphanage

We have to admit, after the four fabulous days that we had cruising the Fijian seas, we were a little skeptical in thinking that anything could top the experience that we had. Yet, arriving at the picturesque, palm-tree entrance of the Radisson Resort, we quickly threw our caution to the wind and were wading in the water in no time with Pina Coladas in hand from the poolside bar! We soon found our daily food supply at the fish and chips cafe which, ironically, all New Zealanders present agreed that it was some of the best "Fush & Chups" they'd tasted.

We certainly did enjoy the sun and poolside, however with Christmas day approaching we had all agreed that we wanted to do something special. There was no early morning rise to a banquet of Chrissy breakfast delicacies. There was no present wrapping havoc on the living room floor as everyone ripped into their gifts. There was no parading of new clothes and munching on sugary treats all day. There was something far more rewarding... we piled into a van, found the closest shopping mall, purchased balloons, balls, colouring in paper and pencils, toothpaste and toothbrushes, lollies and drinks, and delivered it all to  a group of beautiful faced and high-spirited children at the local Children's Home. Nothing can describe the bitter-sweet feelings of devastation and delight as you watch these kids share their Christmas day with strangers, yet they're smiling from ear to ear and gesturing affection to anyone who will accept it. Logan, Rick and Tim started up shoulder racing, which appeared to be the highlight of their day as their expansive smiles and contagious laughs filled our eyes with tears and hearts with compassion.

The sweet-eyed young boy at the end of our photos actually tried to get on our van and come home with us. He was absolutely shattered when he had to get off. This made it terribly hard to leave and will always make it impossible to forget that day. What a blessed life we live!

Christmas day church was not missed, as we trekked across to the biggest Gospel church in Fiji, recommended by Big-Joe (our cruise director). When we arrived we were greeted with the most gentlest smiles as they took down our names on a piece of paper. Walking into the auditorium we were overcome with tears. The sense of the Holy Spirit and the joy in the room was so powerful and humbling. Once we took our seats we soon realised that they were introducing us each by name to the whole church and welcomed us as their special guests. Big Joe came to the service, expecting us to arrive and sat with us the whole time. The men were dressed in their traditional dress whilst the women wore beautifully coloured skirts and shirts. Whilst it wasn't much, it became very evident that they had put on their best attire for the House of God, and we felt a little embarrassed to be arriving in anything else. The service was in Fijian and we didn't understand their language, but we clearly understood their hearts and were enormously humbled by it all.

Our treat for Christmas dinner was an endless banquet back at the resort. We also had the pleasure to be entertained by Deni Hines, with Rick receiving a personal swooning from the talented lady! We truly had a fantastic day, but it was highlighted by the fact that we were all in each others company, making memorable moments with our beautiful family.

The next highlight of our trip - a 2 hour ski-jet tour! Oh. My. This was such a blast! We were all pegging it across the waters, exploding with laughter as we had the warm wind and water all over our faces. Such an incredible holiday, with unforgettable memories to be revisited often!