Growing up I always believed that there were bigger things in life waiting for me, so I kept my eyes wide open for such opportunities. Life in Poland in the late 1990s was all about rapid changes as Poland emerged from the shadow of communism into so awaited democracy. I still remember empty shelves and nothing in the grocery stores other than bottles of vinegar and stacks of toilet paper. Everything was rationed. Each family was getting monthly food stamps for meat, sugar, butter etc. A bag of oranges for Christmas. You have no idea how much excitement it was to smell and try fresh oranges! They are still one of my most favorite things as they take me back in time to people and places I miss so much. So how I ended up all the way across the ocean?? During my high school years I could see things around me changing unbelievably quickly, from nothing to everything in stores, forbidden music was not forbidden anymore, art, electronics, jeans, from the Western world. Could we afford all these things?? Not at all but I started to wonder what life must look like on the other side and traveling became my dream. France was definitely on top of my list, England next. How little did I know?