“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an
invincible summer.
And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes
against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing
right back.” ― Albert Camus
This year, I feel like I had more of a snowy winter in Seattle during my visit last month than here in Poland and although it has been cold…at varying times, it has been an odd mix of all kinds of weather, chilly one day and warmer the next. Such are the times I suppose and the changes that come with it. What hasn’t changed are the the long nights that have me considering the quote above and how truly pleasant they sound, ringing with some kind of truth.
I do tend to really enjoy winter though and have loved the atmosphere that is present here in Poland while partaking in some stark wintry scenes and very chilly escapades along the way. From frozen fingers in Poznan, where I spent seven years, to windy sub zero days in Warsaw where I now live, winter has always been an inspiration to me, perhaps brought on by not having had a solid, every year, you can count on it type of winter growing up. Whatever it might be, I always look forward to winter arriving and I am always very happy to see it go.
And with winter slowly coming to an end, here is a little collection of images, presented in no particular order, from my 8-years here in Poland and time spent wandering around in the chill, enjoying almost every minute of it. Celebrating Winter of these winters past and paving the road to spring to come.
Pour yourself a nice hot cup of tea and enjoy!
Erik Witsoe 