Hey there! IntegrART 8 speaking!
We’re already halfway through the project and we feel this city as if it was ours, we have a life of our own here. We have our favorite spots around the city, our favorite cafés and bars, we know when it’s not a good idea to go to the main square Biedronka if we don’t want to feel trapped in the crowd… It’s weird, because we almost feel like locals, but there’s so much we still don’t know about the city and Polish culture.
However, throughout these months most of us have had the opportunity to welcome some of our friends and relatives here, and it’s been a great opportunity to explore more touristic spots and rediscover the city and its culture. Here are some of our thoughts on the experience!
Emma
For me having my mom here, especially for the first exhibition that I ever did, was a very nice experience. She got reassurance that I’m in a good place, and it’s also really important to have someone that reminds you of the fact that you still have your life home. Let’s also not forget about my best friend Arben and my friends from Warszawa who came all the way to Kraków to celebrate NYE, I love them!
Celia
Having my friend Carlota here, who I met during my Erasmus in Greece, was like a throwback to that time of fun and discovery, allowing me to reframe the city in which I’d already been living in for months into a new adventure. Thanks to her I discovered the Hala Targowa market, that has become one of my favorite places to wander around on Sunday mornings.
Johanna
Being a volunteer here made me completely forget that I’m actually a tourist in this city—for a year, I know, but still. Having my best friend visit gave me a fresh perspective. We explored the tourist spots she wanted to see, along with the places I like, and for a moment, I almost felt like a tourist myself. When family or friends visit, you show them the city through your eyes, but more importantly, you get to see it through theirs.
Miguel
Your birthday is something that only happens once a year, and what a better birthday present than having your family visit you. We had an extraordinary time visiting the city as a family. It was a special occasion filled with laughter and joy. Spending quality time together made the day even more memorable. Moments like these remind us of the importance of family and togetherness.
As you see, all of us share the same renewed appreciation for the city and our life here after receiving visitors. Seeing them it’s a reminder of good times past that allows us to take everything into perspective and remember that bad moments will pass, and the memories that will stay are mostly the ones that are worth it. Also that there’s always a place and people to come back to!
Home is where the people who we love are 🙂
