All four of my grandparents come from those beautiful mountains, from the Beskid Nisky region, between the Dukla and the Łupkow passes, both sides of the present Poland/Slovakian border. I have visited all of these places, more than once and will go back again and again. At the site of the no-longer-occupied-village of Polany Surowiczne, I had the same response to its beauty as you have expressed. I felt that nobody could have left this place for the reason that they did not like it. Starvation, epidemics, wolves and nasty humans lurking in the woods looking for someone to kill focused their minds. They had no real alternative. The ones who did not go back home after going to North America around the 1900-time were the lucky ones. The men who had left their families at home while they worked and who went back to protect their families found things got worse than they had feared. The people kept running or were chased during both world wars. We cannot begin to imagine what they went through. I have talked to some of the survivors and to some of their descendants. On 31 January 2011 16:08, Kathleen Bowman <[email protected]> wrote: > A postscript to what I wrote earlier: > > Yes, if you have the time, drive south, as Alan suggested, into the Beskidy > and Tatra Mountains. The little towns in the foothills are beautiful and the > scenery breathtaking. Zakopane is a big tourist destination for Poles as > well as international tourists and worth the trip. By then you are really in > the high mountains. We also went to Kasprowy Wierch--a mountain peak you can > get to via cable car and a small hike, or you can hike it yourself if you > are intrepid enough. > > My paternal grandfather is from this part of Poland, and the entire time I > was there I kept thinking of how bad things had to be to leave this > beautiful landscape. > > Kathleen > > > > > ********************************* > Need to contact the list manager? Write to Marie at > [email protected] > ---------------------------------- > Discussion of Polish food, culture, and customs are welcome on the list as > long as the discussion stays pertinent to the topic of this list: > researching our Polish roots. > ---------------------------------- > Browse the list's archives here: > http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=poland-roots > Search the list's archives here: > http://archiver.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/search?aop=1 > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message >

I believe that 'Maryanne' is a fairly common woman's name in Poland. i have come across it many times. Irene > Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:27:18 -0600 > From: [email protected] > To: [email protected] > Subject: Re: [POLAND] POLAND-ROOTS Digest, Vol 6, Issue 27 > > My husband had an uncle who was a priest and he spelled his name Marion. > > Deloris > > On Mon, Jan 31, 2011 at 1:40 PM, Lindy Kasperski <[email protected]>wrote: > > > Just to add to this and I trust Roman and others to clarify any mistakes: > > Maryan or Marian is a very common male Polish name that in a different > > grammatical case could show up as Marianna or Maryanna. > > > > My official name is Lindy Marian Kasperski. Please don't ask about Lindy, > > but I am a male. However my 1950 birth certificate is Lindy Maryan > > Kasperski. I changed Maryan to Marian after my second visit to Poland in > > 1974 at a Polish folk dance school in Lublin when officials there suggested > > my middle name was not correct i.e. Maryan should be Marian. I send this > > email with humorous intention but also to point out that in official > > documents of Poles arriving in Canada before WW2 a female could have her > > name listed as Maria, Marya or Marja and a male Marian, Maryan or Marjan. > > Obviously this is nominative case but reflects persons who recorded the > > documents. > > > > Fred Hoffman wrote an article on this sometime back that is interchange of > > i j and y. I will track it down or better yet ask Fred to identify it. > > > > > > Lindy Marian Kasperski > > Regina, Sk > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: [email protected] > > [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Bronwyn Klimach > > Sent: January-31-11 1:01 PM > > To: [email protected] > > Subject: Re: [POLAND] POLAND-ROOTS Digest, Vol 6, Issue 27 > > > > Maryanna, > > I would venture to say that, often interchangeable with Maria, Marianna is > > the most common name. > > You might like to consider this article: > > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_name > > I trust you also have a goodly number of Annas and Katarzynas in your > > family > > tree! > > Bronwyn. > > > > On Mon, Jan 31, 2011 at 5:37 PM, Maryanna Negley <[email protected]> wrote: > > > > > Maryanna/Marianna must have been uncommonly common in Poland in the > > > 1800s. It shows up numerous times in both of my families - NE and SW > > > Poland. > > > > > > Maryanna Negley > > > nee Blazek > > > > > ********************************* > > Need to contact the list manager? Write to Marie at > > [email protected] > > ---------------------------------- > > Discussion of Polish food, culture, and customs are welcome on the list as > > long as the discussion stays pertinent to the topic of this list: > > researching our Polish roots. > > ---------------------------------- > > Browse the list's archives here: > > http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=poland-roots > > Search the list's archives here: > > http://archiver.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/search?aop=1 > > > > ------------------------------- > > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > > quotes in the subject and the body of the message > > > > ********************************* > > Need to contact the list manager? Write to Marie at > > [email protected] > > ---------------------------------- > > Discussion of Polish food, culture, and customs are welcome on the list as > > long as the discussion stays pertinent to the topic of this list: > > researching our Polish roots. > > ---------------------------------- > > Browse the list's archives here: > > http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=poland-roots > > Search the list's archives here: > > http://archiver.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/search?aop=1 > > > > ------------------------------- > > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > > quotes in the subject and the body of the message > > > ********************************* > Need to contact the list manager? Write to Marie at [email protected] > ---------------------------------- > Discussion of Polish food, culture, and customs are welcome on the list as long as the discussion stays pertinent to the topic of this list: researching our Polish roots. > ---------------------------------- > Browse the list's archives here: > http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=poland-roots > Search the list's archives here: > http://archiver.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/search?aop=1 > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Bart, See if Google Translates gives a decent translation: http://translate.google.com/#pl|en| Debbie Bart Goossens wrote: > Hello, > > Is there anyone here who could translate the following : > > Rodzinom, przyjaciołom i współpracownikom wszystkich tych Wspaniałych Ludzi, którzy także w moim imieniu złożyli ofiarę najwyższą w hołdzie pomordowanym, wśród których był mój dziadek, składam płynące z głębi serca wyrazy współczucia. > > Kind regards, > Bart

I am so sorry, but I mistyped my blog adress. It is - of course - http://malgorzata-przodkowie.blogspot.com Malgorzata J.M. Nowaczyk This information is directed in confidence solely to the person named above and may not otherwise be distributed, copied or disclosed. Therefore, this information should be considered strictly confidential. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately via a return email for further direction. Thank you for your assistance.

Hello: Can anyone help me with this? - If someone spoke to you and they said "Your grandmother was ( and said what sounded like - Polonade?, Pollonood? Polognad?)" Does that sound familiar? Can anyone help with that? Helena > [Original Message] > From: Sandra Guilford <[email protected]> > To: <[email protected]> > Date: 1/31/2011 11:56:27 AM > Subject: Re: [POLAND] Krakow > > All four of my grandparents come from those beautiful mountains, from the Beskid Nisky region, between the Dukla and the ��upkow passes, both sides of the present Poland/Slovakian border. I have visited all of these places, more than once and will go back again and again. At the site of the no-longer-occupied-village of Polany Surowiczne, I had the same response to its beauty as you have expressed. I felt that nobody could have left this place for the reason that they did not like it. Starvation, epidemics, wolves and nasty humans lurking in the woods looking for someone to kill focused their minds. They had no real alternative. The ones who did not go back home after going to North America around the 1900-time were the lucky ones. The men who had left their families at home while they worked and who went back to protect their families found things got worse than they had feared. The people kept running or were chased during both world wars. We cannot begin to imagine what they went through. I have talked to some of the survivors and to some of their descendants. On 31 January 2011 16:08, Kathleen Bowman <[email protected]> wrote: > A postscript to what I wrote earlier: > > Yes, if you have the time, drive south, as Alan suggested, into the Beskidy > and Tatra Mountains. The little towns in the foothills are beautiful and the > scenery breathtaking. Zakopane is a big tourist destination for Poles as > well as international tourists and worth the trip. By then you are really in > the high mountains. We also went to Kasprowy Wierch--a mountain peak you can > get to via cable car and a small hike, or you can hike it yourself if you > are intrepid enough. > > My paternal grandfather is from this part of Poland, and the entire time I > was there I kept thinking of how bad things had to be to leave this > beautiful landscape. > > Kathleen > > > > > ********************************* > Need to contact the list manager? Write to Marie at > [email protected] > ---------------------------------- > Discussion of Polish food, culture, and customs are welcome on the list as > long as the discussion stays pertinent to the topic of this list: > researching our Polish roots. > ---------------------------------- > Browse the list's archives here: > http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=poland-roots > Search the list's archives here: > http://archiver.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/search?aop=1 > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message > ********************************* Need to contact the list manager? Write to Marie at [email protected] ---------------------------------- Discussion of Polish food, culture, and customs are welcome on the list as long as the discussion stays pertinent to the topic of this list: researching our Polish roots. ---------------------------------- Browse the list's archives here: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=poland-roots Search the list's archives here: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/search?aop=1 ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- Text inserted by Panda IS 2009: This message has NOT been classified as spam. If it is unsolicited mail (spam), click on the following link to reclassify it: http://localhost:6083/Panda?ID=pav_8633&SPAM=true&path=C:\Documents%20and%20 Settings\NetworkService\Local%20Settings\Application%20Data\Panda%20Security \Panda%20Internet%20Security%202009\AntiSpam ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------

Alan. Actually the river raft excursion is in Szczwnica and is a good 2.5 hour drive and the trip is 3 hours in duration. Actually worth it though. I also would suggest if you're in Szczawnica to hike the Homole .. an easy hike even for the non - hiker.  Once you get to the top, you are almost in Slovakia. Krakow also has a  river ride on one of of two boats moored beside Wawel.,, on is a little over an hour and the other a dinner /dance  trip. So much to see , so little time, Pat ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kania Alan" <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Monday, January 31, 2011 6:40:19 AM Subject: [POLAND] Krakow There is a river raft excursion near Krakow that was very enjoyable and a visit to Zakopane is a chance to visit local artisans.   I travel a lot, and I've always found it valuable to buy a couple of travel books on the areas before you leave on your visit. That way you'll have the benefit of insights from a professional travel writer. Also, when you get to your hotel (or dining at restaurants), don't hesitate to ask "the locals" where they would recommend visiting. Polish natives (as with any country) will always be eager to show off the best their countries have to offer. What to see in three days depends on your interests.  If museums and art galleries are your interest -- there are plenty to choose from. If nature is your interest, there are plenty of sites (and even a national park nearby) to explore. If culture is your interest, the availability of concerts will depend on the time of year to visit.  If you visit the central square in Krakow during the day, make sure you return at night -- the atmosphere is so different and beautiful. After visiting Krakow, I told our Polish friends that when I die, I want to wake up in Krakow.   I was disappointed that we weren't able to visit the nearby salt mine because of local flooding at the time. From what I understand, it's a very incredible site to visit. Investing in a Krakow guide book before you leave on your trip is worth while.  Fair warning -- three days isn't enough time to really take in southern Poland. Alan Kania ********************************* Need to contact the list manager?  Write to Marie at [email protected] ---------------------------------- Discussion of Polish food, culture, and customs are welcome on the list as long as the discussion stays pertinent to the topic of this list: researching our Polish roots. ---------------------------------- Browse the list's archives here: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=poland-roots Search the list's archives here: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/search?aop=1 ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

My husband had an uncle who was a priest and he spelled his name Marion. Deloris On Mon, Jan 31, 2011 at 1:40 PM, Lindy Kasperski <[email protected]>wrote: > Just to add to this and I trust Roman and others to clarify any mistakes: > Maryan or Marian is a very common male Polish name that in a different > grammatical case could show up as Marianna or Maryanna. > > My official name is Lindy Marian Kasperski. Please don't ask about Lindy, > but I am a male. However my 1950 birth certificate is Lindy Maryan > Kasperski. I changed Maryan to Marian after my second visit to Poland in > 1974 at a Polish folk dance school in Lublin when officials there suggested > my middle name was not correct i.e. Maryan should be Marian. I send this > email with humorous intention but also to point out that in official > documents of Poles arriving in Canada before WW2 a female could have her > name listed as Maria, Marya or Marja and a male Marian, Maryan or Marjan. > Obviously this is nominative case but reflects persons who recorded the > documents. > > Fred Hoffman wrote an article on this sometime back that is interchange of > i j and y. I will track it down or better yet ask Fred to identify it. > > > Lindy Marian Kasperski > Regina, Sk > > -----Original Message----- > From: [email protected] > [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Bronwyn Klimach > Sent: January-31-11 1:01 PM > To: [email protected] > Subject: Re: [POLAND] POLAND-ROOTS Digest, Vol 6, Issue 27 > > Maryanna, > I would venture to say that, often interchangeable with Maria, Marianna is > the most common name. > You might like to consider this article: > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_name > I trust you also have a goodly number of Annas and Katarzynas in your > family > tree! > Bronwyn. > > On Mon, Jan 31, 2011 at 5:37 PM, Maryanna Negley <[email protected]> wrote: > > > Maryanna/Marianna must have been uncommonly common in Poland in the > > 1800s. It shows up numerous times in both of my families - NE and SW > > Poland. > > > > Maryanna Negley > > nee Blazek > > > ********************************* > Need to contact the list manager? Write to Marie at > [email protected] > ---------------------------------- > Discussion of Polish food, culture, and customs are welcome on the list as > long as the discussion stays pertinent to the topic of this list: > researching our Polish roots. > ---------------------------------- > Browse the list's archives here: > http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=poland-roots > Search the list's archives here: > http://archiver.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/search?aop=1 > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message > > ********************************* > Need to contact the list manager? Write to Marie at > [email protected] > ---------------------------------- > Discussion of Polish food, culture, and customs are welcome on the list as > long as the discussion stays pertinent to the topic of this list: > researching our Polish roots. > ---------------------------------- > Browse the list's archives here: > http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=poland-roots > Search the list's archives here: > http://archiver.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/search?aop=1 > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message >

Just to add to this and I trust Roman and others to clarify any mistakes: Maryan or Marian is a very common male Polish name that in a different grammatical case could show up as Marianna or Maryanna. My official name is Lindy Marian Kasperski. Please don't ask about Lindy, but I am a male. However my 1950 birth certificate is Lindy Maryan Kasperski. I changed Maryan to Marian after my second visit to Poland in 1974 at a Polish folk dance school in Lublin when officials there suggested my middle name was not correct i.e. Maryan should be Marian. I send this email with humorous intention but also to point out that in official documents of Poles arriving in Canada before WW2 a female could have her name listed as Maria, Marya or Marja and a male Marian, Maryan or Marjan. Obviously this is nominative case but reflects persons who recorded the documents. Fred Hoffman wrote an article on this sometime back that is interchange of i j and y. I will track it down or better yet ask Fred to identify it. Lindy Marian Kasperski Regina, Sk -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Bronwyn Klimach Sent: January-31-11 1:01 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [POLAND] POLAND-ROOTS Digest, Vol 6, Issue 27 Maryanna, I would venture to say that, often interchangeable with Maria, Marianna is the most common name. You might like to consider this article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_name I trust you also have a goodly number of Annas and Katarzynas in your family tree! Bronwyn. On Mon, Jan 31, 2011 at 5:37 PM, Maryanna Negley <[email protected]> wrote: > Maryanna/Marianna must have been uncommonly common in Poland in the > 1800s. It shows up numerous times in both of my families - NE and SW > Poland. > > Maryanna Negley > nee Blazek > ********************************* Need to contact the list manager? Write to Marie at [email protected] ---------------------------------- Discussion of Polish food, culture, and customs are welcome on the list as long as the discussion stays pertinent to the topic of this list: researching our Polish roots. ---------------------------------- Browse the list's archives here: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=poland-roots Search the list's archives here: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/search?aop=1 ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Karen, I'm not sure you have correctly read Debbie's reply. It looks to me as if on this document you have Marianna Jarecka, nee Ulatowska. I don't know if somewhere you have another Marianna! Bronwyn. On Sun, Jan 30, 2011 at 2:12 AM, Karen Carpenter <[email protected]> wrote: > Oh, boy! That means three -- all named Marianna! > > Thanks, Debbie. > > Karen > > > Message: 4 > > Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2011 15:16:52 -0600 > > From: Debbie Greenlee <[email protected]> > > Subject: Re: [POLAND] death record > > To: [email protected] > > Message-ID: <[email protected]> > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed > > > > Karen, > > > > z domu Ulatowskiej would mean "from the house of" or her maiden name. > > So while Jarecka is Marianna's married name, Ulatowska is her maiden > > name. > > > > Debbie > > > > > > Karen Carpenter wrote: > >> Hi, > >> I have a death record for my gggrandfather which lists under "Nomen, > >> Cognomen, Status, conditio vitae patris" -- Marianna Jareckiej, and then > >> what looks like Indoma Ulatowskiej or possibly zdomu. Could it be z domu > >> or in house? Then would Ulatowskiej be the name of the home owner? > >> > >> I am having a terrible time determining how many wives, if more than > one, > >> my gggrandfather had. Records show the first name as Marianna on two > >> possible wives. Could this Ulatowskiej be a third? > >> > >> Help! > >> Karen >

I so agree. Three days is not enough time. Irene > From: [email protected] > Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2011 07:40:19 -0700 > To: [email protected] > Subject: [POLAND] Krakow > > There is a river raft excursion near Krakow that was very enjoyable and a visit to Zakopane is a chance to visit local artisans. > > I travel a lot, and I've always found it valuable to buy a couple of travel books on the areas before you leave on your visit. That way you'll have the benefit of insights from a professional travel writer. Also, when you get to your hotel (or dining at restaurants), don't hesitate to ask "the locals" where they would recommend visiting. Polish natives (as with any country) will always be eager to show off the best their countries have to offer. > > What to see in three days depends on your interests. If museums and art galleries are your interest -- there are plenty to choose from. If nature is your interest, there are plenty of sites (and even a national park nearby) to explore. If culture is your interest, the availability of concerts will depend on the time of year to visit. If you visit the central square in Krakow during the day, make sure you return at night -- the atmosphere is so different and beautiful. > > After visiting Krakow, I told our Polish friends that when I die, I want to wake up in Krakow. > > I was disappointed that we weren't able to visit the nearby salt mine because of local flooding at the time. From what I understand, it's a very incredible site to visit. > > Investing in a Krakow guide book before you leave on your trip is worth while. Fair warning -- three days isn't enough time to really take in southern Poland. > > Alan Kania > ********************************* > Need to contact the list manager? Write to Marie at [email protected] > ---------------------------------- > Discussion of Polish food, culture, and customs are welcome on the list as long as the discussion stays pertinent to the topic of this list: researching our Polish roots. > ---------------------------------- > Browse the list's archives here: > http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=poland-roots > Search the list's archives here: > http://archiver.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/search?aop=1 > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Hello, Is there anyone here who could translate the following : Rodzinom, przyjaciołom i współpracownikom wszystkich tych Wspaniałych Ludzi, którzy także w moim imieniu złożyli ofiarę najwyższą w hołdzie pomordowanym, wśród których był mój dziadek, składam płynące z głębi serca wyrazy współczucia. Kind regards, Bart

Dear friends, You may remember me as an author of "Poszukiwanie Przodkow" - a genealogy resource book that I published in Poland in 2005. This is not an advertisement for it! But I wanted to let you all know that I have recently started a genealogy blog "Niech zyja przodkowie!" [Long Live Our Ancestors!]. I hope to use this resource to find others intersted in my areas and in the names in my genealogy. I hope you will find the time to visit at at http://malgorzata-przodkowie.blospot.com Sincerely Malgorzata (Margaret) Nowaczyk This information is directed in confidence solely to the person named above and may not otherwise be distributed, copied or disclosed. Therefore, this information should be considered strictly confidential. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately via a return email for further direction. Thank you for your assistance.

Maryanna/Marianna must have been uncommonly common in Poland in the 1800s. It shows up numerous times in both of my families - NE and SW Poland. Maryanna Negley nee Blazek

Wawel and the other historic places in Krakow are all good, but Wieliczka, which was mentioned below and in another message, is the unique thing to see. We saw Auschwitz in the morning and the salt mine in the afternoon. It was good to see something uplifting after the concentration/death camps. On Mon, Jan 31, 2011 at 8:40 AM, Kania Alan <[email protected]> wrote: > There is a river raft excursion near Krakow that was very enjoyable and a > visit to Zakopane is a chance to visit local artisans. > > I travel a lot, and I've always found it valuable to buy a couple of travel > books on the areas before you leave on your visit. That way you'll have the > benefit of insights from a professional travel writer. Also, when you get to > your hotel (or dining at restaurants), don't hesitate to ask "the locals" > where they would recommend visiting. Polish natives (as with any country) > will always be eager to show off the best their countries have to offer. > > What to see in three days depends on your interests. If museums and art > galleries are your interest -- there are plenty to choose from. If nature is > your interest, there are plenty of sites (and even a national park nearby) > to explore. If culture is your interest, the availability of concerts will > depend on the time of year to visit. If you visit the central square in > Krakow during the day, make sure you return at night -- the atmosphere is so > different and beautiful. > > After visiting Krakow, I told our Polish friends that when I die, I want to > wake up in Krakow. > > I was disappointed that we weren't able to visit the nearby salt mine > because of local flooding at the time. From what I understand, it's a very > incredible site to visit. > > Investing in a Krakow guide book before you leave on your trip is worth > while. Fair warning -- three days isn't enough time to really take in > southern Poland. > > Alan Kania > ********************************* > Need to contact the list manager? Write to Marie at > [email protected] > ---------------------------------- > Discussion of Polish food, culture, and customs are welcome on the list as > long as the discussion stays pertinent to the topic of this list: > researching our Polish roots. > ---------------------------------- > Browse the list's archives here: > http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=poland-roots > Search the list's archives here: > http://archiver.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/search?aop=1 > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message >

You can download a free city guide for Krakow at http://www.inyourpocket.com. In Your Pocket publishes a wide array of city and country guides, particularly for eastern Europe, Scandinavia, and Ireland. They're published several times a year, so the info is current, particularly for events, dates/times, costs, etc. These also used to be available in Europe in hard copy at about $1. I'm not sure if that's still true. Copies were available in Lithuania at the Vilnius airport, in hotels and bookstores, etc., back in 2001, but I didn't see any in Poland a couple years ago. Since they're written locally, they seem far superior to any guides produced in the US. I'm planning my second trip to Lithuania this spring, and I'll be relying on several In Your Pocket guides as I map out my itinerary. Happy travels! Barbara Proko

A postscript to what I wrote earlier: Yes, if you have the time, drive south, as Alan suggested, into the Beskidy and Tatra Mountains. The little towns in the foothills are beautiful and the scenery breathtaking. Zakopane is a big tourist destination for Poles as well as international tourists and worth the trip. By then you are really in the high mountains. We also went to Kasprowy Wierch--a mountain peak you can get to via cable car and a small hike, or you can hike it yourself if you are intrepid enough. My paternal grandfather is from this part of Poland, and the entire time I was there I kept thinking of how bad things had to be to leave this beautiful landscape. Kathleen

There is a river raft excursion near Krakow that was very enjoyable and a visit to Zakopane is a chance to visit local artisans. I travel a lot, and I've always found it valuable to buy a couple of travel books on the areas before you leave on your visit. That way you'll have the benefit of insights from a professional travel writer. Also, when you get to your hotel (or dining at restaurants), don't hesitate to ask "the locals" where they would recommend visiting. Polish natives (as with any country) will always be eager to show off the best their countries have to offer. What to see in three days depends on your interests. If museums and art galleries are your interest -- there are plenty to choose from. If nature is your interest, there are plenty of sites (and even a national park nearby) to explore. If culture is your interest, the availability of concerts will depend on the time of year to visit. If you visit the central square in Krakow during the day, make sure you return at night -- the atmosphere is so different and beautiful. After visiting Krakow, I told our Polish friends that when I die, I want to wake up in Krakow. I was disappointed that we weren't able to visit the nearby salt mine because of local flooding at the time. From what I understand, it's a very incredible site to visit. Investing in a Krakow guide book before you leave on your trip is worth while. Fair warning -- three days isn't enough time to really take in southern Poland. Alan Kania

Two couples are traveling to Krakow in May. I know that in Poland they have their own currency. Do they accept Euros. We are staying 2 nights and during this time going to Auschwitz. How much money would you suggest we carry per couple to cover meals and miscellaneous expenses not covered by a credit card. Aside from the concentration camp, what other sites are worth while taking in during our 3 day visit. Thank you for your help. Jack Sponaes

We were in Poland last May-June and used Visa and zlotys. Poland has not transitioned to Euros yet, although a few places will accept Euros. As for things to do, you will have no problem! Take in Wawel Castle, the fabulous Market Square, the newly renovated medieval Cloth Hall, Kazimierz (the Jewish quarter undergoing a renaissance), Schindler's Factory (now a museum), art museums, Chopin concerts, wonderful restaurants. The architecture of the old town is splendid. Hire one of the many horse-drawn carriages and take a tour. Enjoy St. Mary's Basilica and its famous towers, from one of which issues the famous hejnal, played by a trumpter every hour on the hour. Consider a trip to Wieliczka, which has an amazing salt mine. This is just a small list. We LOVED Krakow and hope to go back. Enjoy yourselves! Kathleen Bowman

Looking for Polish-Americans autoworkers (or their descendants) who want to document their family heritage. The Polonica Americana Research Institute (Orchard Lake) is offering free workshops each Saturday in February. Meet in the Panorama Room 1-3pm. 3535 Indian Trail, Orchard Lake, Michigan. For more information and to RSVP email Ceil Wendt Jensen, CG at: [email protected] or call 248-683-0323. http://www.polishmission.com/genealogy/131-motorcities-heritage-grant