Drive 7 hours and what do you get? Pottery!
My friend, Liz decided to plan a trip to Poland while her Mom was visiting. Even if I hadn't been invited I was going to find a way to sneak along on this trip. I've been wanting to do a "Polish Pottery Run" (as it is often referred to) since we arrived here last year but the trips never seemed to work out.
Liz also invited Cecelia (another cool chic)...who agreed to drive her husband's 1997 BMW station wagon for the trip. Perfect! It was easy on gas, would seat 4 ladies comfortably, hopefully not be a target for a carjacking (I'll get to that later) and most importantly, have enough room for all of our pottery :D
We decided to leave on a Sunday morning from Ramstein AB. We met at 7 am, gassed up and headed out on the road. We made it all the way to the Bautzen ESSO station before we needed to gas up again which was perfect because that's the last ESSO station before you enter into Poland. I recommend filling up there on the way back as well. We arrived at the Hotel Portea around 4:30pm. This hotel was perfect for us. We got an apartment style room that sleeps 5 and was around 600zt or $190 and included breakfast. (note: their coffee was instant which was kind of a bummer for me) They have a locked gate so your car will be safe during the night....which is a serious problem in Poland. In fact, people have been carjacked while in their cars waiting at a stop sign. Be sure to lock your doors at all times!
We went out to eat at a very eclectic restaurant. The name eludes me but you can't miss it...It's the only building with a thatched roof in the middle town off the main drag. Traditional Polish food and excellent service. The prices are 1/3 of that of a German menu.
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| I was fired up...they had a couple of giant pieces on the font lawn that I HAD to get my picture taken next to | . |
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| The inside was very rustic with a loft area that seats more people |
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| Me, Liz, Cecelia, Rita |
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| Polish vodka is no joke! |
After a night of dreaming of pottery, we woke up, ate breakfast and headed out the door. Some stores open as early as 7am. We started at Andy's and worked our way back towards the hotel. Immediately I found myself in a
“pottery-induced, it-doesn't-matter-how-much-I-spend”
euphoria". All of the patterns, all of the options, the intricate artwork and soon...all of the people crowding in. I was overwhelmed but excited. I decided before I even arrived that my plan of action was to buy what I liked no matter what the pattern so that I'd end up with an array of different designs. I like the look of mix-n-matched pottery.
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I also planned to take a photo at the register of what I bought before they wrapped it up and boxed it...that way I would be sure not to duplicate any purchases. Well, that plan failed...LOL!!
After nearly 6 hours of combat shopping we decided we were done shopping. We also decided we'd like to stay married :-) We went back to the same restaurant where we had dinner...but not before I got this picture...Me and a GIANT coffee mug!
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| This is my new Polish friend, Franciszek! |
When I got home I started to unpack my purchases...WOW! I had no idea that I bought this much. I was excited to see it all and get it all put away. I have to say though, now I know which pieces are my favorite and which pieces I won't be keeping. There are about 4 pieces that just don't seem to go with the others. No big deal. They will either make excellent gifts or I can sell them. Best part is, next time I know which patterns to look for.
A little about the pottery:
Crafted in
Boleslawiec, Poland. Each dish is considered by many to be a collectible and will
likely be an heirloom piece to be cherished for years to come. It is all
handmade and decorated using a unique method of hand-stamping. Each ceramic
dish is made of white clay decorated with lead-free glazes creating a durable
collection. This collectible pottery is safe for use in the microwave, oven and
dishwasher. Most Americans follow this rule: Category 1 pottery is oven safe
for up to 425°F and dishwasher safe. Category 2 is oven safe for up to 325°F
and probably dishwasher safe. Category 3 and higher should only be used for
serving. Categories can be found on the sticker usually on the bottom of the
piece.
Polish farmers
created these traditional designs with inspiration from the proud peacock. The
brilliant colors added beauty and color to an otherwise plain and simple
lifestyle. Over the years the technique of using handmade stencils to
create the designs has become a form of art passed on to new generations. If
you find the label 'unikat' on the bottom, the pattern is original to the store
you purchased it from. The Golden Rule of Polish Pottery Shopping in Poland is:
if you find a piece/pattern you like, purchase it there! You probably won't be
able to find the exact same piece anywhere else. Antique pieces can be viewed
at museums in Poland.
The people of
Boleslawiec are proud to share their art with the world. They are referred to
as “The Clay-People” and even hold a festival every year to celebrate their
culture.
Now, who's ready for a May run? :D
