Beaches covered in snow

Seriously, have you ever seen a beach covered in snow?

We had a very snowy weekend about 2 weeks ago. That Sunday, I realized that I had never seen a beach covered in snow. This was my perfect chance to change that. So off I went to the main, touristy beach . . .

Ok, so completely white, cold, and cloudy . . .

Here's the pier.

Perfect snow for snowmen and snowball fights.

It's actually pretty cool!

Just look at how much snow was on these trees!

My snow angel

Danielle looking at her snow angel.

What do you think?

Two naked statues in the shape of a heart--covered in snow.

Ducks and swans had no problem.

The waves

The promenade beside the beach

I was very happy.

Don't judge, this is really exciting!

Makes me want to run down this path.

Don't be fooled: these seagulls are huge!

Blanket of snow.

Even in January, this beach cannot completely hibernate.

Quite a few centimeters (forgot exactly how many)

Nice burst of color.

I took a picture of this road when it was gold with the autumn colors.

Here's a park, with a sign pointing to the beach.

Going to the train platforms.

This is a very catholic region, in case you were wondering.

Sleigh caravan.

An island of virgin snow.

One of those old buildings again.

The basilica

The statue/memorial beside the basilica

the Old Town Hall, and the Christmas tree that is still up.

Parsęta River, which flows to the Baltic Sea.

Entering the "empty beach".

Nothing touristy here.

This is the beach where dogs are allowed to roam.

Yes, there's an area with sand.

I stepped on the water (in my snow boots). The sand is the same. However, on the part covered with snow, there was a layer of ice between the sand and snow.

Layers of Sky, Sea, and Land.

I was so excited, I didn't even feel the cold.

Students' Music School Christmas Program (11. Jan.)

Hey, I'm sneaking in time to get my pictures from this month posted on here. It's MidTerms (1st semester exams) week and then next week is Winter Break (from 1.-14. Feb.)!

I've got some plans that are starting to come together, but I'll share them once they happen.

***

Anyway, I teach a married couple English in their home. Both teach in a music school here. I invited them to come to our Christmas Program and they came. Then they told me of a Christmas recital their music school was giving on Jan. 11th. For several reasons, I had to go.

The recital/concert was held in this church on ulica Kathedra (Cathedral Street).

Who says it's too late to celebrate Christmas?

My student, Pan Sokolnicki, giving the welcoming remarks.

Just a side note: "Pan" is "Mr." in Polish, so don't think this man's name is Pan. It's Krzysztof (Polish "Chris").

Stairs to the balcony.

Looking up at the winding stairs.

Looking down at where I came from.

Xylophone choir (kind of)

Husband and wife. Indeed, what a sweet team.

How it all looked from the balcony.

After the program was over.

My only regret was having a cough. There were a few times when I needed to step out 'cause holding my cough was choking me. I even had to go home and get my water bottle (just a couple of blocks away). It was nice. At the end of the program, he even said a "Hi Joann" while giving his closing remarks. That wasn't necessary (I really wanted to hide). However, it was sweet.

Ah yes, have you ever seen a beach covered in snow?

Ice skating (10. Jan.)

It's about time our group went on ice . . .

Oh, this was my 4th time ice-skating. Ever, in my entire life--up until now, that is. I hope the 5th will come shortly.

Apologies for not appearing in any of the photos. It just didn't happen this time around. Kinda sad it didn't too.
Anyway, we were there for about an hour, and I fell only twice--and got back up both times on my own. I'm so proud of myself!

Leya & Rebecca scoping when the coast was clear to resume.

Ice-skating-training contraption I've never seen before. Too bad they are only for small children.

Then again, says who?

Confession: I used that contraption myself. It was already set on the highest/tallest setting it could go. Needless to say, it was too short for me. However, that didn't stop me from trying! I even skated a lot faster--without falling!

Danielle & Kuba enjoying skating without having to babysit us ice-rookies.

Leya helping and accompanying Rebecca on her trainers.

Time for Leya to get into the spotlight.

Shine girl, shine.

Kuba wizzing past.

Leya and Danielle having a go at it.

So, what now guys?

After that, it was ice cream at Fantasia's--just around the corner from our apartment, and one of the places with the best ice cream in town (or so I was told).
The pistachio ice cream was wonderful.
Oh, they have Oreo ice cream with actual Oreos too (in case that gets your attention).

Christmas & New Years Break (from 26. Dec. - 3. Jan)

***Happy 2016 everybody!***

I pray your year has started off well. If it hasn't, I pray it will get better very soon.

So classes are back in session.

My break was a very laid-back one. I didn't go anywhere far (if I left at all). Let me just share the pictures.

First, a hike in the woods on Dec. 27th:

Coming to the Parsęta River.

Too bad I can't read--yet.

You know you're a teacher when you see this and think of an out-door classroom.

Kinda cold and wet. It had just rained the previous days.

So this creek was overflowing.

Path on our way back.

How high was this?

This was where I took the previous photo.

***

Now, a pit stop during a trip to Koszalin with Danielle & Andrzej on Dec. 28:

Important part of "Old Kołobrzeg"

 

Can you read the English?

The front of the church.

Same, only with Danielle and I.

***

 

Random exploration with Danielle during our random trip back to Koszalin on Dec. 30. We wanted to spend some time with Karolina (the lady we teach for in Koszalin) and our mutual student Maciej:

 

Coming to a park with it's own "river".

The other side of the park, kind of.

Oh, the wonderful smell of pine this building had inside ...

Can you believe this is the (main) post office? Looks like Vienna's City Hall.

 I would have had more pictures, but my cameras batteries decided to die. Blast.

***

A few (blurry) scenes from New Years in Kołobrzeg:

LOTS of fireworks going off--since right before Christmas!

From the basilica, looking towards the town hall.

Can't believe the fireworks continued going off over an hour after the beginning of the new year!

Back at my place. Wasn't sure my camera would get this before the sparkler went out.

Thank you so much for the pic, Rebecca! Too bad Danielle was exhausted.

***

 

On Sabbath, Jan 2, I went with Danielle and Andrzej to a family's home for lunch after church. After lunch, we went to large patch of ice that was frozen in a field.

Getting ready to do some real ice skating.

The kids with ice skates, the older ones just on the ice with whatever they've got.

And me, beholding scenery until my batteries died with no hope of resurrection.

The break was much needed, I'm not going to lie. Today (Jan 6th) is another holiday (perfect, since it gives me time to do this). But now, my mind is starting to think about our next break: Winter break, 1-14. Feb.

Any ideas for someone who can barely afford to travel . . .?