Weekend Trip to Marynka

Half way through the fortnight our entire group of volunteers were taken to the lakes, close to the Ukrainian border. Our first stop was one of the lakes to sunbathe, paddle or set out on a pedal boat. We picked the latter of course and, with the help of one of our translators, we secured our vessel and set out to explore the lake. Afterwards we drove further on to our final destination, a peaceful woodland retreat with log cabins, a barbecue and various activities available.

Pedal boating across the lake

Teresa had originally planned to take us to another site but had to change in the last weeks leading up to our trip to Poland. She warned us that the accommodation may be very basic so we had visions of us having to rough it in squalid conditions. However we soon found that the log cabins we’re actually fantastic, well equipped and very spacious (larger than our flat at home!).

First of all a large group of us rented mountain bikes for a 1hour cycle ride around the forests and farms surrounding us. Following this we formed two teams of 4 /5 for a Volleyball game in which Johnny became an unexpected champion! The game was very casual but there were a few moments of pure class. We could have stayed there all evening but eventually the sweat dripping off our brows meant it was time to pop inside to freshen up before the evening’s barbecue.

Katherine and the other volunteers bike riding

The volunteers sat together to sample the grilled sausages, peppers, fish and other tasty dishes. All of which was washed down with a mixture of Polish beers, Vodkas and wines. Suffice to say everybody had a good time and we got to know each other a lot better that evening!

On our return trip to Lublin we stopped off at Majdanek which is a concentration camp. It was a sombre experience and the visit filled us with feelings of sadness. It’s hard to believe that this place existed but preserving it like this is important to serve as a reminder of what has and cannot be allowed to happen again.

On the approach to Majdanek

>>> A Night in Prison