Hello, intrepid fellow travelers!
I am thrilled to announce that I have finally received Confirmation of my Polish Citizenship. Who knew that I would ever be so *proud* to be of Polish ancestry? All those jokes during childhood, about how stupid "Pollocks" were; the lightbulb jokes, etc. I hated it! But now, I'm learning that Poland is only 1 of 4 countries in Europe that allow dual-citizenship with the USA. (Gotta confirm that; a friend told me). So I feel like I'm part of a pretty lucky bunch!
My actual Passport has been applied for (thanks to a very interesting and rather amusing trip to the Polish Consulate), and should arrive in my hot little hands in May 2011. Along with it will be Poland's version of a social security card, so that I will be completely ready to live and work in Europe when I'm ready to go.
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[Posting from early 2010] Bonjour and hello, my friends!
Last year I was traveling around Europe, including a long visit to my family members in Poland and some awesome time in beautiful Paris. Plus some time in the South of France, a few days in Switzerland (brrrrr), and a few lengthy train rides.
Now I'm back in the USA but not for long... Why not?
Because my European citizenship is almost final! After much hard labor, enormous frustration, and an expensive failed attempt several years back, I have finally pulled it off: my right to having citizenship in Poland is about to be confirmed, and I will receive my new bright-red EU Passport by this summer (2010).
At which point, many doors will open for me in Europe, including living and working legally there whether I choose Barcelona or Paris, and also the potential for a free higher-education (that Master's Degree I've always wanted!) although that requires more research. And, I'll get free health care. So, this is very exciting!
A heartfelt "Thank you" to my grandfather Stanisaw, long dead but still kept in many people's hearts-- I couldn't have done it without you, Grandpa!!
So this European travel blog will resume in the fall of 2010. Meanwhile, I'm sitting down to write a book about family and relationships, and possibly a 2nd one about swimming with the wild dolphins of Hawaii.
Ciao for now!
~~ Tina
