This post covers a number of topics and includes plenty of photos. The first event I'm pleased to report is my initial meeting with Dr. Ryszard Ławniczak (for non-Polish speakers, pronounced "Wahv NEE chahk"). He is the principal and most influential factor in my Fulbright fellowship here in Poznań. Seven years ago, in 2005, I received an invitation from Dr. Ławniczak to participate in an International Public Relations conference he was organizing in his university, the Poznań University of Economics. I was aware then of the significant work he was doing in establishing public relations as a respected and valued discipline in the emerging market economies of Central and Eastern Europe. Since then, I and most others in our field have come to recognize Dr. Ławniczak as perhaps the preeminent thought leader in these once transitional but now rapidly developing economies. An economist by training, he continues to make the strong case for the strategic importance of contemporary public relations leadership in organizational success. He has provided advice and counsel to the top national political leaders of Poland as well as to its top industries. It is a privilege to be considered among his colleagues, and it was the tremendously positive impression his university's public relations program left with me in 2005 that inspired me to seek this Fulbright opportunity.
Dr. Ławniczak invited me to lunch, which turned into a nearly 3-hour discussion of a wide variety of academic and professional issues related to our discipline of public relations. Of course, we also enjoyed a superb meal in a delightful setting here in Poznań. We met in a hotel restaurant on the shore of one of Poznań's signature sights -- Malta Lake. In summer, this is the scene for world-class competitive events in various boating activities, primarily kayaking, skulling and canoeing (check out the clip on Youtube). After lunch, we enjoyed a short stroll along the lakeshore path. Despite the blue skies, the temperatures remain quite chilly, and ice is clearly visible on the water.
 |
| The meal is served. Dr. Ławniczak is having fish. My dish is roast pork. Fantastic! |
 |
| A placid scene -- not much activity on the lake in late winter. |
 |
| Across from our hotel/restaurant is a spa and water park. |
 |
| Next to the hotel/restaruant is a "dry" downhill ski center, open year round. |
Robin Arrives in Poznan
Of course, the most important development is that my wife, Robin, has arrived in Poznań, beginning a new chapter of this extraordinary adventure. At this writing, she has been here a week, so the jet lag has largely dissipated. She is quickly becoming acquainted with the public transportation system and is finding activities to fill her agenda. Last Saturday, we took advantage of a sunny day (a trend that continues) to explore a bit of our environs. The Stary Rynek, or Old Market Square, is a 15-minute walk from our apartment, so we strolled in that direction, encountering a farmers' market on the way.
 |
| A market area just a few minutes' walk from our apartment. |
 |
| An excellent selection of fruits, vegetables and other products. |
 |
| An excellent selection of meats and sausages as well. |
 |
| Robin next to the market's flower stalls. |
 |
| In the Stary Rynek (Old Market Square), viewers await the striking of noon by the tower clock. It's a daily event, but unique and worth seeing. More on this feature in a coming post. |
Apartment Living
By U.S. standards, our apartment would seem fairly small -- roughly a little over 600 square feet. However, we're finding it perfectly adequate and comfortable. The location is outstanding -- walking distance to the Stary Rynek and many other great features of Poznań, and convenient to bus and tram lines. It even includes access to a fine fitness center.
 |
| Our apartment building. Just beyond the buildings is Park Cytadela, one of the largest parks in Poznań. |
 |
| Robin preparing a delicious soup with the tasty vegetables. |
That's it for now. Thanks for following this blog. Do widzenia!
No comments:
Post a Comment