I left Poland on 23 April 2005 to go to Windsor, Ontario, where I still live with my family. I decided to leave Poland, because my current husband already lived in Canada for a few years and did not want to come back to Poland. We met during one of his visits to Poland. In 2003, I spent my summer holidays in Canada, so when leaving, I knew what to expect and where I was going to. During my summer trip, I met my husband’s family, and his friends and acquaintances, so it was easier for me to get accustomed to the new place.
New reality
After arrival, I was surprised quite a lot by the fact that many of my neighbours came from other countries, and that while continuing their own traditions, they were simultaneously quickly adjusting to the local customs. Everyone lived in peace, it was possible to make new friends fast. People were nice to each other and there was somehow more understanding between them.
I went to Canada with two suitcases with my most personal and most necessary things. Apart from clothes, I also took along some small souvenirs and photo albums. In time, my parents sent me some things which I did not manage to take and left at home (especially books, records, photographs, etc.). My suitcase also contained my diploma of graduation from the Tourism and Recreation Faculty, Academy of Physical Education and Sports in Gdańsk.
Canadian life
Owing to my stay in Canada, I was able to see some places which I would not be able to see if I lived in Poland, including Niagara falls, Toronto, Montreal, Québec, Ottava. We spent last Christmas in Florida (30 minutes from Miami), and saw Orlando with its Walt Disney World. Next week we are going to Cuba. Every year we go camping, so that our children may experience this type of holidaying. In Canada I was able to stay at home with the children until they reached school age. Many of my friends in Poland do not have such a chance.
My life here is much different to the life I lived in Poland. I left Poland when I was 24. I lived with my parents, I studied, I had many friends, with whom I spent a lot of time. My arrival to Canada meant a fast-paced school of life for me. I needed to learn quickly the things my mother did at home. Our son Dominic was born a year after my arrival, followed by David a year and a half later. It was very difficult for me initially, but the worst is already behind us.
Contact with Poland
We speak Polish at home and celebrate all the holidays in line with Polish traditions. We want our children to have as much contact with the Polish language as possible, although it is difficult since they started school. I hope that lessons in the Polish school which they attend on Saturdays will be helpful. Apart from writing and reading, they learn the basic information about Polish geography and history, and deepen their knowledge of the Polish culture. I am in regular contact with my family and friends who stayed in Poland. I regularly talk to my parents and sisters via Skype. Although I have already spent nine years in Canada, I am interested in what is happening in Poland. I browse through Polish portals and websites, I read Polish magazines (they are available in the local Polish shop). Sometimes I watch popular Polish TV series through the Internet.
I definitely feel Polish and this is not going to change. I was born and brought up in Poland, I have my entire family, many friends and a whole lot of memories there! I miss Gdańsk. I miss walking down the Old City and meeting friends in Gdańsk clubs. My heart is always by my dearest ones. When I have a bad day, I wonder what we are doing here and why we did not start living in Poland? We had a choice and we decided that I would leave Poland to join my husband. I do not regret it, but there is always that question in my head: what if we stayed in Poland? Life is surely easier here and it may be less stressful, but this is at the cost of something else. We are far from our families and this is the price we have to pay for a more comfortable life.
Today, life of emigrants is much different than it was many years ago. When I hear stories of people who came here at least 20 years ago, my experience is nothing in comparison with what they had to go through. Their arrival in an unknown land, the language barrier, the absence of phones or the Internet, and the long time they had to wait for letters from the closest family deepened their longing for Poland. I know some people who after living here for many years have never got used to being in Canada and if they only could, they would go back to Poland without hesitation. Our generation is different. It is easier for us to adjust to the conditions in which we have to live.
