The Warta

Sunday we decided we were going to go swimming in the river.  It was moving really fast (as it is the third largest river in Poland) and it was hot out so there were lots of people out.  I started, once again, with trepidation, but eventually went in.  We decided a good workout would be to try to swim/go/move upstream.  It worked well for Emily, but Melissa and I struggled a bit.  It took us at least 20 minutes to go 50 meters, and we were exhausted (at least I was).  Emily was moving like a trooper- she’s a true athlete.  I think the most awkward part of the whole endeavor, was seeing students out there with their families - some of their family members in speedos.  Not unusual for Europe, but definitely unusual for Americans.  Once we’d floated to our hearts content, Tomek told us he was going to jump in the river using a stick they had swinging from a tree.  I decided it would be in my best interest to join him.  Yes, the non-river swimming girl who is afraid of fish, particularly any that are unbeknownst to swimmers, was going to swing from a tree into the river.  I waited in line and after a long time of waiting, I finally made the leap.  It was ugly at best as my hands slid off the branch early, BUT, I was again in the river.  Melissa and Emily came to find me, and I’ll let you watch the video for the rest of the story. 

The Warta  <------- click there for the video