The Barista – Warsaw, Poland

The Barista – Warsaw, Poland

Sometimes some experiences become part of your lifetime experiences and the permanent part of memory. You remember these instances and cherish them because you know that you might not experience similar situation ever. I was scheduled to travel to Warsaw, Poland for a meeting. I was taking an early morning flight from Brussels to Warsaw and had plans to catch a return flight to Zurich by evening flight.

The temperature at Brussels during the late evening was about -8 degrees. I knew the early morning it would reach to -10 degrees. I had an idea about whether in Warsaw which should be about -12 degrees the next day. I booked the cab for early morning though there was just a 50 yards distance between nearest station and the hotel. In the normal circumstances, I would have reached Brussels airport in 5 euros and 10 minutes. Interestingly, with cab I paid 30 euros and took 20 minutes.

Packing and covering me from all sides, with sufficient winter clothing I ambitiously left the hotel for airport. The car was crushing the newly formed ice on and across the roads.  The ‘long flight’ was about three and half hour duration and landed at Warsaw well in time.

Unexpectedly and much as a shock, the outside temperature happened to be -17 degrees. I was supposed to call someone to receive me however I could not dared to remove the gloves. I waited inside the airport for some time, sipped coffee and reached out to cabbie. He was standing right outside the airport though it was not easy for me to venture out in -17 degrees. Realizing my situation he came with one long leather coat, enveloped me and guided me towards car. Just like someone would do in case of rainy season. I could see the heap of ice everywhere and almost empty streets. The wind was making it even more difficult carrying the chill along with it.

I ventured outside in the heated car with my counterpart for lunch. We thanked each other in keeping the commitment of meeting even in adverse situation. We went to a place called ‘The Barista’ to grab a sandwich. I had flight to catch and was given a drop to airport. I hardly got a chance to see what else is out there in Warsaw. I would have loved to eat polish food, try some local beverages, and shop a little.  I am not sure whether I would travel to Warsaw again and in case yes, would it be -17 degrees? Who knows……