In February, I went to ‘Zagroda Mazurska’ for a few days. I needed some space where I could rest a bit for the first time since I got back from the cruise. I had to charge my batteries. Kris Kamiński helped me, offering me a stay at a very beautiful place (http://mazurskazagroda.mazury.info.pl/mazurskazagroda/). The idea could seem a bit eccentric to someone who has never been in our land of lakes outside the summer season. Believe me or not, it was a marvellous time. Masuria covered in snow is a charming place. Frozen lakes make your imagination do miracles. There were only us, forest and... horses there. What is more, we were looked after as if we were royalty. The time we spent there was amazing due to several reasons. We were accompanied by a great journalist and the author of ‘Każdy ma swoje Kilimandżaro’ book, Ms Małgorzata Wach. W talked a lot. The results? I hope you will find out soon.

I spent the Valentine’s Day in Cracow. It was a beautifully snowy white day. In the evening, I went to the Philharmonic Hall, it was the first time in my life. Against the Odds, Anna Dymna’s Foundation organized a wonderful concert there for those loving and those in love, during which an auction of clocks was carried out. The income from both the donations and the auction was given to a person in need. A lot of great clocks and watches were auctioned, among which was my pear-shaped timer as well – it has sailed around the world with me! It was amazing to see people who take pleasure in helping the others. The hall was not only full of people, but also filled with love and affection towards other people. For a long time, I won’t forget the smiling faces of the employees of the Against the Odds Foundation. We should all follow their example.

The took place in Tawerna, on Monday evening, as is the custom here. Before we went to Wioślarska Street, though, we ate delicious and huge (Slavic tradition) dinner in the ’Babooshka – Na Kruczej’ restaurant (www.babooshka.pl). The owner, Victor Plitkin, together with his lovely wife Dorota, welcomed us with eastern dishes. I couldn’t resist tasting delicious desserts I have never eaten before... yummy! (by the way, I went back there the following day – food is really good and the service is truly professional). When we reached the meeting place, the room was already full. As is often the case, my presentation began with technical problems – the computer provided for the meeting would not read slides of my presentation in chronological order:( Hence, my presentation unleashed a storm. But you know what storms are like – I knew it would end, eventually, and I just needed to manage somehow by that time... The sailors from...

Natasza took part in the 6th charity ball organised for the nursing home in Machowinko, which took place in the Dolina Charlotty (Charlotte’s Valley) Resort & SPA, on Friday, 5 February 2010. All of the guests had a wonderful time. Great music and a perfectly composed menu stirred up the carnival atmosphere. During the ball, a short artistic programme created by the wards of the nursing home was performed, and the...

On Tuesday, 28 January, Natasza visited the Poviat Starosty in Słupsk. Sławomir Ziemianowicz, the Staroste of Słupsk together with Andrzej Bury, the Vice Staroste of the town, congratulated the sailor on finishing the solitary cruise and wished her persistence in fulfilling next dreams. Natasza was given flowers and the painting depicting an old carriage house in Warcino.  In warm atmosphere, they talked about the possibility of cooperation in relation to promotion of the region. Natasza, the citizen of Ustka, signed the visitor’s book of the Poviat Starosty as the first person.

On Tuesday morning (26 January), Natasza met with children and students of local schools, who, thanks to kindness of the Secondary School in Ustka, gathered numerously in the assembly hall. ‘I’m extremely happy that I could meet students from the schools in Ustka because I attended the primary school in my home town as well. It was nice to find out that, just like 20 years ago, modern kids are interested in the world. I could share the story of my cruise with them and tell them about fulfilling dreams. I tried to convince the students that everyone can live out their dream if only he or she wants it very much. I was very pleased with the view of the gym full of warm smiles of considerate listeners and the questions they asked. I deeply believe that our meeting will help the children and teenagers to believe in themselves. I hope that I’ve helped them learn that Ustka and its region can be a window on the world, that they can and must invest in themselves and that they...

Natasza came to Warsaw at the invitation of Klub Podróżnik and Aslema Tours.  The open meeting took place on cold Sunday afternoon (24 January). Despite the freezing winter weather, the club was crowded with people, and the great atmosphere of the meeting made up for all the inconvenience for those who couldn’t find a place to sit, and had to stand listening to the sailor. Natasza vigorously talked about her cruise, and about overcoming obstacles on the way to living out her dream, she mentioned the wonderful people she met and described the places she visited during her round-the-world journey. She also talked about two charity campaigns organised in cooperation with the Against The Odds Foundation, and encouraged her guests to help others. During more than an hour of her presentation, the sailor showed photographs and videos of the most unforgettable moments of her cruise. After the official part, she  spent a lot of time talking with her guests and signing all kinds of...