It took me a while to understand US.The US that we know world wide,the powerful the magnificent the most developed does it have a soft side?A side that celebrates the culture worldwide.A side that is multi-faceted in the prim and proper as said, or as rustic and natural as the pictures speak of.The side that not many appreciate for the abundance of Other Touristic ‘Whatsoever’ to look at.I am surprised many ain't even aware of this side.
I wish it did fit me :) #PolishFest2015
I was being warned that the city I am going to is boring compared to the rest of the US major cities.The Internet was marooned with crime news.Of course I knew I wasn’t going to Miami or ‘New York’ but a city I fell slowly in love with.As if it grows on me everyday.. That’s the beauty of being in a new place - every damn little thing becomes exciting for it is different.I am at a place,many Indians back home gets confused about when I say ‘Milwaukee’ and then I need to point them to the map ‘It’s right here!’ and then they are like ‘It’s near to Canada’ and I zoom in and say 'Yes but its in Wisconsin US,near to Chicago’
Did you know? ‘Milwaukee is the city of Festivals in US'
The Summer's just around the corner or that's how it is meant to be.But Summer has barely started.Yes,I do not need my jacket anymore but the sun is yet to be up.Oh wait Today its finally up.I have a whole blog post dedicated to my shift to US coming up in recent post over this week with tips and tricks and vlogs and lot other things 'Specially Helpful to people who want to migrate to a different country or who plan to stay longterm in the same country' ,thought that I’d upload what’s just ‘hot and trending’ while its still fresh in the mind.
Milwaukee has the spirit of never say die 'Come Sunshine or Rain'
On Sunday, with the pitter patter of the drizzle and frequent rain spills on my window pane,we were almost heartbroken if Polish Fest would ever take place today.The fog then gathered to give company to the rains.The window panes here are like optical illusion you can never understand if its cold or hot or humid outside but sun was so far under the clouds yet to emerge to say hi.We knew it wouldn’t come out.Welcome to Milwaukee Summer - Unpredictable.
June 14,Sunday was the last day of Polish Fest (June 12-14) : The largest Polish Festival in the US.
And with the dampened spirit of what if it doesn’t happen ‘I meant our thoughts went to the extent that we even thought that how would the musicals be performed . Wouldn’t the instrument be wet as if intricate handling of them was our responsibility’.Never mind,we quickly figured out the way and decided to check it out.
We though,checked a couple of YouTube videos on previous Polish Fest and weren’t sure if it would be worth going at all in the rain. Those videos were more snippets than the real thing.So we in our best moods also captured some clips for you in bits and pieces without having to compromise our fun part and stitched them to see how much fun we had! Watch out and Clap Hard :)
Most festivals in Milwaukee has a disclaimer ‘Events will happen come sunshine or rain’ and that’s what we like about this place a lot lot.The spirit of people here in Milwaukee is viral and ever smiling come sunshine or rain.
In the last one month,I have been graciously part of 3 festivals and enjoyed each of them and learnt a bit too(well even threw an axe on the target at the Scottish Highland Games'),who said US doesn’t celebrate?
We started walking from the Veterans Park(Clueless much? Don’t worry we have a reverse post that’ll take you to lakes and beaches in Milwaukee) towards Milwaukee Art Museum and Discovery World and finally reaching the Lakeshore State Park.Me and my hubby were in two minds if we go to the park first or the Polish Fest 2015.Well today’s all about Polish Fest Guys.Parks would be talked about in Subsequent posts.
A bit of a nippy cold did get around to talk to us ‘Guys have some Beer to warm up’ and so well Polish Fest at Henry W. Meir Park was where we went into. The Adult Entry fare was $12.There were some discounts on Friday but we were occupied that day.
Polish Fest: Skyride And Polish Delights And Shopping
‘The last time I danced my heart out in a country different than mine was in Scotland , Ceilidh dance,today was no different’.I almost felt that US has transformed into a fairy stage of sorts where the massive park is converted in a Polish Extravaganza with concerts and music lined up and people of all sorts and ages dancing their heart out on the local Polka Music they played.My hubby instantly rejected my request(yes guys US is my 18th country in 3 years and I am enjoying a time together with my hubby after almost traveling solo for a decade),and said ‘Lets try the Sky ride’.So we went till further end of the park which was by the way a huge park and there we were with our tickets($5 each for the Sky ride).
I haven't given up on my crown of solo travel,but traveling with my hubby rocks too!
I almost felt the world beneath me was a movement of thousand folks enjoying Polish Fest and there I was in the air taking me to the other end.The cultural performances looked like minuscule movements ,the activities random,the food delicious as we spotted wood of the smokey Polish Plate
at one of the restaurants.
As we descended with a big thank you at the Sky ride exit,we walked towards the cake.
The Lemony Pazcki
There’s something about the bakery that I love which we would be talking about too in recent posts.This awesome place was serving the delish Polish Delights at a minimal cost of $3.We ordered Lemon Pazcki for the name was sounding unfamiliar and by the description of the board was a specialty of Poland.And it was one of the different yet delightfully perfect cake I might have ever had.It had the juicy lemon jelly sprouting out from inside at my every bite.Neither too sweet nor too lemony,just the perfect cake.The Polish Fest 2015 had over 30 food stalls for all taste buds with Polish Favorites from Polish Sausage to pierogi ,so many that we were equating the deliciousness of a dish by the number of people standing in the queue ahead of a stall.They even had the Winsonsin Classics like Cheese Curds.
The events too were lively, something that we felt can keep us to toes till the day last.As I never am boring,the bubbly side of mine wanted to get into as the rest others on the Sports car and get a selfie.The next I know is I get a travel pouch as gift. Vroom! There were lot of children’s activities for children as well as well as Piano Competition to entertain.
Polish Cultural Village:Ethnic Dance,Traditional Folk Art and Market Place
Anything traditional is just so different
Every country survives on the traditions and traditional folk art that take them forward.At Cultural Village, There were stall that showcased how Wool and Welding and other activities that form part of livelihood of Poland.There were sections where the craftsmen would work and you could interact talk to them and even learn secrets behind Cooking of your favorite Polish Foods and Other Activities from them.Folk artists demonstrate traditional Polish Crafts, including wycinanki (paper cutting), pisanki (decorated eggs), wianki (floral head wreaths) and more.
She reminds me of my mom frowning suspiciously;)
Highlighting this more,were cultural performances where Polish Ethnic dance forms were displayed.Some of which needed gestures and expressions to match with the story line the song had.The couple dance had a bit of acting to go with the song.They were quite fun to watch
If Poland had been on your wish list,and it doesn’t anyway seem to be near feasible,Polish Fest 2015 had taken us to various shopping stalls at Sukiennice Marketplace about 40 of them of Poland.Stalls which would sell traditional polish toys to pottery to jewelry to local artifacts everything right here.I bought this $5 hairband that exactly made me look like a fairy ;) The best way to get a Polish Souvenir sitting right here in the US.The interesting souvenirs to take back were Baltic amber, Boleslawiec pottery, hand blown Christmas ornaments, Polish books, CD's, jewelry, hand-carved wooden boxes.
When we Danced on the Polka over Polish Beer
The Old Couple Who Danced Their Heart Out
Walking ahead we walked past the beer stall.Ordering a dark Polish Beer and having it with Half Smoked Chicken with Fries made the rest of our day.The beer was smooth and nice.Another interesting option which we did forget to indulge in was Vodka Tasting was Chopin Vodka along with Dorda Double Chocolate Liqueur,Bloody Mary Mix and Chopin Potato Vodka. Tyskie beer was brewed in Poland and was just in time for Polish Fest 2015!!
Polish Beer hmmm
As we got a little high,there were two stages that were performing live music and orchestra at the front - The Miller Stage and The Non Stop Polka.There were in total 5 stages set up at the park - Miller Stage, Polka Stage, Cultural Stage, Folk Stage and the Children’s Stage. I dragged my hubby onto the dance floor of one of the music bands being played at the Polka.He kept on hesitating on the music he had never danced on,but I was stubborn.
Picking up steps on the dance floor wasn’t tough,all it needed was rhythmic twosome , a bit of speed and a bit of jumping.We quickly framed our own steps which was a mix of whatever we could think of to go with the beats.We even got complimented that we danced very good.Well…I wish there was someone to capture that.Dancing every time reminds me of my twist in Spain - remember when I learnt Flamenco?
There was this couple who became apple of my eye,a fairly old aged,but would never give up their spirit of dancing.The old fella wore shirt which had Polka band written at behind.I insisted on getting a picture clicked with them and they were more than happy.The old lady complimented me that I am pretty.Well to me she was the prettiest :) at her age.
Milwaukee : Need I Say More
As we fumbled with our camera on different angles another lady came up ‘Can I click your picture’ and said ‘Often she’s seen people taking their selfies and struggling with them,Thought if I can help’.We got her instead in our frame - the perfect threesome selfie.
That was the end to the happening yesterday.Experienced Polish Culture Firsthand in US,unbelievable isn’t it?As much as the thought of going to Poland to experience it live has titillated me,I love the wonderful feeling of enjoying it at my convenience right here.
/* All pictures and videos are from iPhone 5*/
I was being warned that the city I am going to is boring compared to the rest of the US major cities.The Internet was marooned with crime news.Of course I knew I wasn’t going to Miami or ‘New York’ but a city I fell slowly in love with.As if it grows on me everyday.. That’s the beauty of being in a new place - every damn little thing becomes exciting for it is different.I am at a place,many Indians back home gets confused about when I say ‘Milwaukee’ and then I need to point them to the map ‘It’s right here!’ and then they are like ‘It’s near to Canada’ and I zoom in and say 'Yes but its in Wisconsin US,near to Chicago’
Did you know? ‘Milwaukee is the city of Festivals in US'
The Summer's just around the corner or that's how it is meant to be.But Summer has barely started.Yes,I do not need my jacket anymore but the sun is yet to be up.Oh wait Today its finally up.I have a whole blog post dedicated to my shift to US coming up in recent post over this week with tips and tricks and vlogs and lot other things 'Specially Helpful to people who want to migrate to a different country or who plan to stay longterm in the same country' ,thought that I’d upload what’s just ‘hot and trending’ while its still fresh in the mind.
Milwaukee has the spirit of never say die 'Come Sunshine or Rain'
On Sunday, with the pitter patter of the drizzle and frequent rain spills on my window pane,we were almost heartbroken if Polish Fest would ever take place today.The fog then gathered to give company to the rains.The window panes here are like optical illusion you can never understand if its cold or hot or humid outside but sun was so far under the clouds yet to emerge to say hi.We knew it wouldn’t come out.Welcome to Milwaukee Summer - Unpredictable.
June 14,Sunday was the last day of Polish Fest (June 12-14) : The largest Polish Festival in the US.
And with the dampened spirit of what if it doesn’t happen ‘I meant our thoughts went to the extent that we even thought that how would the musicals be performed . Wouldn’t the instrument be wet as if intricate handling of them was our responsibility’.Never mind,we quickly figured out the way and decided to check it out.
We though,checked a couple of YouTube videos on previous Polish Fest and weren’t sure if it would be worth going at all in the rain. Those videos were more snippets than the real thing.So we in our best moods also captured some clips for you in bits and pieces without having to compromise our fun part and stitched them to see how much fun we had! Watch out and Clap Hard :)
Most festivals in Milwaukee has a disclaimer ‘Events will happen come sunshine or rain’ and that’s what we like about this place a lot lot.The spirit of people here in Milwaukee is viral and ever smiling come sunshine or rain.
In the last one month,I have been graciously part of 3 festivals and enjoyed each of them and learnt a bit too(well even threw an axe on the target at the Scottish Highland Games'),who said US doesn’t celebrate?
We started walking from the Veterans Park(Clueless much? Don’t worry we have a reverse post that’ll take you to lakes and beaches in Milwaukee) towards Milwaukee Art Museum and Discovery World and finally reaching the Lakeshore State Park.Me and my hubby were in two minds if we go to the park first or the Polish Fest 2015.Well today’s all about Polish Fest Guys.Parks would be talked about in Subsequent posts.
A bit of a nippy cold did get around to talk to us ‘Guys have some Beer to warm up’ and so well Polish Fest at Henry W. Meir Park was where we went into. The Adult Entry fare was $12.There were some discounts on Friday but we were occupied that day.
Polish Fest: Skyride And Polish Delights And Shopping
The Skyride
‘The last time I danced my heart out in a country different than mine was in Scotland , Ceilidh dance,today was no different’.I almost felt that US has transformed into a fairy stage of sorts where the massive park is converted in a Polish Extravaganza with concerts and music lined up and people of all sorts and ages dancing their heart out on the local Polka Music they played.My hubby instantly rejected my request(yes guys US is my 18th country in 3 years and I am enjoying a time together with my hubby after almost traveling solo for a decade),and said ‘Lets try the Sky ride’.So we went till further end of the park which was by the way a huge park and there we were with our tickets($5 each for the Sky ride).
I haven't given up on my crown of solo travel,but traveling with my hubby rocks too!
I almost felt the world beneath me was a movement of thousand folks enjoying Polish Fest and there I was in the air taking me to the other end.The cultural performances looked like minuscule movements ,the activities random,the food delicious as we spotted wood of the smokey Polish Plate
at one of the restaurants.
The Smokey Polish Food Made Live
As we descended with a big thank you at the Sky ride exit,we walked towards the cake.
There’s something about the bakery that I love which we would be talking about too in recent posts.This awesome place was serving the delish Polish Delights at a minimal cost of $3.We ordered Lemon Pazcki for the name was sounding unfamiliar and by the description of the board was a specialty of Poland.And it was one of the different yet delightfully perfect cake I might have ever had.It had the juicy lemon jelly sprouting out from inside at my every bite.Neither too sweet nor too lemony,just the perfect cake.The Polish Fest 2015 had over 30 food stalls for all taste buds with Polish Favorites from Polish Sausage to pierogi ,so many that we were equating the deliciousness of a dish by the number of people standing in the queue ahead of a stall.They even had the Winsonsin Classics like Cheese Curds.
The events too were lively, something that we felt can keep us to toes till the day last.As I never am boring,the bubbly side of mine wanted to get into as the rest others on the Sports car and get a selfie.The next I know is I get a travel pouch as gift. Vroom! There were lot of children’s activities for children as well as well as Piano Competition to entertain.
No,really that's my new car
And these are my oak barrels and you are invited! lol
Don't get me wrong but Milwaukee is happening like every weekend 'Milwaukee Indyfest on July 11-12' and of course Summerfest 'The Worlds Largest Music Festival' 2015 that's about to begin soon on June 24.yey.
Polish Cultural Village:Ethnic Dance,Traditional Folk Art and Market Place
Every country survives on the traditions and traditional folk art that take them forward.At Cultural Village, There were stall that showcased how Wool and Welding and other activities that form part of livelihood of Poland.There were sections where the craftsmen would work and you could interact talk to them and even learn secrets behind Cooking of your favorite Polish Foods and Other Activities from them.Folk artists demonstrate traditional Polish Crafts, including wycinanki (paper cutting), pisanki (decorated eggs), wianki (floral head wreaths) and more.
Highlighting this more,were cultural performances where Polish Ethnic dance forms were displayed.Some of which needed gestures and expressions to match with the story line the song had.The couple dance had a bit of acting to go with the song.They were quite fun to watch
If Poland had been on your wish list,and it doesn’t anyway seem to be near feasible,Polish Fest 2015 had taken us to various shopping stalls at Sukiennice Marketplace about 40 of them of Poland.Stalls which would sell traditional polish toys to pottery to jewelry to local artifacts everything right here.I bought this $5 hairband that exactly made me look like a fairy ;) The best way to get a Polish Souvenir sitting right here in the US.The interesting souvenirs to take back were Baltic amber, Boleslawiec pottery, hand blown Christmas ornaments, Polish books, CD's, jewelry, hand-carved wooden boxes.
When we Danced on the Polka over Polish Beer
Walking ahead we walked past the beer stall.Ordering a dark Polish Beer and having it with Half Smoked Chicken with Fries made the rest of our day.The beer was smooth and nice.Another interesting option which we did forget to indulge in was Vodka Tasting was Chopin Vodka along with Dorda Double Chocolate Liqueur,Bloody Mary Mix and Chopin Potato Vodka. Tyskie beer was brewed in Poland and was just in time for Polish Fest 2015!!
As we got a little high,there were two stages that were performing live music and orchestra at the front - The Miller Stage and The Non Stop Polka.There were in total 5 stages set up at the park - Miller Stage, Polka Stage, Cultural Stage, Folk Stage and the Children’s Stage. I dragged my hubby onto the dance floor of one of the music bands being played at the Polka.He kept on hesitating on the music he had never danced on,but I was stubborn.
Picking up steps on the dance floor wasn’t tough,all it needed was rhythmic twosome , a bit of speed and a bit of jumping.We quickly framed our own steps which was a mix of whatever we could think of to go with the beats.We even got complimented that we danced very good.Well…I wish there was someone to capture that.Dancing every time reminds me of my twist in Spain - remember when I learnt Flamenco?
There was this couple who became apple of my eye,a fairly old aged,but would never give up their spirit of dancing.The old fella wore shirt which had Polka band written at behind.I insisted on getting a picture clicked with them and they were more than happy.The old lady complimented me that I am pretty.Well to me she was the prettiest :) at her age.
Milwaukee : Need I Say More
The perfect threesome selfie
As we fumbled with our camera on different angles another lady came up ‘Can I click your picture’ and said ‘Often she’s seen people taking their selfies and struggling with them,Thought if I can help’.We got her instead in our frame - the perfect threesome selfie.
That was the end to the happening yesterday.Experienced Polish Culture Firsthand in US,unbelievable isn’t it?As much as the thought of going to Poland to experience it live has titillated me,I love the wonderful feeling of enjoying it at my convenience right here.
/* All pictures and videos are from iPhone 5*/
Wow. Nice way to celebrate a culture.
ReplyDeleteGreat post about Polish festivals. Very well explained with beautiful images. Well done. Keep it up. Http://www.hackdeals.com
ReplyDelete@The Untourists: Thanks Untourists there are many many cultures which are celebrated here :)
ReplyDeleteawesome pics !
ReplyDelete@Hackdeals.com:Thanks Hackdeals :)
ReplyDelete@Mahesh:Thanks Mahesh :)
ReplyDelete