Kapuśnioka Chronicles: A Cabbage Conundrum!

Our Village from the top of the hill

Did you know that in some parts of Poland, the word Kapuśnioki isn't just about delicious cabbage soup? 🥬🍲 Traditionally, Kapuśnioki refers to a beloved Polish soup made from fermented cabbage, like sauerkraut with pork ribs, and is known for its hearty, comforting flavor. Oh, this is one of my favorite Polish soup especially in the winter time. 😁

But here’s the twist: in some villages—like the one I’m currently living in—it’s also a playful nickname for the proud residents of villages where cabbage farming reigns supreme. 🥬✨ I don’t know if this humor is still widely popular, but my colleague shared it with me when she found out that I’m living in this small town, and in this small village.

As someone who lives in a small agricultural village with just over 3,000 people, I think it’s safe to say I’ve earned the title Kapuśnioka! How is that? *wink

Here, the land is so fertile that cabbage grows as if it’s on a mission. 🥬✨ But that’s not all. Our village thrives on agriculture, with fields of potatoes, carrots, and more—helping to supply goods to the entire country.

Living here means cabbage is practically now in my DNA. Need proof? I can spot a top-quality head of cabbage from a mile away! My credentials? A lifetime surrounded by cabbage plantations and neighbors who treat farming as an art form. 😄

Imagine a place where cabbage isn’t just a crop; it’s a way of life. Need a new outfit? How about a cabbage leaf cape! Feeling philosophical? Just gaze into the heart of a cabbage—it has layers, just like life.

So, here’s to the Kapuśnioki—the village heroes who make sure our pierogi, soups, and sauerkraut are always on point. And as for me? I’m your proud Kapuśnioka! Next time you enjoy a bite of fermented cabbage or a slurp of Kapuśnioki soup, remember the folks behind the farm fields, turning humble cabbage into a cultural icon.

Tag your favorite Kapuśnioka or Kapuśniok below! Let’s give them the recognition they deserve. 🥂✨

#KapuśniokaVibes #CabbageCulture #PolishHumor #LifeInTheVillage

Much love,

Ai

xo

10 years living in an old house

The past months is such a struggle and stressful journey for me and my husband. I lose a lot of weight (as you can see in my previous photo). I suffered from mild depression, sleeping patterns is so erratic, and eating became an option for me and worst it threatens my health. The used to be sociable-cheerful me disposes overnight. I was looking for true good friends around to talk and be with me, but I found only few who really know and understand my situation. Of course, I understand people change and they've got their lives to live as well.  To be honest, those that values you never would abandon you.

I also became too private and non existent to my Filipino community here in Poland, not because I'm avoiding them (perhaps that's one reason too not create another stress, u know what I mean). Instead, I created a wall in between my relationships without feeling attached. It's kind of defense mechanism for me. One thing I've learned by detaching from people, you will know who's real to you and who's not.  But, I became more aware of myself, for this time I don't need an opinion to anyone to just be accepted. I became more real and weird for just being myself.

Today, while reading this blog post of Ms. Rica Peralejo, I realised I'm not alone with my struggles. Yes! We left the old house we are living in for 10 years full of emotional struggles yet the only answer is to LET GO and LET GOD take the wheel.

We let go of a lot of stuffs and even wondering how I accumulate a lot of things when I barely need or wear them. Each time I pulled out something from each boxes and drawers, it reminded me of a lot of memories. But I can never store them all at once just lurking in a box or place, some of them has to go and maybe someone can put a life into it again. Memories is something I can store in my heart and mind forever. It is something not tangible, all the more not disposable.

We let go of the emotional grudges, conflicts made within that old house.  Instead , we create bridges to connect us again with each other..to that old house up to our new place . of course, I would miss the chirping of the birds infront of the garden, the freshly blooms of flowers every morning.

And now, while settling to our new home for the next ( I don't know until when we can stay in this place) years, I can see hope, calming spirit, more reconciliation, bond and love. It takes risk and perseverance, but it's a matter of strengthening your faith above to let bygones be bygones.

9 years

Exactly today, I turned 9 years living here in Poland. 

Wow! exclaims most people I've met for the first time and often asked me, how'd you survived? oh well...i just bat my eyelashes.

 9 years ago, I packed my life in the Philippines in one suitcase.  I left my country with no regrets, although with a heavy heart leaving behind the people I love and grew up with.  

Being here, living like the Poles, adjusting like trying to fit in with the culture, the harsh cold winter, most of all trying to learn the language are just few of the things I dared to face. Yet, it drew me near to myself...who I really am. 

In this part of the world, I've met wonderful true friends at the same time, I've learned to detoxify my life from abusive toxic friends.  

In all honesty, I have love and hate relationship with Poland, not only because of the weather , language but sometimes I feel like I'm still stuck somewhere in between. . 

Overall, I love Poland for this is a beautiful country, most of all the people - The Polish, who accepted me as I am and love me like I'm their kind.

Looking back, It's worth the choice and decision of living here in a way, looking at how lovely are my children, and how still blessed I am with the people around me who loves me the most. After all, this is Polish-ed life....

Na zdrowie! Sto lat!

Did I just smell vodka?

Love,

xxooAi