On the 23rd of March, after what felt like a very sophisticated and well-executed collaborative mission by fellow HIVE users, I reached Krakow from Warsaw. I spent nearly a month in Warsaw jumping through hoops and walking through fire while juggling with places to stay at. And naturally, many people asked WHY?. To list a few things, I was busy with consulates, VACs, administrative work, trying to find options where I could continue my career, and more. The reality is that I had to go against many recommendations and stay in Warsaw simply because these things are best done from and in Warsaw than elsewhere. Did I know it would be tough to survive in Warsaw? Yes. Hive witness, GTG, and many other Polish Hivers had warned me long back that staying in Warsaw wouldn't be the best idea and it would be better if I move to Krakow, Katowice, or elsewhere. Nonetheless, they were constantly helping me with information and resources for as long as I needed them. And I am really clueless on how to appropriately thank them for it.
Meanwhile, there was an angel in disguise who was constantly in touch with me regardless of whether I reached back timely or not. I can confidently say that most of my mental strength is still intact because of @erikah. She took time out of her own schedule to make sure I felt comfortable and also found Hivers from other cities in Poland that I never had any contact with. I was ready to move to Katowice or Krakow and stay in hostels there after my work in Warsaw was done. It is way cheaper than in Warsaw, but Erikah linked me up with @hallmann. And I had to worry a little less here on.
Here are a few pictures from my stay in Krakow. It wasn't even 24 hours into coming into Krakow and I was given a VIP tour of the city's main attraction. The reason I say it was a VIP tour is because I had @hallmann guiding me through these places and his immense knowledge about history and significance is simply impressive. He thinks it could have been boring or daunting to me, but I love it. That is why I loved Kharkov so much. There was so much character in the city, so much history, so many historical monuments, every corner of the city had something to offer. Kharkov was a unique city with rushed to reach heights of metropolitan excellence while still maintaining the authenticity of the past. It was a perfect mix of the past and the future. And such is Krakow. So much character in the city. So many things to admire and places to explore. I am totally infatuated with Krakow, and I have not even seen half of it.
The thing that really dazzled me was "KBK" (Królestwo Bez Kresu), in English Kingdowm Without End. Check them out here @krolestwo.
HERBERCIARNIA, a non-commercial meeting place in the spirit of Zbigniew Herbert's poetry
Although it is much more than just what the description says. I met many people there. And all of them are Hive users. You can see in this post, the first time I was introduced to KBK and met the people there. Hallmann was more than friendly and welcoming, and so were the others. He did pick me up from all the way at the train station. I do not think anyone has to go to such distances out of their normal schedule, but they did. Not only did he receive me, but the people of KBK have filled this empty spot in my heart which longs for a "normal" social life and a friend circle. Someone to talk to. Someone to laugh with. I have repeatedly said that that simply having someone to talk with means a lot, and in here I didnt feel like a stranger. ALthough it sometimes becomes difficult not to feel like a burden on everyone.
See more here
I met with @foggymeadow, @hallmann (of course), @grigorijj, @szmulkberg, @przybysz, and recently with @lpa. Each one of them highly talented, intellectual, and interesting individuals. And there isn't a dull moment with the group. Conversations about HIVE, blockchain, cryptocurrency, politics, geography, history, art, travel and what not. Also, @przybysz really went out of his way to get me a place to sleep at. He has generously given me his place that he rents to stay at while he himself has gone home which is quite the drive away. So tell me, how does one really thank such people appropriately? Coz I have no clue.
KBK is really interesting. And day by day I am growing more obsessed with it. It is a successful manifestation of "bridging the gap between real and crypto". A physical space with a real life use cases that is governed and run with HIVE-Engine tokens. At the moment, the token is at $0.47 which means the value is slowly being recognized. Such things really make me happy. Not only do I have people around me, but they are 100% bullish on HIVE and recognize the excellency of it. The KBK uses hive ecosystem to exchange services and goods, as a membership token, as a governing system and more. And I have learned only the tip of the iceberg.
As of now, I am hanging in limbo. I have done all that I could. My status is a very complicated one and there are no specific rules about it yet. Yes, I have been told I can stay in Poland or any other EU country without any problems. But I simply cannot stay. I need to live. Even if it is until the war ends. And for that there are a number of things that need to fall in place, mostly stamps and registration numbers need to fall on specific papers. I have done what I could, now I am waiting. Depending on what gets executed and what doesn't, I may stay in Poland longer or move to a different country and try again. I want to stay calm, but I am panicking. I am not ashamed to say it. It is what it is. I haven't slept for more than 4 hours any night. It is taking a toll at my cognition. I am trying to walk in the city everyday, looking for opportunities and chances. Trying to understand what the life is like here and how can I become part of it. Making back up plans that may not be polished, but at least they exist.
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Among many things, here are a few gifts I have received. A HIVE bag, handmade chocolate by Hallmann, and a physical Rycar coin. The coin is pretty cool and rare. I wonder what benefits do I get in KBK for having a physical one. I also learned that Hallmann's handmade chocolate is reserved for special occasions, and so that is also very special. And I have my first HIVE physical merch, so I guess all of this very special.
I want to document my journey as I try to maneuver my life after losing everything to the senseless invasion. The war has stripped a lot from many, some have lost absolutely everything. I think HIVE has played a very strong role in helping and supporting people like myself, and HIVErs have made this painful journey bearable. I am now looking at stories of how HIVE has really changed lives for the better for the people in KBK, and it has also mine. I would love to share these incredible stories of myself and others with you, document them forever on the blockchain. For now all I can say is thank you.