How little did I know when I decided to buy, very spontaneously, a camper at the end of December that I would be invited on the Polish television TVN to talk about my journey? Incredible what all can happen in a life in just a few months.

Saturday the 2nd of April I arrived in Poznan and since then I've been exploring the country. Read my blog post from Wroclaw. I never thought that choosing Poland as my destination would have such an impact. It’s just indescribable.

Hello Warsaw!

Last week I was in Warsaw. Due to a spelling mistake on Google Maps I drove with my camper through the entire city. I was a bit nervous but it turned out to be all fine, it was like a free city tour. I have been in Warsaw 16 years ago, just to take my flight but I don’t really remember much of the city. Time to refresh my memory and take the time to get to know the capital of the country.  

On Monday I worked together with my team member Jaro on the planning and schedule for my journey and all the activities around #MariskaJourney. In the evening I had a call for the association of brain tumours, despite being on the road I remain working on my other activities.

The most beautiful spots in Warsaw

On Tuesday I discovered the city with a lovely guide, better said, a super passionate and enthusiastic industry professional who lives in Warsaw, Kasia. We started in the park Lazienki Krolewskie (eng. the Royal Lazienki) and visited the different parts of the city. Warsaw has different districts and each of them has their own style and charm from very historial to super modern. We didn’t only focus on the MICE side but more to get a general impression of the city, which was excellent. 

I discovered that Poland has delicious chocolate, very important to me as a chocolate freak. E. Wedel is the brand to remember!

Two nice facts I would like to share. Warsaw is one of the greenest cities in Europe and the city of Chopin. Yes, Frédéric Chopin had Polish nationality. I thought he was French, not!

After a lunch in one of the food halls (Browary Warszawskie), visiting the beer brewery Browar Warszawski, Kasia brought me to the Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Warsaw. Marta Kicler from DMC Mazurkas was taking over the visit. I have known Marta for many years from MPI and haven’t seen her since ages. It was great seeing her again and exploring the old town of Warsaw together. 

Starting with a visit of the iconic Bristol hotel, opened in 1901 and tasting their delicious pie in their famous  Café Bristol. Strolling around the city, discovering the old town and receiving an overview about the history. Next talking about the current situation of the MICE industry in Poland and within her company. After ending the day with an Aperol Spritz.

At the end of the day I checked the StepsApp on my phone, 17.8 km well, no need to go to the gym!  

Poland Convention Bureau

The next day Aneta Ksiazek, the head of the Poland Convention Bureau in Warsaw invited me to join her meeting to share the story about my journey. During the meeting, all the Convention Bureaus of the cities in Poland were represented, an excellent moment. A privilege because this is usually an internal meeting.

After the meeting I recorded a video and spoke with the vice president of the Polish Tourism Organisation, who invited me to his hometown, Kielce. Let’s admit, I had never heard of this city before! So on Friday I will drive to Kielce to explore the city but moreover the beautiful region. 

Meet #MariskaJourney Partner - Think MICE

On Thursday, I visited our media partner Think MICE in the national football stadium (PGE Narodowy) where they have their office with amazing views on the field. First, I recorded an interview with Michal Kalarus, the editor of the magazine, and after he took me for lunch on Francuska Street in a neighborhood called Saska Kepa. It was refreshing to exchange experiences and gain more insights about the Polish MICE market.

Then, I received the most important call; The producer of Dzien Dobry TVN was on the line!!! The most popular breakfast show invited me to their show. Wow! And they will record the interview from my camper! Super :-)

You can watch my interview on TVN television here.

What a day!

The interview and a meeting with an industry leader

On Friday we had a meeting with the friendly GM of the Vienna House Mokotow in Warsaw, who was just one month in the company. He was passionate about his hotel and invited me for a delicious lunch. It was nice to gain insights about the status from a hotel perspective. 

Robert Szulc, the famous travel blogger (Swiat na Raty - World in Stages) and owner of an incentive company Boomerang came to see me, in his hometown and just two blocks away from his house. Together with Jaro, he was the source behind the television interview. We had Vietnamese food together and ended up at an Italian restaurant sharing our passion for the industry.

On Saturday morning I left Warsaw with a head full of impressions, images, experiences. Overload!! And had to take the time to reflect on the countryside. A spot by the Pilica River near Warka, to be more exact.

Are you on holiday Mariska? No!

Again, for those who think I’m only travelling… well, I don’t need to convince you that this is also a business trip. My camper is my home office on wheels. And, I’m not alone… first of all Loekie, my cat is adapting to her new lifestyle.

And due to my connections within MPI and beyond I have a network of amazing people who are so happy to see me again, and are inviting me to the most amazing places. This is the advantage and privilege of working in our industry. More reunions to come! 

#MariskaJourney Partners

PS I never thought that I would enjoy my camperlife and my journey so much.

Photo credits: Jaroslaw Marciuk