Thanks to good people, we see the beauty of the world and learn to appreciate life, even when fate is unfair. The world is full of contrasts: sun and rain, laughter and tears, which reveal all the colors of life to us.

The myth that traveling requires a lot of money has been debunked by many bloggers, including my mom, Ewa. She started her travel adventures at the age of 19, working as a tour guide to pay for her studies. Her stories sometimes sound as if they come from another world, which only ignites my curiosity.

Mom has visited many exotic places; her adventures include riding a donkey through the desert, participating in local circumcision ceremonies, venturing near the polar circle, and hitchhiking through unknown territories—all without a mobile phone but with a map in hand. Each of her stories is a fascinating chapter filled with extraordinary adventures that I eagerly discover with you on our blog.

My first journey took place when I was 3 years old—a visit to Wroclaw. I still remember the taste of orange candies from that time. My mom and I, each in our own time and in our own way, travelled the world, overcoming difficulties and collecting memories. We often had to save money by giving up other things, but these journeys taught us that it’s worth taking risks and doing what you love. My favourite joint trip was a 35-hour bus ride to Barcelona.

Over time, I’ve realized how travel has broadened my understanding of the world and given me a wider perspective on various contemporary issues and topics. It taught me openness and tolerance. I remember flying on three airplanes to the USA alone at just 15, without a phone or assistant, and spending time in local internet cafes, communicating with people from around the world. I’ve been fascinated by technology since childhood and although I use it daily, I value the ability to disconnect and find peace, ideally in nature or in good company, discussing the complexities of the world.

My grandmother was also part of our family of travelers – a true lady who could sell her house and head into the unknown. She was not only an incredible inspiration but also the greatest motivator in my life. She always supported my crazy ideas and encouraged me to dream and seek new experiences.

Every journey I undertook was a source of pride for her, which I could see as she smiled while placing new postcards in her cabinet. I continue the tradition of sending postcards to this day, sending them not only to my parents but sometimes also to others, sharing with them a piece of the world I am exploring at the moment.

Her lessons in courage and zest for life are priceless to me and continue to inspire me to explore the unknown.

Starting this blog was a challenge. For years, I hesitated to launch it, discouraged by the fear following an accident that nearly ended my life, the illnesses that struck both me and my Mom, and the loss of my Grandmother. But finally, I decided to try, convincing my Mom to make this a joint project. The blog disappeared for a while, but now we are reactivating it. We write from two different perspectives—contemporary and from the era of the Iron Curtain—sharing our experiences and practical knowledge.

We invite you to explore the world with us at Curly Trips. We hope you like our blog and will help us co-create it. Every one of your comments inspires us to keep writing and creating valuable content. We warmly invite you to take a look at the world with us from a slightly different side and to share your experience and knowledge.