The life phase I spent in "Ruda Slaska", Poland after fleeing from the war in Ukraine - War Story

In life, I have met so many people and among them many of them pt a great impact on my life. Some people did a lot for me not only by helping me but also showed me love and comfort when I needed the most. The contribution by some was beyond my expectation. I never imagined that a complete stranger can be my family or I can consider them my family. In this strange and weird world, love and humanity still exist.

When I was at the war; was living in the dark basement for shelter, I didn't even imagine that I will flee to Europe. At one point, I had lost hope thinking this was the end, I am going to die here. I wanted to go to Bangladesh where my family lives but there was no scope for that. I didn't visit any other city in Ukraine except Kharkiv in fact in my 6 years of life in Ukraine, I didn't visit any other cities. This is my regret and I will always carry this regret. When I crossed the border of Ukraine-Poland border I was feeling safe but I was also devastated thinking about what I am going to do or where to go. I didn't know anybody in Poland, the entire journey I made alone with my dog. Now I feel I can explore entire Europe alone with my dog.

When I was broken and completely hopeless, the @polish.hive community contacted me and decided to help me out by giving me shelter. The interesting fact is I didn't know with whom I was talking, at that time I didn't even bother about it. I was so helpless that I was trying to find a place for my dog and for myself that I didn't even care to verify or understand to whom I was talking. I never asked the real name as well. My brain stopped functioning and I was completely given up on myself. Of course, later I found out the real people behind the Hive account and now they became my family.

When I was in Warsaw, I was in a hostel given by Bangladesh Embassy only for 4 days. After that, I had to leave. Polish community and many other Hivers were connected to me and when I told them about my situation, everybody was trying to help. I am really grateful to the entire Polish and Hive community because, without their help, I couldn't even survive in Europe. I was trying to find a shelter in Warsaw but with a large dog, it was almost impossible at that time. besides everybody who had fled from Ukraine, ended up in Poland. So, when the day arrived, Polish Hive told me that he has managed a place for me and it would be a good place for me and for my dog. At first, I was not so sure what to do because I was feeling uncomfortable. I not gonna lie but I have never lived with someone or with a host family. But I had no other choice except to accept the offer.

So, With the help of the Polish Hive community, I went to Katowice first and then to Ruda Slaska. The entire travel cost was carried by the Polish Hive community. I had some instructions and I didn't know who was behind the account. When I reached Katowice, a lovely Polish lady "Jagoda" came to receive us, and later she took us to her home at Ruda Slaska. Still, I had no idea who she was, I didn't ask for her intro as well. She told me her name and that's it.

It was afternoon when I reached Ruda Slaska, a beautiful neighborhood near the forest. The house where we were taken was located near the forest. It was really a beautiful area to live in. I didn't take photos because I didn't want to disturb their privacy. I also wanted to maintain their anonymity. They trusted me and took risks to give me shelter without knowing me in person, so I wanted to keep it that way. So, I am not going to expose anything in this post.

---

My dog Gigi was so happy being there. Because not only she received so much attention from the family members but also she got a large space to run and play. She used to come home in the evening only, and the whole day she used to stay outside. Even one day she broke the fence of the backyard and managed to escape outside.

---

Anyway, after reaching Jagoda's home, I finally felt calm and relaxed. I felt safe. Meanwhile, Jagoda prepared dinner for me and Gigi. The dinner was delicious, I felt like I was able to eat homemade food after a long time. During wartime, I didn't eat much though I had food storage. Jagoda also prepared a separate meal for Gigi and trust me, she instantly became a fan of hers. Gigi used to follow her wherever she used to go...

---

Jagoda Used to take Gigi to the nearby forest. My body was weak so I barely could walk. I went to the forest twice I guess but Jagoda took Gigi to the forest several times. Even other family members used to play with Gigi. I remember we used to sit in the living area and used to talk a lot. It took me some time to open up for a conversation though it was hard for me to talk to people. I think the time I have spent in Ruda Slaska helped me to recover from my PTSD.

I remember one day suddenly Jagoda called a lady for a pedicure and manicure and told me that this lady is going to help me to relax. Even she took me to the hairdresser as well. Sometimes we went to grocery stores/supermarkets together and she bought many things for me and for Gigi. Ruda Slaska is a beautiful city, at first, I thought it is a suburban area. The neighborhood was so calm and nice. The center was also different, very old with ancient architectural structures. I walked there a few times but I didn't take any photos or made videos. My mindset was totally different and all I did was to heal myself.

I don't know about others but for me, recovering from PTSD was challenging. I was in a critical situation and that phase of my life was crucial and emotional. I was holding a lot at that moment inside me and I was broken completely. Only a few people in life face such a kind of phase in life.

I met Gandalf (@gtg) in Poland, basically, he came to Ruda Slaska to meet me in person. The introduction phase with him was interesting and funny. That moment makes me smile whenever I think about it.

We went to the mall and then went to Valley of the Three Ponds (Dolina Trzech Stawów) if I am not wrong. I honestly can't remember the location properly. All I know is that the park was located at Trzech Stawów, Katowice. It was a huge park and I bet the park looks more beautiful during the summer and autumn seasons. Gandalf told me many things about the history of Katowice and about the park which I completely forgot now. All I have is these photos and memories.

---

With the help of everybody, I came to the Netherlands. Even the family used to say to stay in Poland but I didn't want to be a burden. After staying for 3 weeks, I had decided to leave for the Netherlands. Jagoda used to tell me always that consider yourself lucky, you are lucky. You deserve to be happy.

To be honest, I will be always grateful to these people who gave me love and comfort when I needed it. They celebrated my birthday, gifted me so many things, took care of Gigi, and never made me feel like an outsider. They considered me a part of their family.

Thank you @asia-pl , @sk1920, @jocieprosza for everything. I hope I will see you guys again and I am grateful to you guys.

---

Thank you so much for reading...

---

---

Love

Priyan...

---

^{I am @priyanarc.... An architect, a dreamer, and a passionate writer who loves to write about life. I try to present my own perspective and experiences. Please leave your feedback and criticism because it's the only way I can know and reach your mind and thought easily...}

---

Find me on:

• youtube

• Dtube

• 3Speak

• Twitter

• Instagram

---

All images used are captured by the author...