Dreams--future tense

What do you dream about? How will your life change in the next 5 or 10 years? What would you do if you could do anything you want? Where in the world would you live? 

Maybe some day I'll stop writing computer code and become a counselor. I'd rather help people who hurt than sit at my desk with a computer. It seems like a dream to me now. Maybe it will happen. What will I need to do to make my dream come true? I must get a license. That will take time. I will have to find an internship somewhere with someone to supervise me. I will have to accept criticism and suggestions to improve my skills. Even though I have a Master's degree, I may need to study some more. It will be worth it. 

That's only part of my dream. I'd also like to visit Poland more often. I think I could do that as a counselor. I'd have a much more flexible schedule. If I save my money, maybe I could spend a whole month in Poland. That would be cool! 

I hope you have a plan to reach your dreams. If not, when will you start?

Past tense

I just returned from Poland--my 10th visit to my favorite place. Two weeks ago today, I began the adventure. I stopped first in Poznań and chatted with some old friends. I also met a new friend who was very helpful to me. My new cell phone didn't work, so another friend gave me his extra phone. I was really thankful to get it! 

I left Poznań on Monday by train. I met (for the first time) a friend in Warszawa. We spent a wonderful 4 hours talking in a beautiful park on a perfect day. I hated to leave. 

I arrived in Kętrzyn about 8:00pm after 6 hours on a bus. I met Michał at the station. Within 3 days, we became good friends. We worked together well preparing lessons. For 10 days I enjoyed the energy and enthusiasm of 70 English students, ages 9 and 10, in the private school run by Michał and his wife, Ania. 

I also took a short trip to Suwałki to meet another internet friend. I had a great time on this trip. 

The biggest problem was that I couldn't fully enjoy the usual generous Polish hospitality because I could never eat as much as my host or hostess offered! However, I assure you that I savored every bite.