PolScapes

IMPRESSIONS
REMINISCENCES

REMINISCENCES
IMPRESSIONS



Proud of my Heritage

by Katlen Kristiane Ignatowska


My story is part of a big story wich belongs to my family - much more interesting and complex than mine. My father is Polish and came to Brazil when he was a baby and my mother is Brazilian but her parents are Polish too.

Although I was born in Brazil, I'm not what they call a "genuine Brazilian girl" (I'm blond and I have green eyes). The only thing about Poland I knew before I studied Arts at University, is the "Kuchnia Polska/Polish Cuisine", a tradition in my family and of course some stories about my grandparents before they arrived to the promissed land -- Brazil.

But, what really bothers me, is the fact they (my parents) never taught me and my brothers the Polish language. This is the point that makes me more interested in that country. Each day I become more curious, doing research on Internet, reading about international relations, visiting some Poles that live here.

One of my greatest days was when the official soccer team came from Poland to my city to played against Brazil. Everybody wanted to know my opinion. They asked: "who will be the winner?" I said - "Poland...No,no. Brazil...No, Poland"...I went to my house without an answer. That day I was a little bit disappointed with myself. "How could I do this? Change my country for another. I was born in Brazil. I am Brazilian and I love this country!" - That's OK. It was just a game. But it meant a lot to me [Who did win? -- question from Polish Homepages editorial team].

Since that day I discovered the real meaning of being part of two nations. Something inside says I'm half Brazilian and half Polish, even never visited Poland and cannot speak Polish. I can feel it and I'm sure some day I'll confirm this realizing my big dream: visit to Poland. And of course learn the language!

Hope in the future I can use my work as a photographer to show to Poles how is Brazil and to Brazilians how is Poland today. And I believe, although with all the cultural and climatic differences, these two countries have lots of things in common: the happiness, the simplicity and the peaceful way of living.



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