Back from Poland

[Stan Sakai]

I just got back from Poland last night and, except for airlines trouble, had a wonderful time. The people of Poland are extremely gracious--and patient. The first guy in line at the Warsaw signing said he was there for 6 hours. But he did get one of the giant posters that were given to the first 30 or so people at every store.

I usually signed for 2 1/2 at a store. There was a black out at the store in Poznan so I signed by candlelight. There was also some media there taking pictures and doing interviews with readers.

I really have to thank my two publishers--Egmont Poland and Mandragora--and the EMPiK stores for sponsoring my trip. I was surprised that there are already 13 of my books in Polish.

I also did a lot of sightseeing. I was taken to the city centers at each stop, and also some places further afield such as the castle at Malbord which is the largest castle in Europe and the largest brick castle in the world.

As many of you know, one of the main incentives of traveling is the food. I got to sample borscht with ears, bread with lard, and many kinds of meats. Poland is not a vegetarian country.

When I got back, I got some exciting news which I'll tell in the coming months once they get finalized. One involves another trip to Europe.

[Sebastian]

(...)I also did a lot of sightseeing. I was taken to the city centers at each stop, and also some places further afield such as the castle at Malbord which is the largest castle in Europe and the largest brick castle in the world.

(...)

When I got back, I got some exciting news which I'll tell in the coming months once they get finalized. One involves another trip to Europe.

The castle's name is Malbork.
Another trip to Europe? Sebastian waits impatiently.

[Stan Sakai]

Hi Sebastian,

Were you at the signing at Gdansk? I remember quite a few books in which I signed "dla Sebastiana".

If you were, then thank you for helping make my trip to Poland a truly memorable one.

Unfortunately, the recent invitation to Europe in not to Poland.

[Sebastian]

Yes, I was at the signing at Gdansk, but I brought only one book, "Samurai". Mr. Sakai, thank you for visiting my country, it was a great pleasure to meet you.

[Todd Shogun]

Stan, any hint on which country it will be? Is it a country which you have visited for a comic show before? Do they publish their own UY editions?

[Stan Sakai]

I heard from my Polish publishers, and both are very happy with sponsoring my trip. They are both receiving e-mails from readers who attended the signings, many surprised that I did full drawings in their books.

There were a few funny things that happened--some not for the boards.

When I left my room in Cracow, I saw a little placard near the elevator saying that it would be "windy" that day, so I made sure I had my jacket. It was a bit windy, but I was warm. Later I told my translator that it is great that the hotel gives those little weather reports.
"What do you mean?"
"I guess when it's raining, they'll put a sign near the elevator so you'll remember to carry an unbrella. Today it said it was windy."
"It's pronounced "vinda", and it means "elevator"."

[Andy]

That is funny!

[john h.]

Stan,

I love how you're adventurous when it comes to dining.

Just what type of ears were in your borscht ??? Pigs ???


John H.

[Stan Sakai]

Stan,

I love how you're adventurous when it comes to dining.

Just what type of ears were in your borscht ??? Pigs ???


John H.

Actually the "ears" are a type a pierogi (dumpling with meat). They call them ears because that's what these particular pierogi resembles. I guess I'm not as adventurous as you may think, so don't sign me up for Fear Factory anytime soon.

One thing I did want to try was golonka (roasted pig knuckle). However, the one time I saw it on the menu, the restaurant was out of it.

[Andy]

Be sure not to ask for a knuckle sandwich!

[Sebastian]

I wouldn't try golonka, it may be only my personal taste, but I don't like it. Speaking of which, I don't like many of Polish dishes.

[Usagi]

When I got back, I got some exciting news which I'll tell in the coming months once they get finalized. One involves another trip to Europe.

Oh, I am so glad you had Fun in Poland! That must be exciting seeing your Publications in other countrys , Congrats to you on that. If you ever did go to Euro Again, Hamburg, Germany would be an Excellent spot! Well All I do have is Family there, but only get to see them 4 times a year... but that would be so funny to see you in Germany then in Georigia!- - I hope things will be going well for you then as well!