This is my “now” page inspired by Derek Sievers. It answers “what I’m doing now?“. My life, projects and priorities. I post an update here every 1-3 months.
What’s up as of August 2024?
The past few weeks have been a thrilling coffee journey through the enchanting Polish mountains, where breathtaking landscapes meet vibrant café culture and personal growth. In the recent “What am I doing now” update, I share our summer adventures in Poland, from discovering the nostalgic charm of DVDs to indulging in Kraków’s specialty coffee scene. Explore the unique Forest Pier in Stary Sącz, a marvel of nature and design, and hear about my unexpected car rental saga that tested my negotiation skills. Finally, I shared the profound insights gained from the “Why are we friends?” exercise, which encourages self-awareness and meaningful connections. I hope you can learn from my blend of adventure and introspection, while I make the most of every moment in this beautiful country!
Hiking in the Polish mountains, appreciating good coffee and learning 🥾
For the third time we spend summer holidays in Poland. Travelling is the best University of Life! We discovered quite a few things this summer.
DVD – What is that ancient technology?
We are discovering some interesting ways to watch the content. DVD: Digital Versatile Disc, and if you are old enough, you will remember DVD-ROMs were supposed to last decades but some of the disks barely work. Another surprising thing was that they are slow. It takes time to start watching compared to streaming services.
Kraków has become a mecca for coffee connoisseurs.
There are many cafes in the city offering specialty coffee and high-quality decaf options that taste fantastic, all within beautiful Old Town architecture. The city boasts a vibrant café culture, with a plethora of trendy coffee shops scattered throughout. Many of these establishments focus on third-wave coffee, emphasizing quality, sustainability, and unique flavor profiles. Specialty coffee in Kraków is typically made from high-quality Arabica beans, sourced from the best coffee-growing regions worldwide. This dedication to quality ensures that every cup served is rich in flavor and aroma, making it a delight for coffee lovers.
Notable Cafés in Kraków
Cafe Camelot: Known for its quirky decor and cozy atmosphere, this café not only serves excellent coffee but also offers a delightful menu featuring dishes like shakshuka. Its charming ambiance makes it a perfect spot for Instagram-worthy photos.
Urban Coffee: Located in the Jewish Quarter, Urban Coffee is a small yet inviting spot that serves delicious specialty brews and light bites. Their coffee art is particularly noteworthy, making each cup a visual treat as well.
- Magia Cafe: This enchanting café is celebrated for its magical atmosphere and diverse coffee offerings. Known for its creative coffee concoctions and inviting decor, Magia Cafe is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, providing a unique experience with every visit.
Wesoła Cafe: Famous for its hipster vibe and neon signs, Wesoła Cafe serves specialty coffee made from carefully selected beans. Their mission is to make every day a little brighter with their delicious brews and healthy food options.
Karma Coffee: A favorite among locals, Karma Coffee Roastery is known for its exceptional espresso and commitment to quality. They focus on sourcing beans that meet specialty coffee standards, ensuring a premium experience for every customer.
Coffee Culture and Pricing
In Kraków, coffee prices are quite reasonable compared to other European cities, with an espresso costing around 8 złoty (approximately £1.60) and a latte around 12 złoty (£2.30). This affordability allows both locals and tourists to indulge in high-quality coffee without breaking the bank.
The city’s coffee scene is not just about drinking coffee; it’s about experiencing a culture that values craftsmanship, community, and creativity. Many cafés host events, workshops, and tastings, further enriching the local coffee culture. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a serious aficionado, Kraków’s specialty coffee scene offers something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination for coffee lovers.
The “Forest Pier” in Stary Sącz
A project is a 212.5-meter long steel-wooden pier, elevated several meters above the ground, featuring a hammock and a walkway. To reach the highest point, where you can see the panorama of Stary Sącz, you must walk on a glass platform located 18 meters above the ground.
To locate the Forest Pier, simply follow the droplets. Glass balls, known as “dewdrops,” serve as markers along the nature trail. There are seven dewdrops, guiding the way to the Forest Pier.
Each ball is made of intricate polycarbonate modules, with a diameter of 250-300 cm and can accommodate four adults. Inside the spheres are spatial models illustrating the development stages of the mountain frog. Dewdrops symbolize the vital role of water in the amphibian’s growth process.
Walking the walk and put my negotiation skills to use when the rented car failed to arrive 🫠
It is a good story for a separate blog post. The story goes as follows: For the third time, we spent holiday in Poland. I wanted to show my kids where my family comes from and surround them with language. Part of our journey assumed we were going to rent a car and drive around to visit family, hike, and enjoy the beautiful Polish summer.
I rented a car using one of the airline’s portals. It was supposed to be a bit cheaper since I had already bought the flights with them and to be honest, the most convenient option. I made a reservation and received several emails, including those with insurance numbers, comprehensive cover and so on. On the day of arrival, I went to a downtown branch of the rental company only to find out that there was an error in the system and my booking was not in the system at all. Furthermore, it was peak season and there were no cars available.
Not a great way to start holidays, especially since we were supposed to be 100km further that same day, starting our well-deserved relaxed summer. Long story short, I had two tasks: get my money back since I made a mistake and paid in advance, and rent any car from another rental company. I went to the airport where there were several companies. I started calling the chain of companies who had rented me the nonexistent car. It was a challenge in itself since the airline portal is only a front end to a company that works as the warehouse and is a front end for a particular rental company that we, as consumers, know of.
I used all my negotiations skills and there was a happy ending. I received a full refund and managed to get a car at a preferable price too, as I used my usual go-to – Hertz. They showed empathy and helped me through this tough situation. I deliberately used different tools when negotiating my money back. I used a different set of skills when talking to people from Hertz. I was glad that I recently re-read the book and took notes on this topic. I have shared my notes in a blog post and podcast episode so you can learn from them as well.
Rediscovering the unique impact I have on people through the “why are we friends” exercise 🌱
If you read my blog regularly, you will know that, in my opinion, self-awareness is one of the most important character traits for effective leadership, as well as for personal growth and fulfillment. Self-awareness allows us to understand ourselves better, build meaningful relationships, make informed decisions, and continuously learn and inspire others.
In the recent blog post and podcast episode, I shared an incredible story about my encounter with one of my mentors. He taught me to recognize my own gifts and acknowledge the unique contributions of others. It also helped me foster humility, another great trait of a good leader, and gave me an extra dimension to look at my personal and collective growth.
If you would like to go on a journey to discover your true purpose and recognize the meaningful impact you have on the people you care about, I encourage you to try Simon Sinek’s “Why are we friends?” exercise that inspired me to write this blog post. Give it a go.
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- Recruiting and Retaining High-Agency Talent in Leadership Teams
- Introverts vs. Extroverts: Thriving in a Spectrum of Strengths
- The Three Stages of Engineering Leadership: How to Evolve as a Leader
This page is inspired by Derek Sivers “now page” movement.
Updated: 28 Aug 2024
