February 7th
With uncertainty about travel in 2021 because of COVID-19 restriction I started to plan my travels only around my local region. I also have a plan (and tickets already) to spend a week in London in the beginning on May — obviously it might change or not happen at all, we’ll see. Other than that I don’t have any other plans for long distance travel this year.
I will travel and explore the north-east region of north-east Poland with possible trips to Lithuania and Belarus. With Belarus, it won’t be easy, not just because of pandemic but also because of travel restrictions and potential visa problems for me (on account of my American citizenship) but it is something for me to plan and look forward to being occupied by it.
I know very well some parts of this region (being born here and living here for the last 9 years I’d better). Bialystok — I have explored thoroughly over the last several years on foot and by bus. I know the city, but still there are things and places that surprise me (like new building developments by Wysoki Stoczek and Wygoda) and there are still plenty of places and neighborhoods for me to explore — Starosielce and Bazantarnia come to mind first.
Nearby — Wasilków and area towards Bialystok from there are well-known to me, Supraśl as well — although there are plenty of forests paths and nature reservations towards Kopna Góra and Czarna Bialostocka and Królowy Most that I want to traverse.
From the map above, cities — Sokółka, Augustów, Ełk, even Suwałki — I know pretty well, of course I still want to tour them again (and with Augustów, where Jola’s grave is, and Sokółka, where I go to a weekly therapy sessions I will have many opportunities).
I will concentrate on exploring:
- Puszcza Knyszyńska, northern and eastern part between Czarna Bialostocka, Krynki and Gródek.
- Biebrza National Park along the way between Wizna — Goniadz — Sztabin — Lipsk.
- Puszcza Augustowska between Augustów, Giby and Lipsk and possibly to Druskininkai in Lithuania.
- Suwałki and Wigry National Park and highlands to the north-west.
- Lakes, forests and villages around Ełk region.
That should be plenty to keep me busy and occupied on something positive and fun at the same time. As the side quest — as always I will try to visit and document all abandoned Jewish cemeteries along my wanderings.
