Update from Poland and my UK Visa situation
Dear friends,
We had a wonderful reception with hundreds of people at the Almi Décor store in the fanciest mall in Warsaw. The attaché from the U.S embassy in Warsaw introduced me, and I gave a speech about my Polish heritage and about my family, whose roots are traced back for centuries in Poland.
At the Almi Décor, we unveiled framed photography of my first art show ever! I was so excited at the positive response. Hundreds of paparazzi were flashing pictures and I had interviews by many excellent journalists. We did a lot of sightseeing in Warsaw and a lot of good dining. We visited the office of MSL Polish publisher, Edi Press. We had a lunch with our editors and the president of Edi Press Polska, Mr. Napierrala, at the Belvedere Restaurant in Warsaw. Everybody here is very positive about our Polish edition, which will be on newsstands on June 26th.
Because I cannot yet go to England because of my visa situation, I am leaving Warsaw to go to Prague for a bit of sightseeing, exploring, and research. We are hoping that the visa situation will be cleared up in time for me to fulfill my business obligations in England next week. We will keep you posted. Lots of pictures are coming, so keep visiting my blog and let me know your thoughts!
They should let you in! What a poor decision by the UK! As a UK Citizen I apologize.
Thomas
Posted by: Thomas Hadding | June 21st, 2008 at 9:06 am
Don't worry about England, it's always cold there. Just come straight to Australia we would love to have you here!
Posted by: Daniela | June 21st, 2008 at 9:44 am
As a British citizen I am ashamed with the border agency. Their basis of denying your entry is completely unjustifiable.
Posted by: Jason | June 21st, 2008 at 9:45 am
Oh Martha! good luck with the visa situation!
Posted by: Jen Beaton | June 21st, 2008 at 9:46 am
I'm confused. I've never needed a visa to visit the UK. Why would Martha need one?
Posted by: Bet | June 21st, 2008 at 10:02 am
When I heard about the visa problem with the UK, I was completely shocked. I mean come on people.. isn't enough enough???
Looking forward to seeing photos of your trip. How has the food been?
Posted by: Angie D from Ohio | June 21st, 2008 at 10:02 am
It's disgusting what happened to you... OJ Simpson walks the streets, Mark Rich receives a pardon from that cad, Bill Clinton; and yet you, someone who has contributed so much and live your life with such Grace cannot get a Visa to travel to the UK. It makes me sick!
Continue to be who you are, hold your head high and know that you are cherished as a National treasure here in America!
With love,
Janet
Posted by: Janet Cooper-Bridge | June 21st, 2008 at 10:30 am
I don't know how you do it all!!! I could never keep myself straight on your schedule! I admire your drive and work ethic very much!!! Thank you for all of your fabulous photos and experiences you share on this blog!
Posted by: Mrs. Ben Lanier | June 21st, 2008 at 10:31 am
I enjoyed hearing about your travels in Poland. I, too, am of Polish heritage and dream of visiting the "Old Motherland" someday. Enjoy your trip and good luck with the UK!
Susan
Posted by: Susan | June 21st, 2008 at 11:25 am
Martha, I saw this story on my Wii News.... you know you're a homekeeping goddess when you make the news on a game console!!
I think it's utterly ridiculous that the UK revoked your entrance!! Hopefully this matter will be taken care of very soon!
All the Best,
Brian
Posted by: Brian Utz Jr. | June 21st, 2008 at 11:34 am
I'm hoping you get to the UK & enjoy your trip. I understand that the gardens & countryside are beautiful there! Can't wait to see pictures. Keep thinking positive.
Posted by: Sherry | June 21st, 2008 at 11:35 am
I was very sorry to hear of your visa troubles, and obviously think it is an extremely poor decision by the UK government--but enjoy Prague! It's a beautiful, beautiful city.
Posted by: Eleanor | June 21st, 2008 at 11:46 am
For all those who love Matha and over 4 million USA citizens, please write, email. fax, or call your US Congress person to pass HR 623--Second Chance for Felons. States can expunge (seal) a state crime, but the federal government has no such law now. A presidential pardon does not seal record. So HR 623 was introduced by Charles Rangle D-NY to expunge record of a federal felon with only 1 non-violent conviction, after 5 years of no other conviction, and 1 year of community service. This bill needs your help. It has been introduced in Congress in 4 other sessions and died all 4 times. Google hr 623 and find more info. Please email Martha and other talk show hosts to have Charles Rangle on to talk about this bill. This way Matha and other Americans can go proudly wherever they want.
Posted by: oe | June 21st, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Martha, I am SO, so sorry about the UK situation. My country lets a convicted foreign terrorist live here because he will not receive a fair trial if he goes home to Jordan, let they will not let you visit? I cannot understand that, and I assure you that all of my friends feel the same way. I do hope that the authorities will see the error of their ways and let you come here. My sincerest apologies!!!
Posted by: JenR | June 21st, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Hey Martha, I can't believe they won't let you in! We would be honoured to have you as a guest in our country
Good Luck and I do hope you get to visit, I hope it won't put you off!
Hayley x
Posted by: Hayley | June 21st, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Hi Martha
I am so sorry you are not able to visit the UK. I hope everything works out for you! I can't believe that they won't let such a wonderful person like yourself into the UK. Best of luck!!
Elizabeth
Posted by: Elizabeth | June 21st, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Hi, Martha,
Congratulations on your first art show! I hope we see photos of the event as well as your work.
Good Luck with your visa.
I was hoping that some day you would visit Jamie Oliver---a possible visit discussed when he was on your show---and even Nigellla Lawson.
I hope to see many photos and descriptions of Poland.
Thanks again for the blog.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | June 21st, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Why can't you get into England, Martha?
Angela
Posted by: Angela Willis | June 21st, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Martha, I think it's absurd that they didn't let you into the UK because of your 'record.' A pathetic use of power on their part. I hope it works out.
Poland, eh? I have always wanted to go there, especially Krakow. And, perhaps it's morbid, but I've always wanted to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, that horrendous concentration camp where so many people were killed during the Second World War. I need to see it. I hope you got to see it too.
Looking forward to your photos.
Andrew
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | June 21st, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Hi Martha
I would pass right by the UK - who do they think they are. I'd tell MUM - thanks but no thanks, I'll go where I'm wanted. I'm married to a Brit, snotty bunch I must say.
Enjoy Prague, I've been there and LOVED it.
Posted by: Ann | June 21st, 2008 at 2:23 pm
I loved Poland when I visited several years ago. I taught English in a small southern town, Stary Sacz, and found everyone to be extremely friendly and gracious. The children made our experience enjoyable as educators and vistors. My grandparents are from Poland and I was able to connect with some of my relatives in Warsaw. Glad to hear you were able to visit and appreciate some of your heritage. Looking forward to the photos from your trip and to Prague.
Posted by: DianeM | June 21st, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Remember we left the UK for a better way of life.
Posted by: Diane | June 21st, 2008 at 2:54 pm
You should have also gone to Krakow while you were in Poland! It is such a beautiful city!
Posted by: Paul | June 21st, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Hi Martha, Thank you so very much for your blog about your wonderful tour of Warsaw, Poland. I can hardly wait to see your photos of your 1st art show of your framed photos. I can only imagine how beautiful the photos are. It sounds like you had a good time in Warsaw and I'll bet they will enjoy seeing your magazine in June 26th. Have fun in Prauge. I hope you get your London visa soon. Best wishes for a terrific visit in London. Thanks so much for sharing. I love you, Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | June 21st, 2008 at 4:03 pm
This exclusion from the United Kingdom is absolutely ridiculous. Sometimes there are no words to describe the short-sightedness of bureaucracies. Your conviction was wrong to begin with and still you have to pay a price. I am appalled at the British government.
Posted by: Peking | June 21st, 2008 at 4:38 pm
I moved 9months ago to Wroclaw for Medical School, and I've taken a train up to Warsaw a few times to visit friends-- but it's really not that great of a city if you're going to visit Poland. Wroclaw is actually pretty amazing, and Krakow is another great place to sight-see. Unfortunately I have to fly to Warsaw before going back home to California next week, but I'm very excited to be coming home soon. It's very important to know your history, even if you're not as attached to it.
Posted by: Lo' | June 21st, 2008 at 7:53 pm
I moved 9months ago to Wroclaw for Medical School, and I've taken a train up to Warsaw a few times to visit friends-- but it's really not that great of a city if you're going to visit Poland. Wroclaw is actually pretty amazing, and Krakow is another great place to sight-see. Unfortunately I have to fly to Warsaw before going back home to California next week, but I'm very excited to be coming home soon. It's very important to know your history, even if you're not as attached to it.
Posted by: Lo' | June 21st, 2008 at 7:53 pm
I moved 9months ago to Wroclaw for Medical School, and I've taken a train up to Warsaw a few times to visit friends-- but it's really not that great of a city if you're going to visit Poland. Wroclaw is actually pretty amazing, and Krakow is another great place to sight-see. Unfortunately I have to fly to Warsaw before going back home to California next week, but I'm very excited to be coming home soon. It's very important to know your history, even if you're not as attached to it.
Posted by: Lo' | June 21st, 2008 at 7:53 pm
I moved 9months ago to Wroclaw for Medical School, and I've taken a train up to Warsaw a few times to visit friends-- but it's really not that great of a city if you're going to visit Poland. Wroclaw is actually pretty amazing, and Krakow is another great place to sight-see. Unfortunately I have to fly to Warsaw before going back home to California next week, but I'm very excited to be coming home soon. It's very important to know your history, even if you're not as attached to it.
Posted by: Lo' | June 21st, 2008 at 7:53 pm
I moved 9months ago to Wroclaw for Medical School, and I've taken a train up to Warsaw a few times to visit friends-- but it's really not that great of a city if you're going to visit Poland. Wroclaw is actually pretty amazing, and Krakow is another great place to sight-see. Unfortunately I have to fly to Warsaw before going back home to California next week, but I'm very excited to be coming home soon. It's very important to know your history, even if you're not as attached to it.
Posted by: Lo' | June 21st, 2008 at 7:53 pm
I moved 9months ago to Wroclaw for Medical School, and I've taken a train up to Warsaw a few times to visit friends-- but it's really not that great of a city if you're going to visit Poland. Wroclaw is actually pretty amazing, and Krakow is another great place to sight-see. Unfortunately I have to fly to Warsaw before going back home to California next week, but I'm very excited to be coming home soon. It's very important to know your history, even if you're not as attached to it.
Posted by: Lo' | June 21st, 2008 at 7:53 pm
I moved 9months ago to Wroclaw for Medical School, and I've taken a train up to Warsaw a few times to visit friends-- but it's really not that great of a city if you're going to visit Poland. Wroclaw is actually pretty amazing, and Krakow is another great place to sight-see. Unfortunately I have to fly to Warsaw before going back home to California next week, but I'm very excited to be coming home soon. It's very important to know your history, even if you're not as attached to it.
Posted by: Lo' | June 21st, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Obviously the UK just don't appreciate you as much as we do here in Australia, and it is too cold there in many respects. We would love you to come visit us here in Australia, and I can assure you, your visit with us would be cherished.
Posted by: Loris Siddons | June 21st, 2008 at 8:07 pm
I'm sorrry to hear about your predicament. There seems to be a trend of "making examples" out of well known people. Haven't you noticed lately? Everytime there is slip up, the local gov., law enforcement, etc. has to make a big deal out of it and it gets splashed all over the news. If anytthing, its both intimidating and inflamatory to the rest of us. If they'll pick on someone like you, who's next?
Posted by: Jaime Townsend | June 21st, 2008 at 8:52 pm
I hope the visa issue is resolved quickly for you, Martha. All the negative press is certainly unwelcome!
Posted by: MMC from San Diego | June 21st, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Oh well now that's just STUPID. I have always believed that your conviction was wrong and that you were the victim of a misogynist legal system. They cannot stand it --that a woman is as successful as you are.
And THEN! Bush commutes the sentence of a man who endangered a woman's life and ended her career! Like you, they probably thought her place should be in the kitchen, period, not in the kitchen as well as the board room or the CIA.
But I digress...
My rant aside, whether you were justly convicted or not, it's not as though someone who (may have) "lied" poses a real threat to anyone in Britain now is it?
Have a wonderful trip and, HEY! Maybe those meetings could be rescheduled and held in another --more friendly-- city?
Posted by: Lisa Wiley | June 21st, 2008 at 11:13 pm
I must have had 50 Google alerts since yesterday about you Martha and your visa problems in the UK. No matter where you go you are the center of attention no doubt about it!
Have a good time in Poland and wherever else you vacation ,if the UK doesn't come around to some good sense about all of this then it is their loss completely. I find the entire situation most upsetting -it plain and simply pis--- me off if you get my meaning.
Pam from California
Posted by: Pam from California | June 22nd, 2008 at 12:05 am
I have a Polish background as well and would love to one day visit there with my boys. The last of my Polish Grandparents died last year and I as sooo grateful for you Mother's recipes...essentially they were the same meals I grew up eating with my Babcias...but I never had. I still can't make my pierogies as perfect as my Babcia did but I love that I have simply explained recipes from your family. All the best and hope your situation there is short-lived. OOh, and I almost forgot to mention an art project you might like to try with an old storm window...it's quick and stunning.. I posted about it under Art Projects on my blog...www.snickerdoodles.typepad.com
Posted by: kerry | June 22nd, 2008 at 12:37 am
I'm sure when they get the whole visa thing resolved it will be worth the wait. You just never know why things work out like they do. Love your blog! Glad to have found it. Mary
Posted by: Mary Hughes | June 22nd, 2008 at 1:13 am
I'd love to see photos of your first art show..how exciting! I'm sure everything will work out as it is supposed to soon. How wonderful to have a little extra time to sightsee!
Posted by: Sam | June 22nd, 2008 at 9:16 am
Why not schedule the meetings in Dublin? I am sure the Republic of Ireland would enjoy hosting you under the circumstances.
Posted by: Katharine Weber | June 22nd, 2008 at 9:37 am
I'm so happy that you had a nice visit in Poland where they welcomed you with generous hearts.
As for England.....well, all I can say it's their loss if they don't reverse their decision on the Visa situation.
Posted by: Maureen | June 22nd, 2008 at 10:53 am
I am so happy your are POLISH.. It's a beautiful country with great people like you..You must see Krakow becuase you will return to this lovely city... Joe
Posted by: Joe | June 22nd, 2008 at 11:52 am
Oh Martha! My mum and I are still holding out hope of seeing you next Thursday. We were in Harrods on Saturday and they remain very optimistic, in fact they were going to be putting out your new line that evening! I am sure that the Government will overturn their decision which is ridiculous. We would love to have you here and look forward to welcoming you very soon. As for England being cold, the weather is lovely here at the moment, but I am sure you will be able to testify to that very soon.
Keep thinking positively.
Pru
Posted by: Pru | June 22nd, 2008 at 12:58 pm
As absurd as it is not to let Martha Stewart into the UK, due to her record, it should be noted that such arrangements are reciprocal between countries. Anyone with a record however minor is denied entry to the US. Many celebrities have been unable to come to the US for performances, accepting awards because of this. Nelson Mandela still has problems coming to the US because he is on a very old "terror list". For all we know the UK law was only instituted after the US started enforcing this on it's side. And the UK has a right to stand by it's decision when the US has never backed off on it's side and allowed UK entertainers with records entry to the US.
Posted by: Marj | June 22nd, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Hey, Martha, why did you add the union jack instead of a Polish flag?;-)
Posted by: Kochas | June 22nd, 2008 at 2:25 pm
why should she be treated different from anybody else, if you have a criminal history you need a visa, it's the same to get into the USA.
Posted by: neecy | June 22nd, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Well, the UK was a place I desired to visit one day but...if you're not good enough for them well then they are not good enough for me. And I don't intend to keep a sense of humor about it either!
I can't wait to see your framed pictures and I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in Poland. I'll keep my fingers crossed that someone comes to their senses and issues you a visa. Take care, Martha. Trish
Posted by: Trish | June 22nd, 2008 at 4:16 pm
.
.
Hmmm, Martha,
Britain has made a most unpopular decision.
The British Foreign Office is quoted as "saddened" that Big Ben blemished itself this weekend by landing an official poo poo to your visit, and then dropping it at your feet upon arrival.
One spokesperson states, "We are not pleased at this action. We see the economic activity Ms. Stewart's business ventures could create."
This Brit by Renaissance ancestry, though of U.S. citizenry, thinks my homeland needs go beyond the "what's in it for me" line of sorrow.
Here we have a creme de la creme lady of planet proportion noted as one of the 5 hardest working individuals alive. She has brought nothing to a 'bigger than sky' magnitude of our worldwide kin, but education, elegance, and astounding inspiration to succeed at dream making.
I believe public sorrow need be, not to consumer loss, but to one lady and her suitcase who loves the British landscape, despite this week's blinding fog.
I hope my 'brace of kinsmen' replace the tarnish at your feet Martha, with a more suitable threshold welcome. We back here in Cowboy Town would roll them our best suggestion!
With Red Carpet Respect,
AJS and the Weimaraners
.
.
Posted by: Andrea and the Weimaraners | June 22nd, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Martha, I'm sure the visa situation will be cleared up soon and your visit to the UK will be wonderful. So glad you've enjoyed yourself in Poland!
Posted by: Mary | June 22nd, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Martha, it will be great fun touring England through your camera. We are waiting with great patience. Well maybe not "great" but we are patient because the food tour is not to be missed.
Thanks, hang around Europe, enjoy a spontaneous vagabond life style.
Posted by: Margie | June 22nd, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Martha the Brits are idiots! Not to let you in is there loss!! Im glad we have you! David
Posted by: david | June 22nd, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Martha -
The visa thing is insanity - so terrorists are fine, but not Martha Stewart? Wow - I'd love to live in a world where YOU were my biggest worry!
You know what - Poland sounds absolutely fabby though, so just have a wonderful time there, snag some great pierogi recipes (I know Big Martha's by heart!) and enjoy a wonderful sweet people. A friend of mine would say that that little mishap was the hand of God moving you to a safer place, so you just never know why you weren't supposed to go to England last week! Enjoy & come home soon! My Tivo misses you!!! Safe travels.
Posted by: Lydia Fiedler | June 22nd, 2008 at 9:08 pm
I can't believe they would deny you access and yet allow Naomi Campbell in, especially since she had assult charges laid against her in the US and then assulted ploice and airline personnel in the UK. Assult is more of a national security issue than what you were unfailrly accused of. Ms Campbell should be doing jail time instead of paying fines and community service.
Good luck with your visa application, however enjoy Poland, etc. You deserve a good rest.
Posted by: Linda J | June 22nd, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Linda,
Not to get off point, but Naomi Campbell is English.
Posted by: Pru | June 23rd, 2008 at 3:59 am
Martha - I'm so sorry that my country is not allowing you in. It's crazy and I feel really embarrassed to be British.
I love you, your blog, your website and your show (the excerpts that I watch on your blog)and I buy Living every month.
Sadly, we aren't able to see your shows here. I wish!
Please know that the few idiots that make these crass decisions do NOT represent the people who live here. I have many friends who love you too.
I really hope that you do manage to get in!
lots of love
Mary
Posted by: Mary Collings | June 23rd, 2008 at 6:03 am
Hi Martha
You are very popular in Poland. I watch your TV show, which here called “Home and Garden” all the time. Can’t wait for your new magazine. Thank you for coming to Warsaw.
Monika
Posted by: Monika | June 23rd, 2008 at 10:31 am
Hi Martha,
I think it is great that you have a blog and you're sharing with other's. I would be very happy if you would go to my website at http://www.shoestomakeadifference.com Reclaiming the Lives of Children. I would love to have you as a client. Please at least check it out:>) Thank You and Have a Great Day...Tee
Posted by: Tee | June 23rd, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Martha,
I am so sorry you are having visa problems and can't travel into England. What an unjust mistake they are making! This HAS to be changed! Hang your head high girl! We are behind you all the way!
I am of Polish heritage too. Wish I could go to Poland with you sometime! I think we may be relatives since I have some in Krakow. Can't wait for your photos. Enjoy your vacation!
Paula
Posted by: Paula M. :) | June 23rd, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Too bad about the UK issue. It's cold and gloomy there anyway. Maybe they should "rehab"(lol) their visa requirements!You are a great representative for us. Much better than they have for themselves. Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Posted by: CCEMTPRNcess | June 23rd, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Martha,
Why don't you switch the UK for Croatia and Slovenia?
Dubrovnik is fantastic, beautiful medieval city, same as all the dalmatian coast. And Ljubljana is charming as well.
Posted by: Stephane | June 23rd, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Dear Martha,
I see my comment concerning the UK's silly decision to bar your entrance and when I mentioned that the English could really use a healthy does of MARTHA, in view of their awful food, that you censored my comment and it was not published. News flash folks, the English already know they have terrible food, their diplomatic corps monitoring your blog won't hold this universally held knowledge against you! They clearly are grandstanding. Good Luck, but there's no place like home.
Posted by: Sally Bradley | June 23rd, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Hi Martha,
I hope the situation with your Visa is resolved in time. I've bought my ticket and I'm really looking forward to seeing you at Harrod's this Thursday. To think that I'll get the chance to see you twice this year! (I attended a taping of your show this past April during my visit to NY). Keep the spirit up. The weather has been beautiful lately and still holding.
Mary
Posted by: Mary | June 23rd, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Hi Mary,
My mum and I also have tickets for Harrods, and we can't wait for the afternoon tea. Maybe we will be sitting near each other - hope to meet you then.
Pru
Posted by: Pru | June 24th, 2008 at 3:47 am
Martha,
Any news yet on the Visa?
Posted by: Pru | June 24th, 2008 at 6:37 am
welcome to politics!
Posted by: darrell white | June 24th, 2008 at 10:16 am
I have also bought tickets for Harrods this Thursday - it was a dream come true to think I could finally be enjoying an afternoon tea in company of a woman who continually inspires me and has an incredible work ethic. I do hope the visa situation is resolved. However, please do go to Australia - I am Australian nationality (however, Polish-Italian descent) and I am sure you would love it.
Posted by: Aleksandra Savron | June 24th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Good luck, Martha! What a wonderful visit you've had to Poland! Like you, I am of East European descent, and would love to visit. I, too, have fond memories of my Babas and the pirogies and pampushki and more. I look forward to your photos and blog! As for the UK Visa issue, I hope they reconsider and soon.
Posted by: Linda | June 24th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Boy George has been forbidden from entering the US even after sweeping the streets. Maybe it is tit for tat politics.
It's not that nice here anyway.
Posted by: Nick Breeze | June 25th, 2008 at 8:43 am
I feel your pain, but don't forget that every visitor to your country is now treated as though they are criminal with computers searched and confiscated, fingerprints and iris scans made and logged, etc. And heaven help you if you have a common name that's on the no-fly list. Hardly a welcoming attitude even for those of us who don't have criminal records.
Still, if Snoop Dogg can get in, I'm sure you can... maybe you should hire his lawyers
Posted by: Tim | June 25th, 2008 at 9:33 am
MARTHA , ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS APPLY FOR THE POLISH PASSPORT, BASED ON YOUR POLISH ROOTS. WITH IT YOU CAN TRAVEL AROUND EUROPE WITH NO PROBLEM. POLAND IS IN EU AND THAT'S WHAT ALL POLES DO NOW, TRAVEL WITHOUT VISAS OR ANY RESTICTIONS.
Posted by: Justine | June 26th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
I can't wait for pics from Poland! What took you so long, Martha? You should take a trip around the country and see how very little you know about Poland. Go to Warsaw's Lazienki Park to listen to open air Chopin concert, by the Palace On Water, there is also the theatre on water , watch the show at night! it's really cool! Check out centuries old tapestries at Royal Castle. You need more than one trip to visit Polish castles (Malbork, Ksiaz),cathedrals, palaces, Land of 1000 Lakes, bisons at Bialowieza Forest (european kings hunting grounds), plan kayaking or sailing near lovely town Mikolajki, get inspiration at skansens (open air museums.)Do not miss Lancut, Wroclaw, Lodz, Zakopane, Polish Tatra mountains. Travel to Gdansk during Dominican Fair where merchants display their amber and silver, linens, crystals etc. Experience real Viking living on Wolin island (from May-October)You probably don't know that Poland also offers culinary tours,take one, learn about 1000 years of Poland's rich history and culture completely unknown in US. Martha, fly, wear your comfortable shoes, make notes, take pics, refresh your roots and get inspired!
Posted by: Jackie | June 26th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Yes, "England" should let you in, but here's a tip for free: Wales and Scotland form part of the UK, saying "England" in place of "UK" and forgetting Wales and Scotland is somewhat 'peeving" to those in the UK who are not from the 'England' bit of the UK.
Posted by: Dr. Christopher Wood | June 27th, 2008 at 6:39 am
I am very passionate about the
UK visa process due to having a recent visa application denied. They feel as that I want to remain in their country because I didn't provide proof that I had obligations in my current country to return. Applying for a UK visa is very difficult. The agency's website gives very general information needed to apply for a visa. After my first application was denied due to documents not being received. I only sent in documents that were actually listed on their own website. The 2nd and 3rd applications were rejected, due to not all documents submitted. It was as if I was at the mercy of a consulate-an individual that apparently does not have the skill to determine a "good fit" for the UK. I submitted the house deed, car notes, employment letters, paycheck stubs, purchased airline tickets. How else can you prove that you will return to your country? Get this--I only applied for the visa to travel from one London airport to another to transit to another country. I would be in the country for a total of 4 hours coming and going. After speaking with a consulate, they stated that documents were not the determining factor. It depended on their satisfaction of the consulate with applicant. It should be a crime for an agency to not provide information up front to someone on the information that is needed to obtain a visa. It's a continuous cycle-because they know you need the visa to travel. I've lost the money for non-refundable airline tickets, courier fees--a total of over 6k, because of a $137
rejected visa application by incompentent investigators that appparently has no effective training in determining a "good fit" for the UK. With your publicity, hopefully, an eye will be put on their processes.
Posted by: Marcia | June 27th, 2008 at 8:42 am
I don't really see what all the fuss is about. The UK Borer Agency has rules in place restricting those on health grounds, prior criminal record, those subject to a deportation record and those individuals whose they deem won't be conducive to the public good.
Rightly or wrongly Martha was found guilty - of conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and two counts of making false statements - and those convictions were upheld on appeal. I don't think that its proper to criticize the Agency when they were applying the rules, just as they would to anyone coming under the above classes of persons.
Posted by: Mbeko Sihwa | July 1st, 2008 at 9:26 am
Boy George was denied a US Visa - hmmm, have to wonder if the US is doing that because of what the Brits did to Martha...
Posted by: Denis | July 5th, 2008 at 10:44 am
Martha, I am a Czechoslovakian by nationality, and was very excited when I heard that you went to Prague over the summer.
Bud did you take any photos there? I was trying to found something about this destination on your Blog.
Thanks Eva
Posted by: Eva | September 16th, 2008 at 5:44 pm