A literary memoir of childhood winters in 1980s Poland, where deep snow transformed ordinary streets into magical landscapes, sledging became an adventure, and the warmth of family made every cold day unforgettable.
Our park became more than a playground—it became a classroom without walls. In this chapter of The Childhood We Never Thought to Miss, I revisit childhood walks through 1980s Łódź, where leaves, rain, seasons and simple acts of kindness quietly taught lessons that have stayed with me for a lifetime.
Every afternoon our courtyard became a kingdom where imagination ruled. The iconic trzepak (carpet-beating frame) turned into a pirate ship, games of gra w gumę (elastic jumping game) echoed with laughter, and the nearby park became a world of secret hideaways, towering trees and unforgettable adventures. This chapter looks back at the freedom, friendships and simple joys of growing up in 1980s Poland—memories that continue to live quietly in the places we once called home.
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