No doubt the question on racism was hidden in the email to Mr Godson as he is not only the first black member of Polish Parliament., but Polish citizen as well. But that same Godson often repeated: “Polandis not a racist country, just Polish citizens do not have enough multicultural competence”.
Joel, whose parents come from Guadeloupe, was born inParis, but now lives in Vannes, western France. He is a sportsman, a member of French Federation of Handbowl. Joel says he is in love withPoland, since he discovered this country seven years ago and has been here four times till now.
Joel had planned that he would return toPolandin August and walk on foot the distance from Krakow toGdansk. He would walk on foot through cities and towns, to prove that Poles like foreigners. The main assumption is traveling by feet, but if any wishful driver would be helpful, Joel will not refuse. He also intends to make the two days of rest, if thanks to hitch-hiking will be possible to save time. Then he will travel fromGdańskby train to spend a few days inWarsawbefore leaving for Francein August 21st. During the trip he wants to use the so-called couchsurfing, where he would be a guest of women, men, in short – couples. He has got already 9 accommodations out of 16. Many people admired his idea and encouraged him to walking and hitchhiking inPoland. Unknown Polish friends have added Joel wings. He wants to honor them for it.
On Facebook (Joel is there under profile of Ikki Acapulco). And yet he founded the profile “My feet can prove it”, where he recounts his journey and publishes photos.
Here’s Polish telephone +48 729 529 343. He is fluent in French, but some English and Polish. Here is his e-mail: jlcyprien@gmail.com
We know, that Joel has landed in August 2nd in Balice and went to Kraków. Here’s a plan of his traveling by feet:
Saturday, 08.03.2013 – Olkusz
Sunday, 04.08.2013 – Myszków
Monday, 08.05.2013 -Czestochowa
Tuesday, 06.08.2013 -Radom
Wednesday, 08.07.2013 – Bełchatów
Thursday, 08.08.2013 – Łódź
Friday, 9.08.2013 – Kutno
Saturday, 10.08.2013 – Gostynin
Sunday, 11.08.2013 – Włocławek
Monday, 12.08.20123 – Brodnica
Tuesday, 13.08.2013 – Jabłonowo (Pomorskie)
Wednesday,14.08. 2013 -Grudziądz
Thursday, 15.08.2013 – Kwidzyń
Friday, 16.08.2013 – Starogard Gdański
Saturday, 17.08.2013 – Gdańsk
After arriving at Gdansk, Joel is going to rest few days To Warsaw – from where he flies on August 21st toFrance, he will travel by train.
In the meantime, Joel wrote to me that his adventure is progressing well. He has with him a small video camera, a travel diary and a guestbook, that is, the Poles, he meets on the way, write their remarks. It turns out that he has already met some great people of all ages, he tested Polish vodka, was hitchhiking by helpful drivers. Many people unknown to him were warmly looking at his hike. Many people still follows the journey of Joel on Face Book. All it is in favor of his plan to promotePoland as a non-racist country and Poles say that society needs the change in of out look to another cultures yet in school.
So, please write to Joel, call him, strengthen his conviction that the idea is fantastic and positive! He was full of optimism and enthusiasm. Let us love such friends like Joel!