Day 27 - August 4th: Drama on the bus to Wisla, the 'stronghold' of the Protestants, Day 1

When I woke up today slightly 'late' around 7:30, I heard footsteps next to my tent. I looked out and saw a woman greeting me warmly in Polish and preparing a complete breakfast on the nearby terrace. There was also a thermos with tea and coffee to choose from. Then she insisted that I come to the rectory and showed me the community shower, and asked for my clothes to be washed. I felt a bit embarrassed, wondering if everything was going as planned, but ultimately listened to my gut feeling and accepted the offer, because I had a scheduled video conference this morning with a representative of the church leadership of the Bohemian Brethren in the Czech Republic. Two weeks ago, this appointment did not take place in Prague, so I didn't plan to continue immediately this morning, but rather around noon. I was very grateful for so much hospitality, as my clean clothes were running out. Around noon, I would receive my dry laundry.

Furthermore, the courtyard became lively because there was a five-day alternative program for the children who could not go to the big camp by the Baltic Sea with the pastor. After the interesting video conference, I was able to observe this children's program (photo). Around noon, I wanted to start for Wisla, but I was encouraged to join the senior citizens' lunch (photo), as they had just returned from a half-day trip. I became aware of how an active community life can be organized even when the pastor is not present. However, I had to leave Skoszow because I wanted to take the bus to Wisla. Climbing around 400 meters in altitude over just 21 km would still be manageable with my bike, but not with a fully loaded bike weighing almost 50 kg. That's why I took the opportunity to take the bus to Wisla. The bus driver was not very friendly and I became a bit hectic. I threw my 4 panniers onto the storage space, then pushed the bike onto the area and the bus drove off. The bus had been on the road for maybe 3-4 minutes when it occurred to me, in the rush at the bus stop, that I had forgotten my handlebar bag with my wallet, passport, phone, camera, and translation device. I let the bike fall, ran to the bus driver, and loudly called 'Stop' and 'Bagasch' (Polish for luggage). The people looked at me puzzled. The previously unfriendly bus driver turned around, drove back to the bus stop, and indeed, there was my handlebar bag. I quickly grabbed the handlebar bag, when I was back on the bus, I said 'Thank you' several times in Polish, and the whole bus clapped and the passengers laughed at me. After maybe 10 minutes, my heart rate returned to normal. What a crazy experience, I thought.

The small town of Wisla in the Beskids is considered the Protestant 'stronghold' in all of Poland. In this very touristy town with approximately 12,000 inhabitants, there are 5 Protestant church communities in different districts, each with its own pastor. Approximately 65% of the city's population is Protestant.

I took the bus to the terminal in Wisla-Glebce, where there is also its own community. The old concrete church became too small in the 90s (photo), so the community built a new church nearby, as I learned from a resident. At the same time, I learned that the responsible pastor is currently on vacation, but the pastor of the largest community in the center of Wisla is not away. I arrived there shortly before 5 PM. The large Evangelical town church and the rectory are located in the middle of the pedestrian zone. What a 'coincidence', the vicar of the community who speaks very good German happened to be there for the weekly Bible study. We quickly got into a conversation. Shortly before it started, he asked for permission for me to camp in the community garden. I then participated in the Bible study. I didn't understand anything from the vicar's substantive explanations, but after about 40 minutes, a discussion part began. As a conclusion, the song 'Keep us, God, protect us, God' was sung and I was able to sing along in German, which delighted the visitors. When I asked about 'What is life like for Protestant Christians in Poland', a participant gave a clear answer: 'Great'. Unfortunately, no photo was taken of the group. Afterwards, the vicar explained to me the special church situation in Wisla with its Protestant majority. Shortly after, he had to leave because he does not live in the city and had something planned with his wife on this warm summer evening. I set up my tent and went shopping again. The pedestrian zone was crowded with tourists. Two women in the middle of the pedestrian zone performed a musical street prayer for Ukraine (photo). I stayed briefly, then cycled back, ate something, and wrote in my blog. Only in the twilight did the pastor of the town church in the center come - who also speaks very good German - and we talked for another half hour about the specifics of the Protestant Church in Wisla, and we agreed to take a tour the next morning. Another eventful day came to an end with interesting encounters. After the days of various visits to cities where the Protestant Church is in the minority, I felt somewhat at home.