After long nine months in Florida, I took off on Lufthansa flight from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Wroclaw, Poland via Frankfurt, Germany at the end of September. Instead of leaving in May to run two tours in Poland that month, due to the worldwide pandemic lockdown, I had to postpone all 2020 tours until next year. Having spent the entire hot and humid summer in Florida, I was ready to travel, I was ready for Poland and while there have to take care of important business (I have dual citizenship, therefore was able to enter the EU & Poland from the US.) 

Empty Miami International Airport (MIA) in July 2020

During normal times, MIA is one of the busiest airports in the US. Not in 2020. It’s like a ghost town. I first dropped off relatives at the MIA for a flight to Europe back in July and never seen Miami airport so deserted!!! 

Miami airport international departures in July 2020

Few people waiting to check in at the MIA – July 2020

Very few people waiting at MIA to board their flight to Europe in July 2020

Half empty Lufthansa flight to Europe from MIA – July 2020

At the end of September, MIA was still pretty deserted with business lounges still closed, Starbucks closed and most shops and restaurants closed. 

Me, heading for my gate at the MIA – September 2020

Having to wear a face mask for over 10 hours was very uncomfortable. The only time the mask came off was while eating and drinking and the only people not wearing a mask were young children, at both the airport and on the plane. 

CORONA Beach House restaurant at MIA closed due to coronavirus – September 2020

Closed shops at MIA – September 2020

Closed Starbucks at MIA – September 2020

Entry to an opened kiosk at the MIA – September 2020

Empty hallways at the MIA – September 2020

Waiting area at my gate at the MIA – September 2020

After about nine hours, I landed safely in Frankfurt, Germany (FRA). Lufthansa crew was amazing! Very helpful and accommodating throughout the entire journey. The flight was half full so, there was plenty of room to social distance. Frankfurt airport was busy when compared to MIA, with business lounges and most restaurants and shops opened. 

Opened eatery at Frankfurt airport – September 2020

Busy hallways at the Frankfurt airport – September 2020

Arrivals/Departures flight boards at FRA – September 2020

Most business lounges were opened at FRA September 2020

All Lufthansa business lounges opened at FRA – September 2020

New COVID-19 rules for business lounges at FRA – September 2020

I’ve been in Poland for over two weeks now and staying busy. Even managed to visit Adoria Vineyard, included on Poland Culinary Vacation’s 2021 “Five Days with Polish Wine in Lower Silesia & Wroclaw” wine tour. I will be doing more site inspections as travel within Poland is not restricted. Face masks are mandatory pretty much everywhere, especially in closed spaces.

Harvested grapes at Adoria Vineyard – October 2020

Grape harvest at Adoria Winery in Poland – October 2020

Selection of Adoria wines for sale – October 2020

Although I’m disappointed that “The Magic of Christmas Markets in Poland” December tour had to be postponed until 2021, I’m excited to offer PIEROGI Christmas ornaments for sale to those looking for unique gifts Made in Poland thru the newly launched online BOUTIQUE. Hoping to add a few more Christmas ornaments and other finds to the BOUTIQUE as we get closer to Christmastime. While visiting the BOUTIQUE please also check out the 2021 tour dates.

Christmas Markets in Poland tour guests receiving their PIEROGI Christmas ornament as gift during farewell diner in Krakow, Poland – December 2019

Looking forward to hosting our guests again in Poland in 2021 and hoping our lives will get back to normal sooner rather than later! 

Malgorzata (Sarna) Rose, is a native of Poland. Poland Culinary Vacations grew out of her love and passion for travel and everything Polish, including fine Polish cuisine, eventually blossoming into a first-class culinary travel company. While growing up in Poland, she experienced the great joy of cooking with family and friends. Using her grandmothers' recipes and fresh ingredients from their gardens, they prepared food for weddings, parties, and traditional holidays. Now, through Poland Culinary Vacations, she wants to share that experience with you, and show you the best of everyday Polish living: the special people and their hospitality, and the heritage and traditions unique to each region. Only a native can help you discover and fully experience the authentic Poland! Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.