Papa say goodbye it's Independence Day

Thirty five years ago today I left home to go to university; now it's time for me to take my first-born child to university. I'm immensely proud that Moni got in to Łódź Film School on the screenwriting course (six places, 103 candidates submitted portfolios). An internationally recognised centre of excellence (the city and school get name-checked here). Wajda, Polański and Zanussi studied their craft here. Above: Moni is packed and ready to go. Below: Moni's friends and bandmates Hubert (percussion) and Oleńka (guitar) turn up unexpectedly to see her off. After a breakfast of re-heated curry left-overs, we pack the car (books, clothes, disco mirror-ball, bike, rat) and bid an emotional farewell. Moni and I set off for Łódź - a mere 83 miles (132 km) away. "You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth" (Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet). Today the Archers sent forth the first Arrow. As we left Jeziorki, Moni requested that we listen to Bird on a Wire, by Leonard Cohen, whilst I then put on Independence Day by Bruce Springsteen. The journey there isn't too bad - it's a sunny Sunday morning, so despite the many contraflows on the Gierkówka and the abysmal rural road from Tomaszów Maz. to Łódź, it takes us two hours and 20 minutes, taking it easy (average speed 35mph/57kmh). Above: Moni's new place of abode - a quiet cul-de-sac close to ul. Piotrkowska, Łódź's main drag, and just over 1km from the film school, and 2.5km from Łódź Fabryczna station. We unpacked the car, went shopping for bulky basics, and then I set off back towards Warsaw - a hellish journey - four hours to cover the 150km home. But that is another story... This time last year: Out and about in Jeziorki This time two years ago: Funeral of Lt. Cmdr. Tadeusz Lesisz This time three years ago: Puławska by night