Discovering Christmas Traditions in Warsaw: A Winter Trip That Inspired My English Learning Journey by Kenny | Jabble Ochanomizu

Last month, I had the chance to travel to Warsaw, Poland, for a music festival.
It was my first time visiting the city, and although the main purpose of the trip was the festival itself,
I always try to take at least one day to explore the local culture whenever I travel.
Luckily, my final day in Warsaw turned out to be one of the most memorable travel experiences I’ve had in years.

On that morning, I decided to take a walk through Warsaw’s famous Old Town.
I didn’t know it at the time, but I happened to arrive on the very first day of the Christmas markets.
As soon as I stepped into the square, it felt like I had walked into a scene from a Christmas movie—twinkling lights, rows of wooden stalls,
people drinking warm drinks to fight the cold, and music softly playing in the background.
Even though I was traveling alone, the atmosphere made me feel warm and welcomed.

Of course, there was one big challenge: the weather.
It was –7 degrees Celsius, and snow was falling steadily. After living in Tokyo for several years, I had almost forgotten how cold European winters can be.
My hands were freezing, my face felt numb, and I kept thinking, “Why didn’t I bring thicker gloves?” But even with the cold, the scenery was unbelievably beautiful.
Snow covered the rooftops of the old buildings, and the narrow streets looked like something straight out of a postcard.
Warsaw’s Old Town is already charming, but seeing it under a fresh layer of snow made it feel almost magical.

Naturally, I needed something warm to help me survive the temperature. That’s when I spotted a stall selling mulled wine, a classic European winter drink.
Mulled wine is made by heating red wine with spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel.
I bought a cup and wrapped my hands around it, enjoying both the heat and the wonderful aroma.
The first sip instantly transported me back to my childhood in England.

My mother used to make mulled wine every December, and it was a big Christmas tradition in our house.
Even though I was too young to drink it back then, the smell filled the entire home and always told me that Christmas was coming soon.
Standing in the middle of snowy Warsaw with a cup of hot mulled wine in my hands brought all those memories back.
It reminded me of family gatherings, winter evenings by the fireplace, and the excitement of the holidays.It’s amazing how a simple flavor can carry so much history and emotion.

Travel moments like this always remind me why I love exploring different cultures—and why English has played such an important role in my life.
English has allowed me to speak with people from different countries, understand local stories, and connect more deeply with the places I visit.
Even in Poland, a country where English isn’t the native language, I was able to communicate easily with vendors,
ask about the ingredients in the mulled wine, learn about the Christmas traditions there, and even chat with tourists from other countries who were also visiting the market.

This is something I often tell my students in Ochanomizu:
English isn’t just a school subject—it’s a tool that helps you enjoy the world more.
Whether you’re traveling for work, sightseeing, attending a concert, or simply exploring a holiday market, English gives you access to new experiences and deeper connections.

For example, if you ever visit a Christmas market in Europe, you’ll see many signs, menus, and explanations written in English.
You’ll also find that most people who work there can communicate comfortably in English.
Being able to ask questions, understand the culture, and enjoy the food or drinks without stress makes the trip much more enjoyable.

After warming up with the mulled wine, I continued walking through the market, trying different snacks, taking photos of the snow-covered streets, and talking with a few visitors.
Even though the temperature never went above –7 degrees, I felt warm the whole time—not just physically, but emotionally too.
It was a wonderful reminder of how travel can reconnect us with our roots while also opening the door to new experiences.

As the holidays approach in Japan, I hope all of you have the chance to enjoy your own seasonal traditions,
whether they are from your family, your hometown, or something new you’ve adopted over the years.
And if you’re thinking about traveling abroad someday—during Christmas or any other season—keep practicing your English.
You never know where your skills will take you or what memorable moments they will help you create.

Stay warm, and I look forward to hearing your own winter stories next time you come to Jabble Ochanomizu!

お茶の水校
Kenny

【日本人スタッフによる要約】
先月、お茶の水校のケニー先生は、音楽フェスティバルに参加するためポーランドのワルシャワを訪れました。
最終日に旧市街を散策したところ、ちょうどクリスマスマーケットの初日で、とても美しい雰囲気だったそうです。
気温はなんと －7度、雪も降るほどの厳しい寒さでしたが、歴史的な建物に雪が積もる景色はとても幻想的で、ヨーロッパらしい冬の魅力を感じられたとのことです。
マーケットではホットワイン（グリューワイン）を飲むことができ、その味と香りが、イギリスでお母さんが毎年クリスマスに作ってくれたホットワインを思い出させてくれたそうです。
家族の伝統を思い出し、心が温まる時間になったようです。
ケニー先生は、こうした旅先での体験が「英語を学ぶ楽しさ」にもつながると話しています。
英語が話せることで、現地の人とのコミュニケーションや文化理解が深まり、旅がより豊かになると感じたそうです。
ワルシャワの冬の思い出を通して、「英語を学ぶことで世界が広がる」というメッセージを皆さんにお届けします。