"I came to Wales in January 2006. I remember this day well. When I was leaving Poland it was -26C at Warsaw's airport. When I landed in Luton it was about +12C. A big difference comparing the distance. I came on a plane with lots of Polish people around me looking for a better life abroad.

The rate of unemployment in Poland is huge. My girlfriend's idea was to work on this island. I was opposed to this idea at the beginning but in the end I agreed. The plan was that I start first, then she would join me. She was to finish her work in Poland, I was to find a job and a place to live somewhere in the UK.

After Poland had joined the European Union the borders of labour market for Polish people were opened. Especially three countries: Great Britain, Ireland and Sweden put no limits for the flow of new workers. Nothing strange that many Poles unsuccessfully looking for jobs tried their luck abroad.

I was one of them. I had a better chance than most of my compatriots because my knowledge of English was relatively good. I managed to find a job through one of the Polish agencies.

My English employer paid for my flight and found me a house to share with other two people. Thanks to that I was able to start work next day. I started working as a child carer in a residential school. Quite hard work, challenging at times but the work which can give satisfaction as well.

Unfortunatelly working abroad and having a girlfriend in Poland is not a good combination. After a few months we were not a couple any more. It was a very painful blow for me, one of the hardest in my life. It was hardly possible to do anything with the emptiness that was left after the dearest person.

But life still goes on and people say that time is a healer. New people, new environment often helps. Michal Rafalowicz, one of my friends here in Wales, came with an idea of opening a stall with Polish food on the Newtown market.

We had some time to discuss it on walks in the Snowdonia region as him, his wife Dagmara and me like long mountain walks.

All of us three thought there is a niche in the market for Polish food wich we consider healthy and tasty. Soon a chance for our own shop appeared when a place with a good potential for business was for rent.

We have been on a market for 2 months now. We still do not know if our shop is going to be a success or a failure but if you don't try you won't find out.

All of us still keep our full time jobs and work in the shop.

The idea of the shop was not only as a selling-buying place but meeting place for people as well. We have a notice board which can help when a Pole looks for a job or place to live. Some Polish people are really homesick. They can come just to have a chat. We even have two chairs to make you feel comfortable.

Some people have problems with filling forms. We help as well.

This is what Polish small comunities really miss in towns like Newtown - a place where they can feel like home, talk in their own language, be a part of a group.

What I like about Newtown is peace and quiet. Here you can leave a house or a car without locking it and you do not have to worry about burglars. In Poland it is unbelievable.

People are really friendly and helpful. Maybe at the beginning they treat you with reserve but when you meet them better they are quite open and frank. Life seem to be easier here."

Article by Jaroslaw Mydlak