It's the one we've all been waiting for :) Alicja's first solo video from her hometown, Katowice...

Now this really IS something a little bit different! I've put my feet up and sent Alicja off with a GoPro and a couple of spare batteries. This is what came back...
Alicja in Katowice was filmed late October/early November on location in Katowice, Poland. I was going to say 'be kind, it's her first video' but scratch that she way better than me!
But don't worry, we'll both be back together in the next one from Scotland. In the meantime, enjoy this hugely informative and entertaining video from a local in her hometown :) Will you even want me back after this???
Hi, I’m Steve. I am a travel reviewer and post my trip reports here on KZbin. I pay for my own travel and produce my own videos. If you have any questions about my journeys or travel advice in general, please drop me a comment - I do read every single one. I’d also love to hear any recommendations you may have for future content, or why not challenge me to try something a little out of the ordinary! If you are looking to collaborate on any type of project, I’d love to hear from you - email me your ideas and hopefully we can work together in the future.
Donate here to future videos: (thank you!)
www.paypal.com...
Or why not become a SteveMarsh Supporter?
/ stevemarsh
Music courtesy of epidemicsound.com
('Barefoot' by Slowfly)

[@polocathmhaoil9141]

You should make more of your own videos and appear in more of Steve's videos. You have an easy going and relaxed approach to things. Well done Alicija.

[@leslieelizabeth219]

I have so enjoyed this. I am Scottish but my late father in law was Polish. He settled in Scotland after the War. Thank you. It’s also lovely to hear you speak in Polish. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇦🇺

[@alexandermenzies9954]

I could watch much, much more of Poland through Alicja's eyes. That was a fascinating tour, made more so by your knowledge of the changes and earlier architecture, Alicja. Steve will need to make more airtime available to you! You make a charming guide.

[@andy1977airdrie]

Great video Alicja, really hope this is the first of many!! 👏

[@alicja4139]

Thanks so much Guys! I’m really glad You enjoyed the video (to be fair it wasn’t easy to speak to the camera😅). Makes me really happy that so many people find my hometown interesting!

[@davidmccoll5811]

We really enjoy Steve's vlogs but we think you now have a competitor, great first vlog keep up the good work you 2, Dave & Blanche, Dundee

[@roderickjoyce6716]

@@alicja4139 Anywhere and anything can be interesting if it's presented by the right person. Thank you.

[@davidiorwerthjones1891]

Looking forward to seeing where you travel to there ok regards David David in llandelo carmthenshire West Wales great Britain

[@timothydunn5889]

KZbin only decided today that I should watch this, so I did. Thank you so much Alicja. A TV quality documentary, with a great balance of history, art, architecture and lifestyle. What a stunning debut.

[@BarnieCowan]

Alicja you are a fantastic broadcaster. You are so aware of everything around you! I loved your chatter, so knowledgeable in history. Please do more videos on your own and others with Steve. They are all so good . Natchos certainly loves you!

[@glendaherrick6335]

That was beautiful Alicja. I enjoyed seeing your home through your eyes. Thank you for sharing your history.

[@Bcc0rg]

What a superb video, you are a credit to the channel and your heritage. Some 20 plus years ago I was fortunate enough to work in Poland (and Estonia) for a couple of years with Janusz Kulig and the Ford Marlboro Mobil1 Rally Team, the people were warm hearted, dedicated, respectfull and it is still a trait I see in you. I have many many fantastic memories of all the rally towns, including that of the Automobilklub Silaski and the Rally Wisla. Krackow was stunning, the market square and twin churches by day and the sports bar and basement night club in the square by night!.... sadly we rarely had the oppertunity for sightseeing but through your eyes the country, people, and history shines through. More please, Jenna.

[@gordonmcgill4532]

I absolutely loved this! A thoroughly enjoyable and totally authentic snapshot of Poland through the eyes of someone who grew up there. PLEASE PLEASE do more of this...Katowice and further afield in Poland. Alicja has a natural and highly engaging way of taking viewers on a journey with her. Steve, you have some serious competition :)

[@alicja4139]

Thanks so much Gordon, I’m glad You liked the video!🙂

[@annchalk9908]

Thank you, Alicja. That was a beautiful tour of your hometown. I feel like I know you better now and I appreciate you doing this for us. Good job, well done.

[@peterjhillier7659]

Thank you Alicja for showing me your Home it's History and your personal Thoughts about it.

[@GilgaFrank]

I visited Katowice on the way to Olkusz back in 1993, I still have a hat I bought there. I remember a building with a huge advertising mural for cosmetics (?) painted across one entire wall. The Polish people were just fantastic and it felt amazing to be in a country that for many years was under Soviet control. It's a beautiful part of the world, Krakow especially was a delight and we got to see some of the magnificent castles around the Tatra mountains. Great people, great country, great place to visit!

[@HomeAtLast501]

Are all Polish women so lovely? She is so comfortable with herself, and grounded.

[@Anne-yw6my]

Thank you Alicja. Top marks to you! What a lovely video of your home town. More of Poland please!

[@grahamcarver6836]

Hi Alicja. Just watched your video. What a joy to see your home town with you. Great job. I look forward to more content from you. Good to see Steve waiting for you at the airport with a big hug................🥰

[@paulhayward8459]

Alicja, 👏👏👏👏👏😊😊 You are adorable.It is not hard to see why Steve loves you !! 😊😊 You nailed it...You captured the Autumn colours perfectly, you emoted the strengths and pains of your homeland and it's people with warmth and empathy. I loved every moment of your visit. Your accent is delightful, for there are the little Scottish elements that have been assimilated. Most of all there is your positivism and warmth of spirit. And then there was your reconnection with Steve. I love Romantic movies, you just re-kindled so many memories for me. More please, you are both dearly loved by us all. 😊😊❤

[@alicja4139]

Paul thanks sooo much for such a wonderful comment! Makes me really happy that You found the video interesting and enjoyed the ‘golden Polish autumn’ as we call it😊

[@bobbiguile9210]

You and Steve are a awesome couple. Your romance and meeting must be sooo interesting, I would love to hear your story. ❤❤❤

[@MikeTaylorEastStaffordshire]

So glad I found these videos today, because Alicja does an absolutely cracking job of showing us around Katowice. Bravo!

[@PlanesTrainsEverything]

Katowice is on my bucket list for the next time I visit Poland. I first visited Poland in 2015 and have been back on two other occasions. The people are wonderful and the food is magnificent. Thanks for a very interesting video of your home town.

[@RaymondCalloway]

Very well done Alicja, great photography and narrative. As a Roman Catholic myself, I am always fascinated to see Catholic churches in other countries, their style and architecture and it was an interesting history of Silesia. Thank you for taking us all along on your trip!

[@ColinSlocombe]

The dog looks so pleased to see you Alicja .forgive my spelling

[@petetaylor2000]

Alicja's one smart cookie....that makes two of you! Its like a travel channel and a history lesson all in one. Onwards and upwards.

[@LA7777777777]

This is really awesome to see Alicja vlogging, keep them coming!!!!

[@alicja4139]

Haha thanks very much Luke!

[@rfw700]

Alicja has obviously been attending the Steve Marsh school of KZbin travel video making and successfully graduated. Good too see Steve making a cameo appearance as himself at the end of the video.

[@dlittlester]

Well done! Very much appreciated.

[@jeannellies4778]

I absolutely loved this video. If you feel that you want to do more, I would very happily watch them too. Thank for introducing me to Poland. 🥰 🇵🇱

[@gordon7470]

Congratulations on your 1st video Alicia, I think Steve has competition! Excellent. Love your home city. So clean compared to England. Well done. Look forward to more from you👍👍

[@andrewaboulton]

We adore Alicja 🥰

[@bobhewings6812]

Lovely first video Alicjia.You have a lovely relaxed nature and gave a lovely look at your beautiful home town.Look forward to seeing many more videos in the future boothh on your own and joint ones with Steve.See you both soon.

[@CanuckJim]

That was simply wonderful. I love walking through European cities and seeing the contrast between newer buildings/spaces and older ones. You and Steve will have to go back to Katowice sometime in late Spring - I think when the trees and grass are freshly green it would be stunning.

[@alicja4139]

Thank You so much for such a sweet comment! Katowice is really interesting place full of history, I didn’t show enough of it for sure!

[@MrDavidcorf]

Great job Alicja! I learned so much. I like the hint of Scottish accent in your voice! You and Steve are a great team. Cheers!

[@alicja4139]

Thanks so much David!

[@tiddlywinks456]

I noticed the Scottish accent with a couple of words “kind" was one of them. I’ll echo others here and say great video Alicja, keep up the great work. I hope to see more videos from you in the future. 👍😀 best wishes from Ireland x

[@barbaratomlinson6776]

Very, very interesting and informative. I enjoyed watching!

[@petequesada2936]

Thank you both. Alicja for making a wonderful video and Steve for the great idea of letting us enjoy her views of her hometown.

[@DianeRohrer]

Well done! Beautiful autumn walk eclipsed only by your own lovliness. Thank you for posting!

[@briangibbon8711]

Thanks for taking us with you to your home town. You and Steve make such great videos......well done!

[@Margi183]

Thank you Alicja! I'd never have known what it looks like! Love the way you add in what you think and feel and where you lived and how it is and what happened and about your Grandfather's Grandfather.. Really well done! And loved your dog and glad you had your precious Mother's warm coat!

[@nickwatson8557]

Poland is so underrated, a very beautiful country and lovely to visit. Thanks for the video.

[@gavinbird3652]

This is a lovely video. It's cool to get a sense of Alicja's fondness for the area. I know a few cities in PL but not Katowice. Thanks for the travelogue. Great work 😊

[@johnroberts2331]

Myself and Angela really enjoyed this video! You did an amazing job Alicja. I really hope for more in the future. Stay safe and Thank you for the brilliant insights of Katawice. All the very best to you both.

[@moiraturner]

Well done, I loved it all, especially Nachos. Everywhere just seems so large spacious loads of fabulous walks. Those tall buildings in town made the trams sound so echoey lol is that even a word! It was such an insight to hear about traditions 1st November and to see the cemetery and all the candles. I think we should adopt a day like that here. Thanks for sharing xx

[@alicja4139]

Thanks for your comment Moira! Nachos felt more comfortable in front of the camera than me😉 It’s a shame I never had a chance to show how beautiful cemeteries look at night 1st November-thousands of candles lightning up!

[@steveclapton]

Thanks for the tour Alicja

[@Simon-ry1lw]

Excellent video, informal and well filmed, atmospheric, thank you 🙏

[@robbojax2025]

Move over Steve, the gal's got talent. Nice to see a bit of Katowice particularly the park.

[@andrewdomaracki]

I lived in Katowice when I was a little boy, back in the late 70’s. This video bought back so many memories, thank you! I’d have loved to see Park Kościuszki too. Maybe next video?

[@alicja4139]

Hi Andrew! Katowice is 70’s must have been so much different. I bought interesting book “Katowice, których nie ma” and I’m sure You’d love the photos in it. There is lots of stuff to show, the Park as one of them for sure! Thanks for watching and for your comment:)

[@patriciayassin2983]

Looks a lovely place. A nice mix of old and new. The streets and roads look immaculately maintained unlike here in Scotland. Thank you for taking us along on your journey.❤️

[@alicja4139]

Thank You for watching Patricia! I’m glad You found the place interesting🌻

[@sheenamaclean8324]

I suppose it helps that the city is only 106 years old unlike most UK cities.

[@user-mn1vz5ew7o]

Brilliant. Loved it.

[@surreysupporter]

Great video. Enjoyed it very much.

[@jackyyuen1939]

The streets that Alicja walked along are absolutely beautiful. Full of autumn colours. Alicja did a good job showing us around her home city.

[@TudorSmith]

Well done Alicja. So much interesting information. Watch out Steve, she could take over your channel lol! At least, in any case, it's obvious that you could do some kind of dynamic duo thing! Anyway, an enjoyable watch.

[@alicja4139]

Thank You very much!

[@rowanmulvey8632]

We appreciate you sharing your hometown with us.

[@karenmahaffey1473]

Always the gracious outlook and artistic eye wherever she goes. Great insights into a fascinating place from a bright, lovely, and wonderful guide. Loved Nachos! What a charmer. And that great bonus bit- the delightful chuckle from the familiar character at the end. Beautifully crafted video! Well done, Alicja!

[@alicja4139]

Thanks so much Karen! I’m happy You enjoyed the video (and Nachos!🐶♥️)

[@pamthevan7340]

Mate you've got competition there. Really enjoyed watching that and amazed at how clean and open everything seemed.

[@alicja4139]

Thank You very much!

[@seanmcmahon4942]

Alicja...that was great, i really enjoyed it. My wife, my step daughter and myself have been to Krakow for 7 days and we loved it, everyone was friendly, walked the whole area and so much more. We also LOVED the food. Thank you.

[@jamesmason8944]

Well done Alicja, not only did you give us an excellent insight into your home town but also of yourself. Not only is your spoken English first class but the way you express and explain things portrays how thoughtful, intelligent and caring a person you are. The short clip at the end when you and Steve meet says how much you two are meant for each other. Coming from a mining area myself your description of what we call "the miner's raws" the housing for miners and your memories of what used to be are so relatable. Best regards.

[@ScottishT]

Well done Alicja, Katowice looks lovely. Great videos from you and Steve.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Tony mate from us both!

[@ingaborlowski1536]

What’s not to love? You did a wonderful job Alicia & Katowice is lovely. I’m going to rewatch in case I missed anything the first time. I hope this is the beginning of more to come from you. Take care & hi Steve 🙋‍♀️

[@roxannegreaves858]

Alicia your doing a great job. Thank you for taken me on a trip to Poland.

[@colinmoss5402]

That was such an accomplished video. A great mix of the personal and tour guide, of history and her story. From "where's that anyway? " to "when can we go there? " in one video. You should arrange a tour group for you two to take a bundle of us to see the city.

[@christoft1848]

I found this video brilliant..It was great to see your hometown .Never forget your roots.Thank you Alicja.

[@sandiandgregh]

We're slowly but steadily making our way through ALL of the videos. Alicja, we watched your visit home to Poland yesterday. Two thumbs up to you! Great job!

[@77smp]

Congratulations. A lovely video full of heart and personal interest. The juxtaposition of the old, the Soviet and the new was very interesting to see when I visited Warsaw and Katowice seems to have that same vibe. The only issues I would have is... The 80's style jumpers will make Steve feel old.. Your glasses are amazing and I'm slightly jealous.. Always insist on Lounge access, especially when flying Ryanair! 🤔😉 Hope you enjoyed your visit home and we'll all be needing updates on Nachos 👍🤓

[@alicja4139]

Haha! Hi Michelle, thanks so much for your comment and watching the video! I’m glad You found it interesting😊I’ll try to remember all above, ha!😉

[@merryannmac8096]

Oh, that was lovely, Alicja. My favorite part was when you walked in the park with Nachos, and when you went to the zoo. You did WONDERFUL. I am very impressed, but you had a great teacher. Thank you, I hope you do this again. Merry Ann from Minnesota

[@alicja4139]

Thanks very much Merry Ann! Looks like Nachos is everybody’s favourite ;)

[@jamrb1]

Really enjoyed that. A bit different from Edinburgh! But then everywhere is. Really interesting. Thanks Alicja

[@robinsmith6094]

This is fantastic, Alicja! Thank you for sharing your trip home with us. You should make more videos and co-host with Steve. No one could tell this was your first one. Bardzo dobrze!

[@alicja4139]

Bardzo dziękuję Robin! Trust me, it took lots of takes to make this video😅Thanks for watching!

[@ColinSlocombe]

Well done on your first video clip alicja very good effort and good luck on your next trip 👍 👏

[@Scotland_Above]

This is better than Steve's! 😁😜🤣 Well done, Alicja. Great video. Gotta love Poland! ❤️🇵🇱 Our German Shepherd Dog, Kenya was barking at your dog! 🤣🐺

[@jamesbong4928]

Gosh that was excellent, thank you Alicija. It's a part of the world I know very little about, so it was really cool for you to open my eyes to it. Sorry it took me three years to watch it!! 😊 Thanks again.

[@gerryccarroll281]

This is a lovely video, it's great to have a guide who knows and appreciates the city. More videos by Alicja, please.

[@stuarty010]

Great job Alicja, very informative video about a place I knew nothing about, your English is great and very clear, again, Well done!

[@FrankTaylor74]

That was so enjoyable! I don't think I'd ever be brave enough to do a video, and you did a great one! More please! Don't worry Steve we won't forget you mate ;)

[@alicja4139]

Thanks so much Frank!😊

[@robertkupper1327]

Thank You Alicja. Katowice is my father's home town and he grew up there. As far as I know his family still live there however I have never been there and I am unlikely to ever get there myself so your tour through the beautiful parks and surrounding areas is the only view I have of dad's home town. I really appreciate your commentary detailing some of the history of the place, it has opened a window to the past and present that I thought I would never see. Thank you once again and Steve can be proud of you for doing such a good job. Well done.

[@johnackerley6553]

Very well done Alicja, I have a lot of Polish friends here in Cheshire and they tell me stories about their home cities, but it’s lovely to actually see and learn about the history of these places. Thank you xx

[@IanRM]

Loved it, Alicja. ❤

[@Stewart74]

Well done Alicia, Thankyou for introducing us to your hometown in a friendly and knowledgeable way. This was a terrific vlog.

[@alicja4139]

Thank You Stewart! I tried but there is so much more I would like to show and say about the place.😉

[@robertrouzaud9814]

Of course an ordinary tourist could never give these insights, so this was a first-class education into life in Katowice. You won’t find a better tour guide, especially having an intuitive feel for what is good videography. I can’t help but contrast the comfort of this visit with Steve's visit to Ludza and that harrowing experience borne out of the language barrier. Nice when communication isn’t a challenge.

[@philiproseel3506]

No need to worry. If you hadn't told us that it was your first filming experience, I wouldn't have known. That video was so...real, and from the heart. Like Steve's videos, it flowed naturally and was so interesting. I was born and raised in Europe and I've never been to Poland, but want to go, eventually. Now I've seen a bit from a local who didn't sugar-coat anything: the good with the not quite-so-good and the meh lol. Looking forward to more!

[@williamkrugel7644]

absolutely loved this

[@suebrown436]

Alicja that was just fantastic - and big thanks to Steve for giving you the opportunity to make this video. You did a great job, and it's lovely to get to know you better. I knew nothing of Poland before this and found it all so interesting. Thank you from the bottom of my ❤️

[@mikepowell2776]

Brilliant! Been to Katowice and surrounding towns several times over last fifteen years, visiting steelworks. There’s nothing fake about it and the tram system is now excellent, much improved. Really interesting to see it through the eyes of someone who knows it well AND knows how to use a camera. Thanks again.

[@maggienificent]

This was so great, thank you Alicja!! I loved seeing and learning about Katowice. And hello Nachos!!!

[@alicja4139]

Thanks so much for watching!♥️

[@LynnB_Ky]

Very entertaining and informative Alicja, you are a natural. Poland is a very interesting country and I've always wanted to go there. Thank you for this great video 🥰 Look forward to more

[@yellowboat2055]

That was brilliant Alicja! You have such a relaxed and natural way on camera. It was lovely to see such interesting corners of your home town. I hope you'll make more videos soon!

[@alicja4139]

Thanks James! It wasn’t easy speak to the camera and Stephen put LOTS of work to put this video together.😊Thanks for watching!

[@pauldobson9498]

You did a brilliant job, very interesting and thanks so much for the tour of Katowice!

[@sbcollester]

Thank you Alicja for being brave and putting yourself out there. I really enjoyed walking around with you through your hometown. Keep making more videos!

[@JessicaPratt-gb1fy]

Loved your video, Alicja. You have a lovely presenting style and your comments about the changes in the town since your teenage years were thought provoking. The beautiful autumnal weather reminded me, funnily enough, of when we spent a year in Nashville - the dry crispness of the fallen leaves is different from the dampness of the UK. Looking forward to more Polish videos!

[@Tenmusicman]

Bardzo przyjemnie, Alicja. Dziękuję.

[@tinysmallfryskitchen8610]

I was fortunate to visit Katowice on Business some years ago, I really enjoyed it. It was great to see it through your eyes, it has made me want to return and spend a little longer as a tourist.

[@bjh616]

I could watch her all day! Great video and scenery and history. We want more of her!!!

[@fixcz]

We are finally heading to Katowice and I had to watch this video again to know what to visit there :). Thank you for your content Alicja and Steve. You have given us many ideas of what to visit during our travels in Europe.

[@OffRampAdventures]

Its hard to believe this is your first solo video, Alicja...Very well done!

[@thomaswislocki2804]

Piekne, Piekne, Piekne Alicja.......wspaniale wideo dziekuje ci bardzo... Steve you can pick a guid yin pal..!!!

[@glennenglish1797]

Alicja, well done - it's great to be shown around an unknown city, through the eyes of a 'local'. The city park is superb and the autumn colours awesome. Keep up the good work !

[@alicja4139]

Thank You very much for watching the video! Autumn is probably the most beautiful season in Poland😊

[@PeteDevrell]

Thank you Alicja for sharing your visit to your Home town with us. I enjoyed it very much.

[@doriskovalcik442]

This is great! This is my way of traveling so everything is interesting to me. My late husband’s grandparents came to America from Poland. Alicja you are an excellent guide and thank you for sharing.

[@assassinjane]

Ahoy Alicja! :D You chose a beautiful sunny day (days)! .) Katowice looks cool, I'd most definitely visit! Girl, you have absolutely nothing to worry about - your video went on very well, super-duper enjoyable! I want to see and hear from you more! ;) I'd love to visit Poland with you someday! Bear hugs to Nachos, and of course to your Mama! Thank you for sharing this piece! your Captain of the good old Blackthorne

[@capricornmoon6072]

Congratulations on your first solo video 😘

[@arthurraymond6239]

Thank you so much for showing us your hometown 😊X

[@Nerzhina]

Hi Steve & Alicja. I love your travel videos. You make travel interesting & exciting. Alicja you did a great job with your first video at your home city Kadawicha in Poland. It looks like a very interesting city. Best wishes & I hope you both travel around Ireland during the summer. It’s lovely & interesting here in Ireland & Northern Ireland.🇮🇪🙏👌

[@TheErador]

I've been to Kato quite a few times as we have an office there. Nice to see it from a local's perspective. Always thought the cathedral near Mariacka street was pretty. I've also often wondered about staying at Hotel Katowice, mostly just for the soviet era time capsule aesthetic.

[@catherine4381]

What a great video.Alicja you are so lovely.Very informative video of your hometown. I reallky enjoyed it.Well done Alicja.A very good job on your first video.

[@ethankiff7261]

Alicja should start her own channel she is already a pro at this stuff!

[@Cal1gula666]

I'd like to see more Alicja input in this channel. Alicja and Steve are so great together.

[@flankspeed007]

You did a great job Alicja! You either picked up a lot from Steve or you're a natural. What an adorable doggo Nachos is.