We’ve known each other through work for many years, but today I’d like to share with you what I do in my free time.
I’ve been fascinated by history since I was young. Over time, I began to realize what a wealth of history lies hidden in our region—the former Duchy of Cieszyn (Teschinensis Ducatus). It’s an area with an exceptionally rich and multifaceted past. You only need to step off the beaten path to realize that history is still very much alive here.
I am a member of the Polish Explorers’ Association, and at the same time I am working to establish my own association, which would allow for an even broader scope of activity and the integration of people with shared interests.
I do not consider this my professional activity. It is a hobby, a passion, and a way to spend my free time meaningfully—both for myself and to preserve the memory of the past.
A military button is a fragment of a specific soldier’s life—someone wore it, perhaps lost it while running, or in a moment of tension. An old coin is a trace of a merchant or an ordinary person who might have lost it during a stop or a brief rest along the way. These small objects allow us to pause for a moment and reflect on the people who were here before us.
Before heading out into the field, I like to prepare. I study maps, read literature, and look for information about the site. I also often listen to the stories of older people who have frequently witnessed history firsthand. Their memories can tell us more than many documents.
The more I learn, the more I realize just how vast and multifaceted this topic is. Our country’s long history shows just how many layers lie beneath a seemingly ordinary landscape. This motivates me to continue exploring these mysteries and developing my knowledge in this area. It brings me great satisfaction not only to gain this knowledge, but also to see things with my own eyes and sometimes even touch them—and to share this experience with others.
Naturally, my passion is linked to bushcraft (skills for living and surviving in the wild), which is no stranger to me. I think it stems from my childhood and military service—like every boy, I loved toy soldiers and the atmosphere of adventure. Today, my ability to navigate the terrain, find my way in the forest, and act independently are of great help to me on my expeditions.
I’m also a drone operator. It has helped me many times when exploring larger areas—especially in the deeper parts of the mountains, far from the daily hustle and bustle of the city and crowded trails. Thanks to it, I can view the terrain from a different perspective, better understand the layout of the area, and at the same time appreciate the beauty of our region even more deeply—especially its nature.
Of course, I don’t limit myself to just the immediate surroundings. If time and conditions allow, I like to venture to other parts of Poland and sometimes even abroad. History doesn’t end at the borders of the principality.
What may seem unusual to some is a form of relaxation for me. Often after a night shift, when others are returning to their warm beds, I’m already setting out on a trip at eight in the morning. It is there, close to nature, that I truly relax.
Far from screens and artificial light, your eyes can finally rest and your thoughts begin to flow more freely. The silence of the forest can be more soothing than many weekends spent on the couch in front of the TV or watching travel videos on YouTube. Because sometimes, instead of watching others discover the world, it’s worth simply stepping outside and doing it yourself.
Not every trip ends with a discovery—and that’s okay. The most important thing is to be out in the field, to be in touch with nature, and to realize that we are all part of this ever-unfolding history. And one day we will become part of it—and it’s up to us how we’ll be remembered.
That’s the end of the story I’ve prepared for you today. It wasn’t easy to put it all down on paper, but I think it was worth it. Maybe this will inspire someone to look at their surroundings in a new light. Maybe they’ll notice something special that catches their interest.
And if you have a piece of land and are wondering what it might hide—you already know who to turn to. I’d love to find out together with you.
