Update from Poland and my UK Visa situation

Dear friends,
We had a wonderful reception with hundreds of people at the Almi Décor store in the fanciest mall in Warsaw. The attaché from the U.S embassy in Warsaw introduced me, and I gave a speech about my Polish heritage and about my family, whose roots are traced back for centuries in Poland. At the Almi Décor, we unveiled framed photography of my first art show ever!  I was so excited at the positive response.  Hundreds of paparazzi were flashing pictures and I had interviews by many excellent journalists.  We did a lot of sightseeing in Warsaw and a lot of good dining.  We visited the office of MSL Polish publisher, Edi Press.  We had a lunch with our editors and the president of Edi Press Polska, Mr. Napierrala, at the Belvedere Restaurant in Warsaw.  Everybody here is very positive about our Polish edition, which will be on newsstands on June 26th.

Because I cannot yet go to England because of my visa situation, I am leaving Warsaw to go to Prague for a bit of sightseeing, exploring, and research.  We are hoping that the visa situation will be cleared up in time for me to fulfill my business obligations in England next week.  We will keep you posted.  Lots of pictures are coming, so keep visiting my blog and let me know your thoughts!

Comments

[Thomas Hadding]

They should let you in! What a poor decision by the UK! As a UK Citizen I apologize.

Thomas

[Daniela]

Don't worry about England, it's always cold there. Just come straight to Australia we would love to have you here!

[Jason]

As a British citizen I am ashamed with the border agency. Their basis of denying your entry is completely unjustifiable.

[Jen Beaton]

Oh Martha! good luck with the visa situation!

[Bet]

I'm confused. I've never needed a visa to visit the UK. Why would Martha need one?

[Angie D from Ohio]

When I heard about the visa problem with the UK, I was completely shocked. I mean come on people.. isn't enough enough???

Looking forward to seeing photos of your trip. How has the food been?

[Janet Cooper-Bridge]

It's disgusting what happened to you... OJ Simpson walks the streets, Mark Rich receives a pardon from that cad, Bill Clinton; and yet you, someone who has contributed so much and live your life with such Grace cannot get a Visa to travel to the UK. It makes me sick!

Continue to be who you are, hold your head high and know that you are cherished as a National treasure here in America!

With love,
Janet

[Mrs. Ben Lanier]

I don't know how you do it all!!! I could never keep myself straight on your schedule! I admire your drive and work ethic very much!!! Thank you for all of your fabulous photos and experiences you share on this blog!

[Susan]

I enjoyed hearing about your travels in Poland. I, too, am of Polish heritage and dream of visiting the "Old Motherland" someday. Enjoy your trip and good luck with the UK!
Susan

[Brian Utz Jr.]

Martha, I saw this story on my Wii News.... you know you're a homekeeping goddess when you make the news on a game console!!

I think it's utterly ridiculous that the UK revoked your entrance!! Hopefully this matter will be taken care of very soon!

All the Best,
Brian

[Sherry]

I'm hoping you get to the UK & enjoy your trip. I understand that the gardens & countryside are beautiful there! Can't wait to see pictures. Keep thinking positive.

[Eleanor]

I was very sorry to hear of your visa troubles, and obviously think it is an extremely poor decision by the UK government--but enjoy Prague! It's a beautiful, beautiful city.

[oe]

For all those who love Matha and over 4 million USA citizens, please write, email. fax, or call your US Congress person to pass HR 623--Second Chance for Felons. States can expunge (seal) a state crime, but the federal government has no such law now. A presidential pardon does not seal record. So HR 623 was introduced by Charles Rangle D-NY to expunge record of a federal felon with only 1 non-violent conviction, after 5 years of no other conviction, and 1 year of community service. This bill needs your help. It has been introduced in Congress in 4 other sessions and died all 4 times. Google hr 623 and find more info. Please email Martha and other talk show hosts to have Charles Rangle on to talk about this bill. This way Matha and other Americans can go proudly wherever they want.

[JenR]

Martha, I am SO, so sorry about the UK situation. My country lets a convicted foreign terrorist live here because he will not receive a fair trial if he goes home to Jordan, let they will not let you visit? I cannot understand that, and I assure you that all of my friends feel the same way. I do hope that the authorities will see the error of their ways and let you come here. My sincerest apologies!!!

[Hayley]

Hey Martha, I can't believe they won't let you in! We would be honoured to have you as a guest in our country :-( Good Luck and I do hope you get to visit, I hope it won't put you off!

Hayley x

[Elizabeth]

Hi Martha
I am so sorry you are not able to visit the UK. I hope everything works out for you! I can't believe that they won't let such a wonderful person like yourself into the UK. Best of luck!!
Elizabeth

[Kathy]

Hi, Martha,
Congratulations on your first art show! I hope we see photos of the event as well as your work.
Good Luck with your visa.
I was hoping that some day you would visit Jamie Oliver---a possible visit discussed when he was on your show---and even Nigellla Lawson.
I hope to see many photos and descriptions of Poland.
Thanks again for the blog.
Kathy

[Angela Willis]

Why can't you get into England, Martha?

Angela

[Andrew Ritchie]

Martha, I think it's absurd that they didn't let you into the UK because of your 'record.' A pathetic use of power on their part. I hope it works out.

Poland, eh? I have always wanted to go there, especially Krakow. And, perhaps it's morbid, but I've always wanted to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, that horrendous concentration camp where so many people were killed during the Second World War. I need to see it. I hope you got to see it too.

Looking forward to your photos.

Andrew

[Ann]

Hi Martha
I would pass right by the UK - who do they think they are. I'd tell MUM - thanks but no thanks, I'll go where I'm wanted. I'm married to a Brit, snotty bunch I must say.
Enjoy Prague, I've been there and LOVED it.

[DianeM]

I loved Poland when I visited several years ago. I taught English in a small southern town, Stary Sacz, and found everyone to be extremely friendly and gracious. The children made our experience enjoyable as educators and vistors. My grandparents are from Poland and I was able to connect with some of my relatives in Warsaw. Glad to hear you were able to visit and appreciate some of your heritage. Looking forward to the photos from your trip and to Prague.

[Diane]

Remember we left the UK for a better way of life.

[Paul]

You should have also gone to Krakow while you were in Poland! It is such a beautiful city!

[Jan Erickson]

Hi Martha, Thank you so very much for your blog about your wonderful tour of Warsaw, Poland. I can hardly wait to see your photos of your 1st art show of your framed photos. I can only imagine how beautiful the photos are. It sounds like you had a good time in Warsaw and I'll bet they will enjoy seeing your magazine in June 26th. Have fun in Prauge. I hope you get your London visa soon. Best wishes for a terrific visit in London. Thanks so much for sharing. I love you, Jan

[Peking]

This exclusion from the United Kingdom is absolutely ridiculous. Sometimes there are no words to describe the short-sightedness of bureaucracies. Your conviction was wrong to begin with and still you have to pay a price. I am appalled at the British government.