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

[Lo']

I moved 9months ago to Wroclaw for Medical School, and I've taken a train up to Warsaw a few times to visit friends-- but it's really not that great of a city if you're going to visit Poland. Wroclaw is actually pretty amazing, and Krakow is another great place to sight-see. Unfortunately I have to fly to Warsaw before going back home to California next week, but I'm very excited to be coming home soon. It's very important to know your history, even if you're not as attached to it.

[Loris Siddons]

Obviously the UK just don't appreciate you as much as we do here in Australia, and it is too cold there in many respects. We would love you to come visit us here in Australia, and I can assure you, your visit with us would be cherished.

[Jaime Townsend]

I'm sorrry to hear about your predicament. There seems to be a trend of "making examples" out of well known people. Haven't you noticed lately? Everytime there is slip up, the local gov., law enforcement, etc. has to make a big deal out of it and it gets splashed all over the news. If anytthing, its both intimidating and inflamatory to the rest of us. If they'll pick on someone like you, who's next?

[MMC from San Diego]

I hope the visa issue is resolved quickly for you, Martha. All the negative press is certainly unwelcome!

[Lisa Wiley]

Oh well now that's just STUPID. I have always believed that your conviction was wrong and that you were the victim of a misogynist legal system. They cannot stand it --that a woman is as successful as you are.
And THEN! Bush commutes the sentence of a man who endangered a woman's life and ended her career! Like you, they probably thought her place should be in the kitchen, period, not in the kitchen as well as the board room or the CIA.
But I digress...
My rant aside, whether you were justly convicted or not, it's not as though someone who (may have) "lied" poses a real threat to anyone in Britain now is it?
Have a wonderful trip and, HEY! Maybe those meetings could be rescheduled and held in another --more friendly-- city?

[Pam from California]

I must have had 50 Google alerts since yesterday about you Martha and your visa problems in the UK. No matter where you go you are the center of attention no doubt about it!
Have a good time in Poland and wherever else you vacation ,if the UK doesn't come around to some good sense about all of this then it is their loss completely. I find the entire situation most upsetting -it plain and simply pis--- me off if you get my meaning.

Pam from California

[kerry]

I have a Polish background as well and would love to one day visit there with my boys. The last of my Polish Grandparents died last year and I as sooo grateful for you Mother's recipes...essentially they were the same meals I grew up eating with my Babcias...but I never had. I still can't make my pierogies as perfect as my Babcia did but I love that I have simply explained recipes from your family. All the best and hope your situation there is short-lived. OOh, and I almost forgot to mention an art project you might like to try with an old storm window...it's quick and stunning.. I posted about it under Art Projects on my blog...www.snickerdoodles.typepad.com

[Mary Hughes]

I'm sure when they get the whole visa thing resolved it will be worth the wait. You just never know why things work out like they do. Love your blog! Glad to have found it. Mary

[Sam]

I'd love to see photos of your first art show..how exciting! I'm sure everything will work out as it is supposed to soon. How wonderful to have a little extra time to sightsee!

[Katharine Weber]

Why not schedule the meetings in Dublin? I am sure the Republic of Ireland would enjoy hosting you under the circumstances.

[Maureen]

I'm so happy that you had a nice visit in Poland where they welcomed you with generous hearts.

As for England.....well, all I can say it's their loss if they don't reverse their decision on the Visa situation.

[Joe]

I am so happy your are POLISH.. It's a beautiful country with great people like you..You must see Krakow becuase you will return to this lovely city... Joe

[Pru]

Oh Martha! My mum and I are still holding out hope of seeing you next Thursday. We were in Harrods on Saturday and they remain very optimistic, in fact they were going to be putting out your new line that evening! I am sure that the Government will overturn their decision which is ridiculous. We would love to have you here and look forward to welcoming you very soon. As for England being cold, the weather is lovely here at the moment, but I am sure you will be able to testify to that very soon.

Keep thinking positively.

Pru

[Marj]

As absurd as it is not to let Martha Stewart into the UK, due to her record, it should be noted that such arrangements are reciprocal between countries. Anyone with a record however minor is denied entry to the US. Many celebrities have been unable to come to the US for performances, accepting awards because of this. Nelson Mandela still has problems coming to the US because he is on a very old "terror list". For all we know the UK law was only instituted after the US started enforcing this on it's side. And the UK has a right to stand by it's decision when the US has never backed off on it's side and allowed UK entertainers with records entry to the US.

[Kochas]

Hey, Martha, why did you add the union jack instead of a Polish flag?;-)

[neecy]

why should she be treated different from anybody else, if you have a criminal history you need a visa, it's the same to get into the USA.

[Trish]

Well, the UK was a place I desired to visit one day but...if you're not good enough for them well then they are not good enough for me. And I don't intend to keep a sense of humor about it either!

I can't wait to see your framed pictures and I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in Poland. I'll keep my fingers crossed that someone comes to their senses and issues you a visa. Take care, Martha. Trish

[Andrea and the Weimaraners]

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Hmmm, Martha,

Britain has made a most unpopular decision.

The British Foreign Office is quoted as "saddened" that Big Ben blemished itself this weekend by landing an official poo poo to your visit, and then dropping it at your feet upon arrival.

One spokesperson states, "We are not pleased at this action. We see the economic activity Ms. Stewart's business ventures could create."

This Brit by Renaissance ancestry, though of U.S. citizenry, thinks my homeland needs go beyond the "what's in it for me" line of sorrow.

Here we have a creme de la creme lady of planet proportion noted as one of the 5 hardest working individuals alive. She has brought nothing to a 'bigger than sky' magnitude of our worldwide kin, but education, elegance, and astounding inspiration to succeed at dream making.

I believe public sorrow need be, not to consumer loss, but to one lady and her suitcase who loves the British landscape, despite this week's blinding fog.

I hope my 'brace of kinsmen' replace the tarnish at your feet Martha, with a more suitable threshold welcome. We back here in Cowboy Town would roll them our best suggestion!

With Red Carpet Respect,
AJS and the Weimaraners

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[Mary]

Martha, I'm sure the visa situation will be cleared up soon and your visit to the UK will be wonderful. So glad you've enjoyed yourself in Poland!

[Margie]

Martha, it will be great fun touring England through your camera. We are waiting with great patience. Well maybe not "great" but we are patient because the food tour is not to be missed.
Thanks, hang around Europe, enjoy a spontaneous vagabond life style.

[david]

Martha the Brits are idiots! Not to let you in is there loss!! Im glad we have you! David

[Lydia Fiedler]

Martha -

The visa thing is insanity - so terrorists are fine, but not Martha Stewart? Wow - I'd love to live in a world where YOU were my biggest worry! :) You know what - Poland sounds absolutely fabby though, so just have a wonderful time there, snag some great pierogi recipes (I know Big Martha's by heart!) and enjoy a wonderful sweet people. A friend of mine would say that that little mishap was the hand of God moving you to a safer place, so you just never know why you weren't supposed to go to England last week! Enjoy & come home soon! My Tivo misses you!!! Safe travels.

[Linda J]

I can't believe they would deny you access and yet allow Naomi Campbell in, especially since she had assult charges laid against her in the US and then assulted ploice and airline personnel in the UK. Assult is more of a national security issue than what you were unfailrly accused of. Ms Campbell should be doing jail time instead of paying fines and community service.

Good luck with your visa application, however enjoy Poland, etc. You deserve a good rest.

[Pru]

Linda,

Not to get off point, but Naomi Campbell is English.

[Mary Collings]

Martha - I'm so sorry that my country is not allowing you in. It's crazy and I feel really embarrassed to be British.

I love you, your blog, your website and your show (the excerpts that I watch on your blog)and I buy Living every month.
Sadly, we aren't able to see your shows here. I wish!

Please know that the few idiots that make these crass decisions do NOT represent the people who live here. I have many friends who love you too.
I really hope that you do manage to get in!

lots of love
Mary