In May 2000 I was invited to the special three days celebration of 100 Exceptional Polish Women selected by the media from magazine PANI in Poland. I was delighted and honoured, second time (first in 1996), to be named as one of the hundred exceptional Polish Women for Year 1999. It was a great privilege and a joy for me.

All selected women were praised for their significant representation in various domains of life. I was selected for my travel adventure life and photographic and publishing achievements. As I planned to visit Poland the same time with my photographic exhibition "Australian Outback" I took the opportunity for the wonderful occasion to participate at the special celebration. I was looking forward to meeting many exceptional, young and more experienced, modest and famous women from different walks of life.

The historic huge 700 year old Castle Ksiaz in the southern region of Poland was chosen the site for this event. The picturesque castle situated at the top of the steep rocky ridges was surrounded by the river gorges and hundreds year old park and forest. It became a joyful place for those women who were able to come and for many distinguished guests from the local Walbrzych council and region. There were also well known Polish speakers and show-business people

With good luck I met in Warsaw another young woman, Agnieszka, from this honoured women's group. We spent many exciting hours talking during the car journey to the south of Poland.

The program of this celebration was full of interesting meetings, presentations, exquisite dinners, banquets, concerts and entertainments. However, for me the most enjoyable event was to meet privately with many great Polish women-achievers. It was a very interesting way to learn instantly of many changes and challenges in my homeland since I left for Australia. My experiences from Ksiaz were mixed with admiration, surprises (good and bad) and reflections for life and people at the present time in Poland.

The weather was kind to us with sunny days and I enjoyed early morning walks with camera around the magical Castle Ksiaz. My brief visit in Ksiaz left me with many great memories, many photographs and some special new friends.