ANTOINETTE GREW UP in Kwidzyn, Poland during the 1980s, experiencing the end of communism.
With a diverse heritage, Antoinette’s paternal lineage included a French great-grandfatherwho moved to Poland. The family mostly spoke Polish, though some French was retained. Outdoor play was central to her childhood, with limited television. Her cultural background fostered resilience and adaptability.
Life in Poland involved bartering goods and collecting items like newspapers. Her childhood was filled with outdoor adventures and simple pleasures. Post-communism, supermarkets transformed shopping experiences, although queuing for basics was common.
At 21, Antoinette moved to the UK with her boyfriend, facing stress and strict border checks. They stayed with her wealthy cousin in London, experiencing cultural diversity for the first time.Here Antoinette tells her story of adapting to life in the UK and how she came to live in Honiton.
She cherishes the family-oriented traditions and strong sense of community from Poland while embracing her life in the UK. Her story reflects her independence and adaptability, bridging the cultural gap between Poland and England.
Listen to highlights from Antoinette’s interview below:
Highlight 1: An amazing childhood in Kwidzyn, Poland [00:00:00 – 00:01:54]
Highlight 2: The sights and smells of London [00:01:55 – 00:03:44]
Highlight 3: Create myself from new, nobody to judge me [00:03:46 – 00:06:45]
Highlight 4: This idyllic vision of Poland in my head [00:06:46 – 00:09:26]
Highlight 5: Why is it important to share your story? [00:09:27 – 00:10:54]
Listen to Antoinette’s full interview here: