There are a lot of places here in Chełmno, where you always feel like something magic is about to happen. One of them gazes at Market Square its sparkly eyes wide open, enticing passers-by with sophisticated flavours and fresh colours, welcoming them to walk inside.
Early in the morning fairies appear at the entrance. Always neat and tidy, they graciously carry flower pots in their gentle hands and place them in front of the large arched windows. Every day all year round they elaborately decorate their tiny realm with green plants and blossom, as if there’s no winter or bad weather, and then they disappear inside under a humble signboard „Witch-Tree Flower Shop”. A coincidence?
On approaching the windows, you freeze for a while mesmerized by endless variety of statuettes, chinaware, chandeliers and a number of other charming small and large things from flower pots and reading lamps to fairy tales’ figures and porcelain dolls. That impressive collection of ceramic houses you encounter once you find yourself inside the flower shop kindles even more interest. You can’t but smile thinking about fays and elves who might live in this fascinating space nourished by warm late-afternoon sunbeams. This place awakes your inner child.
At first you catch yourself hiding behind a rich verdure island in the middle of the shop, then you step forward approaching a high counter sinking in greenery and blooming orchids. Here she is. The sorceress. She’s smiling warmly and this is the moment you realize her power to spread the magnificence of this place anywhere you want. She will compose a delicate bouquet for a first date, a gentle corsage for a bride, a gorgeous decoration for a meaningful day of your life or a sad but generous farewell to the one you pay your last respects to.
There is a staircase behind her. It looks so cosy and enigmatic. The sorceress immediately recognizes that spark of curiosity on your face and kindly allows you to walk upstairs. You make your way up and enter a small café on the first floor. It’s decorated modestly with soft colours, discreet flowers and zephyrian lampshades. Rays of western sun fill the room through the wealth of windows. Though being empty, this room doesn’t look abandoned, but homy and inviting. As if some guests are ready to come up any moment to occupy that intimate table in the oriel.
One more weird fact about the place is that the café is open only on special days in summer and winter. So, if it’s not 9 Hills Festival or St. Valentine’s Day, you will probably enjoy the sunset in peaceful silence.
You go down a bit puzzled but happy about this feeling. That was a journey, your small discovery. Magic is still in the air. You wave to the flower lady at the counter, articulating a polite “goodbye” as she’s talking to a new customer, and sneak quietly trough the door to meet the real world, inspired and fascinated.
Alena Marynicheva
