I do use the VPN, but I work with 3D solid modeling, and if I use the VPN i cannot use my 3Dconnexion "spaceball" and that thing has become an extension of my left hand. I also enjoy many of the same things as you do recreatinally, and I think if I were in Poland instead of the US, we would enjoy one-another's company.

We might even work for the same parent company, because we have a facility in WSK Poland. Wouldn't that be something?