Finally going to Poland. After 17 years.

Haven't been back for 17 years....what should I expect? Going to go with one or two friends for two weeks in June.

That many, many things will be changed! I'm not a native, but through visits from 2002 - 2007 I can see Poland changing. Maybe more specific questions will help others to answer.

Talking with teenagers will make you aware of new words in polish language
The condition of many sidewalks will make you learn new steps
Customer service will surprise you
Positive energy will make you understand this IS heart of Europe
Tiny 1 groszy coins will make you inspect them carefully
You will have problems crossing street
Food will taste like never before
You'd think you're rich

So many changes have occured since i have been visiting Poland for the last 10 years!
The roads are slowly being re-surfaced, cities are looking like more & more companies are investing, new shopping centres-EVERYWHERE!, the whole country especially after joining the E.U have benefited so much, all good stuff i think :)

or reading some threads here heh

That this photo is taken in a mall in Warsaw is a sign of the changes in 17 years,I'm certain.

There are more cars on the roads than 17 years ago.
More McDonald's and Pizza Huts.
More Malls.
More motels (zajazdy), gas stations, more variety at the markets and giełdy.
Pretty much the same people but more stuff.

I left Poland when I was 12 years old....there were no fast food restaurants. I remember the first hamburger I had was at the airport, and from memories it still tasted better than any hamburger i've eaten since. I remember whem i was a kid I'd wake up very early on saturday mornings go to the supermarket, buy warm fresh baked buns, some vanilla yoghurt, and damn that tasted like nothing else. I remember walking into the vegetable store and smelling the earth and vegetables....nothing was waxed and shiny like it is here, but everything tasted 1000 times better. I'm really looking forward to going.

Can't say I have ever had a really memorable airport meal...


Fortunately, that hasn't changed. You've hit on many of the things I experienced in PL.


Enjoy your trip!