Steven
20 Jan 2006 / #1
If you are going to Poland for the very first time all you need to bring with you an open mind (the rest will be easily provided for you.) Actually an open mind is a prerequisite, to enjoying your time in the country.
I assume that you do not speak the exotic language that Poles use to communicate among themselves and according to some, at times, sounds very much like a lot of strange insects making mating noises.
Although, knowing the language can be an advantage, I promise you, you will do great without, possibly even better. You see, as a real foreigner, you are expected, possibly even supposed to master more than a couple of the most rudimentary words like "good day," "thank you, "good bye" and possibly a couple of swearwords.
Knowing more Polish than that can put you at disadvantage; "He knows Polish, he can manage." If you don't, everyone will be more than happy to help. If you do, you're on your own.
Some Poles will use every opportunity to practice their own variant of sign language that - at least that is what they believe - works on any foreigner, others will use this occasion to test their, often limited, fluency in English on a real live foreigner.
Beware that although most Poles are not very capable when it comes to the mastery of foreign languages most of them fancy themselves as real polyglots. Thus, you may very well have to listen to long and convoluted explanations involving the country's dire past and their family's success or lack thereof in real life.
You don't have to understand every word, in fact you don't even have to listen, Just nod from time to time and issue some well suited grunts and your on your way. And for God's sake do not decline if you have been offered a glass of vodka with a traditional Polish "śledź" (herring). You have just found yourself a friend.
Language aside, you will need money. The hotels are not cheap, although the food is relatively inexpensive, the cheapest in the EU, which will allow you to taste the Polish specialties without being worried about going broke. And taste you should, since the Polish kitchen, at least according to myself and a few other experts, is one of the best in the world.
Since Poland has been for so long under influence from so many different sources, Italians, French, Germans, Austrians, Russians, just to name a few, it contains an eclectic mix of dishes and influences from all of the above. Poles do enjoy their food and so should you. But beware, the typical Polish dinner consists of three dishes: soup, main meal and dessert. Thus, you should be prepared to spend at least a couple of hours at a real Polish dinner. Add to the above a need for refreshments, be it beer, wine, vodka or foreign stuff, and you understand now that dining in Poland is a serious business. Better practice in advance as not to shame yourself. According to Poles the eating habits in the West are seriously neglected. The Poles eat, the Westerners are on a diet.
Once you are full, it is time for entertainment. There is enough nightlife, especially in the big city, for anyone's taste. Dance the night, or relax in a pub. Whatever makes you happy. And in the morning, provided you are up to it after a night in town, you can enjoy wandering around the Old City in Warsaw, going to museums, visiting the Wawel, the ancient castle of the Polish kings. And there is more. Poland will cater to any taste, so whatever your preferences - we've got it.
Take a swim in the Baltic Sea, although water can be a bit cold, walk the beautiful white beaches, climb in mountains, pick mushrooms in the old forests. Whatever you need it's all there.
True you can't go hunting lions or elephants, but there are some - if you wish to watch them - at the Zoo. On the other hand, hunting of the Polish native animals is another option.
It is all there for you to choose from, so why not start now. As a first time traveler you are in for a treat, and don't let me spoil it by revealing it all. After all, at least half the pleasure is to discover things on your own. The best tips I can give you is "to make friends," this will take you everywhere you want to go and possibly to other places you don't even know they exist.
--- by Steven ---
I assume that you do not speak the exotic language that Poles use to communicate among themselves and according to some, at times, sounds very much like a lot of strange insects making mating noises.
Although, knowing the language can be an advantage, I promise you, you will do great without, possibly even better. You see, as a real foreigner, you are expected, possibly even supposed to master more than a couple of the most rudimentary words like "good day," "thank you, "good bye" and possibly a couple of swearwords.
Knowing more Polish than that can put you at disadvantage; "He knows Polish, he can manage." If you don't, everyone will be more than happy to help. If you do, you're on your own.
Some Poles will use every opportunity to practice their own variant of sign language that - at least that is what they believe - works on any foreigner, others will use this occasion to test their, often limited, fluency in English on a real live foreigner.
Beware that although most Poles are not very capable when it comes to the mastery of foreign languages most of them fancy themselves as real polyglots. Thus, you may very well have to listen to long and convoluted explanations involving the country's dire past and their family's success or lack thereof in real life.
You don't have to understand every word, in fact you don't even have to listen, Just nod from time to time and issue some well suited grunts and your on your way. And for God's sake do not decline if you have been offered a glass of vodka with a traditional Polish "śledź" (herring). You have just found yourself a friend.
Language aside, you will need money. The hotels are not cheap, although the food is relatively inexpensive, the cheapest in the EU, which will allow you to taste the Polish specialties without being worried about going broke. And taste you should, since the Polish kitchen, at least according to myself and a few other experts, is one of the best in the world.
Since Poland has been for so long under influence from so many different sources, Italians, French, Germans, Austrians, Russians, just to name a few, it contains an eclectic mix of dishes and influences from all of the above. Poles do enjoy their food and so should you. But beware, the typical Polish dinner consists of three dishes: soup, main meal and dessert. Thus, you should be prepared to spend at least a couple of hours at a real Polish dinner. Add to the above a need for refreshments, be it beer, wine, vodka or foreign stuff, and you understand now that dining in Poland is a serious business. Better practice in advance as not to shame yourself. According to Poles the eating habits in the West are seriously neglected. The Poles eat, the Westerners are on a diet.
Once you are full, it is time for entertainment. There is enough nightlife, especially in the big city, for anyone's taste. Dance the night, or relax in a pub. Whatever makes you happy. And in the morning, provided you are up to it after a night in town, you can enjoy wandering around the Old City in Warsaw, going to museums, visiting the Wawel, the ancient castle of the Polish kings. And there is more. Poland will cater to any taste, so whatever your preferences - we've got it.
Take a swim in the Baltic Sea, although water can be a bit cold, walk the beautiful white beaches, climb in mountains, pick mushrooms in the old forests. Whatever you need it's all there.
True you can't go hunting lions or elephants, but there are some - if you wish to watch them - at the Zoo. On the other hand, hunting of the Polish native animals is another option.
It is all there for you to choose from, so why not start now. As a first time traveler you are in for a treat, and don't let me spoil it by revealing it all. After all, at least half the pleasure is to discover things on your own. The best tips I can give you is "to make friends," this will take you everywhere you want to go and possibly to other places you don't even know they exist.
--- by Steven ---