Final thoughts of Poland before I get back onto my rightful path.
Poland gets a bad rap in the West and I'm not sure why. The land itself is beautiful and fertile, as evidenced by its larger, aggressive neighbors lusting for it and trying to control it for millenial. But the people have the identity of Poland in their souls, and they will never be assimilated.
The history is tragic, and travel here is a World War buff's wetdream. The museums are world class.
The food is fabulous.
The alcohol is fabulous.
The people are very well educated, with most students having at least 3 languages, a sport, and an art. Many of the kids are incredibly tech savvy.
Those Poles who have ridden the wave of economic upward mobility spend incredible amounts of zloty on their kids. Children get their own new mobile phones as early as 6 - Apple watch at 13. Children are decked out in Tommy Hilfiger from head to ankle and Adidas or Converse on the feet. These are at American prices plus the import fees -- much higher cost than we pay. Remember the base comparison - 16 oz beer for $1.25 at the convenience store; $37.50 for teeth cleaning.
Polish society is split exactly as the US, UK, France, Italy, India, and truthfully most of the world is today -- the educated, city dwellers with good jobs vs. the uneducated village people who dream of "the good old days". But the Polish PiS government has purchased votes for decades to come by giving monthly payments to families for every child they have - regardless of need. When you read news about Poland's Law and Order government - know that only 50% of the population actually support their ideas.
Those American who dream of taking a skiing trip to Europe should consider Poland over Switzerland / Italy / Austria. Fly to Krakow where you can experience tons of WWII history, and ski in Zakopane where your dollar will go much farther against the zloty than it will against the euro.
I will definitely remember my times here, stay in touch with the friends I've made, and will probably visit again.
And now, back to Conversational Italian.