* The sites of Warsaw

Looking at the calendar I realize that I only have 2 weeks left and I haven’t seen nearly as much as I planned to. But isn’t that always the case, you rarely see your own backyard. I had hoped to travel last weekend, but it rained and it takes a min. of traveling 3 countries over to escape bad weather..
So instead of discovering the streets of another charming polish city, I spent last weekend in front of two, lovely dinning room tables, exploring the vice of gluteny a little deeper. On Saturday, I was invited to an old friend’s home, Krzystof, for an home-cooked, 3-course Thai/Italian lunch. The following day I was invited over to the family I met at Krzystof’s place for another 3 course polish cuisine feast. I was quietly rolled back to the apartment by the kind couple…
I thought I would spend this blog providing you with some interesting observations/facts of my fellow country men/women. Warsaw has a very sad recent history. Poland was unlucky to have the first shots of WWII fired at it and Warsaw, was the sight of a horrendous albeit heroic battle in 1944, when the underground poles, calling themselves, the ‘Polish underground state & home army 'staged an uprising against the Nazi occupiers. There are ubiquitous plagues commemorating this day. A few weeks ago, I had ordered a drink at a local coffee shop and before the gal could make my drink, she was called to the doorway. The display was surreal and solemn. A street full of people stopped dead in their tracks for over a good minute, along with cars, busses etc, all stopped, all waiting for the low volume siren to stop its ringing. This was their way of commemorating the anniversary of the Uprising.
Unfortunately, the conclusion was many lost lives, along with the total destruction of what was once know as ‘the Paris of the East’. Uniquely enough, all of the Old Town and main streets were completely rebuilt – according to exact specs of the destroyed building. How fascinating eh. Right after the war,, everyone would come from all over poland and work in shifts to make this rebuilding happen - kids, adults, everyone. When walking through the Old Town, its near impossible to believe that its only really 60 yrs old. The Palace of Culture, as shown in the photo, is Warsaw’s main landmark and only a 5 min. walk from my bloc. A lovely gift by the Russians to the Poles.
Among their fallen heroes, the Poles esteem their writers, poets, artists by commemorating them with plagues as well. The Poles, as well as most central/eastern Europeans, are a very well read and cultured people. There is a high, college graduation rate .I was told it was the only luxury they had in the Communist times– to learn.
Along with being about to quote verses from all their famous poets, poles are very emotive - they talk in terms of feelings rather than of activities, (like we american's tend to). There’s a sense of depth to their conversations that I can’t fully explain, but I will say, its very refreshing and enligtening.
A few facts to know when visiting Poland.
No touching the money. Money doesn’t exchange hands – often here. There is a little dish where money is placed or given when at the supermarket, bank, exchange kiosk.
* Hello. Its common to acknowledge people when you enter a room, an elevator, a small store etc. Say hello when there are only a few of you.
* Politenesss is requested. One never address a stranger, wait staff, helper of any sorts, as just ‘you’ or starts off with a specific question (like I have done many times and have been chastised for) A ‘please sir/madam’ (literal translation) is always plced before any and all comments/questions.
* You are not always the right, as a customer. I’ve heard merchants at the market yelling politely (with the please sir/madam) at would-be customers not to touch their fruit so much. One guys got ticked at a lady who was coming around every two weeks and touching his handbags.
*Ladies have right of way. Its refreshing to have doors opened, be allowed first through to the bus or doorway. Perhaps chivalry is a compulsive class here at school.
I also was enlightened about the polish culture-dating scene. A few rules, ladies.
1. No matter how much a girl likes the guy, she refrains from contacting or making the first move. No matter how much. I’m hoping this strategy is still in the redevelopment phase.
2. I didn’t understand women don’t look at or smile at attractive men while walking past – and men likewise. I was informed, last week, that it’s a sign that you want to pick that person up which is just too forward for this day and age here. Ah, so much to learn and only two weeks left.