Travel, 50+, Poland

Despite Polish language causing me challenges to level up here, Poland has been one of my favorite countries to visit for quite a while. I've been going for something around a decade, now. Each time something has improved. Even with their issues, life is getting visibly better. Yet, Poland is one of the most hated (European) countries when I speak with other travelers. Especially older people and people who visited in the early 90s or earlier seem to carry a grudge. A few others for political or historical reasons. I've been trying to sell the "give modern Poland a chance". So far without much success. They've always welcomed me with kindness and open arms and will have to tolerate my visits a few more times.

There's only one incident of inconvenience regarding a Pole for me. Some guy just fixated on me and did everything he could to catch my attention. As I finally gave him a direct look, he smirked and shoved his hands down his pants and started wagging. Now, each country has their ninnyhammers. No reason to hold this one guy against a nation. Otherwise, it's been tourists who have acted like asses. Often old American men (per accent) for some reason. Seemed like the ones who engaged in a conversation had come to look for some yt/dickdock 'alpha' advertised retirement fantasy, which does not really exist. Frustration gets lashed out at anyone who seems they could listen. As the famous saying goes, "It is what it is."

As I started going, Poland was not very famous or popular with tourists. I saw very few foreigners beyond some business travelers and a handful of tourists in places like Warsaw or Krakow. It was still possible to obtain the good old Soviet service culture (as described in an earlier post) and people were often surprised and/or suspicious to see someone like me around. At the same time, people were kind and helpful. Even with language barrier. To note, Poland is the only place where this happened: I asked if the (food) establishment has a certain dish available. They said no, but, at their own initiative, offered to make it as long as I could describe how it's done. I gave them the recipe as best I could and they whipped it up. Great success!

Shopping in Poland is great. The prices are very affordable on European scale, the quality is comparatively good and they still have a lot of the crafts people around. You want your shoes fixed, no problem. You want holes to your belt, no problem. Sewing, carving, plumbing advice or whatever and so on. You will always find someone or someone knows someone. While in most other European countries you ask for any help in nearly any shop, they go "Not our problem." while turning their back on you. Even if it's about a product in their shelves. In case you have used unfixable items, buying a new one on the road will not bankrupt you. Effectively, I have a lot of Polish or via Poland items of all kinds.

But hey dude, what about the touristy touristing around? Okay, fine...

While Poland is quite huge for a European nation, it's easy to go around. For those with fire burning under their bum, you can easily fly a LOT. Warsaw to Krakow, as you do, or other options. The OF and IG girls who are planning to go for that scantily clothed photo shoot at Auschwitz will find a convenient bus or a minibus from their hotel. I have, personally, preferred trains where available. You can ride the rail with your merry companions from and to any moderately sized city.

The versatility of offerings stretches from the beaches to the mountains, well kept to, well, not so well kept architecture. Some cities have special touristy offerings such as the dwarves of Wrocław, loved by children and child like treasure hunters alike. In case you will, and why wouldn't you, go deep into the ground at Wieliczka salt mines (where I, per my traveling tradition, accidentally crashed yet another wedding), here's a tip: There's a special stamp at the bottom of the mine. It carries the logo of the place as well as the year of visit. The stamp is hidden in a dark corner near the shop down there (har, har) on a table almost everyone plain ignores. You cannot get this stamp elsewhere (at least at the time of my visit), which pissed off a lot of the people who asked about mine above ground. And no. You cannot go back because "boohoo, I didn't get the stamp because I don't pay attention to my surroundings without the guide hand-holding me to it". You buy a new ticket or go without. In case you're in a tour group with a ride included and a timetable to follow... Well, it was funnier to me as an outside observer.

The Judgment:
Poland offers something for all ages, all interests and all wallet thicknesses. Yet, it remains largely overlooked. On the other hand I go scoffing and spreading arms about it. On the other hand, I'm happy it's not "full" as so many other places begin to be. It strokes my ego just the right way being seen as a human being rather than as a walking wallet you tend to be in the tired overtouristy or poor and poorly behaving locations.

Whether the size of your entourage is one or a dozen, it's all good. You will find it easy to go around and find things for you (all). Almost everywhere is very safe. The food tends to be good and there is starting to be more variety, too. Linguistically you will still do best with at least a rudimentary understanding of some East European language. However, English is opening you much access as well as does German. Try the milk bar, approach the locals, have a good time.

Would I go again? Definitely.