I have gained a lot of respect for Poland, and it's people, over the last few days. I don't think there has been a nation that has been shafted as much as Poland.
For 150 years, before 1918, there was no Poland, it was divided between Prussia, Austria, and Russia. After WWI it became Poland again. It put up a valiant fight against Hitler in 1939, but, with no help, was defeated.
Before the war Poland was home to 80% of European Jews. 3 million were killed during the war. The Communist government encouraged many to emigrate, during the years after the war, so that the Jewish population is now less than 20 000.
The Poles resisted the Nazis during the war, and were brutally put down.
After the war Russia dominated Poland, until 1989, the year semi-democratic elections were held. (The Communists were automatically give 65% of seats, the rest were elected. Not one Communist won one of those seats)
It is absolutely amazing to see Poland today, a fantastic accomplishment for Poland.
One of the remainders of the Communist era are "Milk Bars". I don't think they exist anywhere else. There is no alcohol served, thus the name. They were instituted by the Communist government, so that the workers could eat out, occasionally. These restaurants were subsidized by the government and served basic Polish food. Some are still in existence, some are still subsidized. There are no waiters, you order at the counter, and wait for your meal. There is no English menu. The decor is definitely Communist Era. I have eaten at a few, in the different cities, and found them very cheap, and the food was good. Service can be a problem. There have been a couple of times, where I've had the feeling they didn't want to serve tourists, and either ignored me, or just said "no" for whatever I asked.
For my last meal, before I leave for Lithuania, I had a bowl of soup, and a plate of pyrogies, the total came to 3 dollars, no tax, no tip,
For 150 years, before 1918, there was no Poland, it was divided between Prussia, Austria, and Russia. After WWI it became Poland again. It put up a valiant fight against Hitler in 1939, but, with no help, was defeated.
Before the war Poland was home to 80% of European Jews. 3 million were killed during the war. The Communist government encouraged many to emigrate, during the years after the war, so that the Jewish population is now less than 20 000.
The Poles resisted the Nazis during the war, and were brutally put down.
After the war Russia dominated Poland, until 1989, the year semi-democratic elections were held. (The Communists were automatically give 65% of seats, the rest were elected. Not one Communist won one of those seats)
It is absolutely amazing to see Poland today, a fantastic accomplishment for Poland.
One of the remainders of the Communist era are "Milk Bars". I don't think they exist anywhere else. There is no alcohol served, thus the name. They were instituted by the Communist government, so that the workers could eat out, occasionally. These restaurants were subsidized by the government and served basic Polish food. Some are still in existence, some are still subsidized. There are no waiters, you order at the counter, and wait for your meal. There is no English menu. The decor is definitely Communist Era. I have eaten at a few, in the different cities, and found them very cheap, and the food was good. Service can be a problem. There have been a couple of times, where I've had the feeling they didn't want to serve tourists, and either ignored me, or just said "no" for whatever I asked.
For my last meal, before I leave for Lithuania, I had a bowl of soup, and a plate of pyrogies, the total came to 3 dollars, no tax, no tip,
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