Few nations are so unlike their stereotypes as Poland. The ugly cliche of the Polish as intellectually dull, the scenery impoverished, and the food nothing but bland perogies couldn't be less true. This is a wonderful country, with beautiful architecture and churches, universities and art, interesting dishes (Zurek is a sort of savory Polish miso ramyen with sour rye in it that's incredibly good), friendly people, and attractive women. I toured Gdansk (formerly Danzig), with its Polish-Germanic cultural mix, staid but stately Warsaw, and slightly crusty but fun Krakow with its medieval core and royal palaces. I'm ready to go back.
If You Go
Poland does not use euros. Outside the old town in these cities can feel a bit sketchy at night as it's still not a wealthy country, but Poland is generally easy to navigate, English-friendly, and very economical – even better value than the Baltics. Sadly, much of the architecture is not original, being carefully rebuilt after destruction during WWII, or repurposed from gloomy Soviet concrete; but, well, the square is still from the thirteenth century...
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