| How to Fall in Love with Poland by Lola Akinmade |
Traveling to Eastern Europe had been a dream
of mine for so long. Being an avid traveler
used to backpacking alone, this was a region I
had been worried about. Not knowing how I
was going to be received as a minority; I
decided to travel with a group. I wished I had
gone it alone. Poland wowed me. The warmth,
sincerity, and beauty of the Polish was
absolutely endearing, and my new found
respect for this historic country has reached
new heights.
Kraków
Kraków is hands-down, my favorite city in
Eastern Europe. We arrived at our hotel
(Ruczaj Hotel, which I highly recommend just
for their buffet-style spreads!!) in the evening
of mine for so long. Being an avid traveler
used to backpacking alone, this was a region I
had been worried about. Not knowing how I
was going to be received as a minority; I
decided to travel with a group. I wished I had
gone it alone. Poland wowed me. The warmth,
sincerity, and beauty of the Polish was
absolutely endearing, and my new found
respect for this historic country has reached
new heights.
Kraków
Kraków is hands-down, my favorite city in
Eastern Europe. We arrived at our hotel
(Ruczaj Hotel, which I highly recommend just
for their buffet-style spreads!!) in the evening
and so we decided to hit the nightlife right away. We headed to Club Fusion – an underground cave-like
labyrinth of rooms to chill, relax, and dance (Clubs of this style are quite prevalent in Central/Eastern Europe).
It was hip-hop night, and to my surprise, I met quite a number of Africans, Nigerians to be specific. Even the DJ
was Nigerian, which I also am. Just experiencing the night life in Kraków was exhilarating.
The next day, I got to explore the city of Kraków. I started off in the Jewish Quarter where most of the Jews in
Poland were confined. It was also where the movie, Schindler’s List, was filmed. The Palace on Wawel Hill had
gorgeous views of the city and the river. The church within the palace grounds had mammoth bones that were
found and excavated from the region, hanging from its ceiling at the entrance.
Walking down cobblestone streets into Old town Kraków to Rynek Glowny; the main square in Kraków was
chock full of tourists. There were tons of street performers – from old school break dancers to traditional
dancers to new age musicians. Even though they were reminiscent of big city buskers, the square never lost its
ambience. Lining the streets was the photography exhibit of Yann Arthus-Bertrand– the French photographer
known for his amazing aerial photography [http://www.yannarthusbertrand.com/]. There were nuns eating ice-
cream, police officers mingling with crowds, smiles at every turn, quaint little shops with unique flares, and a
flea market with tons of memorabilia including artifacts from Poland’s darker days. Krakow was lively. Krakow
was warm.
I had visited the Hallien Salt Mines in Austria, which was absolutely amazing. I visited the Wieliczka salt mines
with high expectations but was a little disappointed. However, I was blown away by the intricate and elaborate
underground cathedrals in Wieliczka that were built for the miners who needed to fellowship and attend mass.
It was time to head up north…
labyrinth of rooms to chill, relax, and dance (Clubs of this style are quite prevalent in Central/Eastern Europe).
It was hip-hop night, and to my surprise, I met quite a number of Africans, Nigerians to be specific. Even the DJ
was Nigerian, which I also am. Just experiencing the night life in Kraków was exhilarating.
The next day, I got to explore the city of Kraków. I started off in the Jewish Quarter where most of the Jews in
Poland were confined. It was also where the movie, Schindler’s List, was filmed. The Palace on Wawel Hill had
gorgeous views of the city and the river. The church within the palace grounds had mammoth bones that were
found and excavated from the region, hanging from its ceiling at the entrance.
Walking down cobblestone streets into Old town Kraków to Rynek Glowny; the main square in Kraków was
chock full of tourists. There were tons of street performers – from old school break dancers to traditional
dancers to new age musicians. Even though they were reminiscent of big city buskers, the square never lost its
ambience. Lining the streets was the photography exhibit of Yann Arthus-Bertrand– the French photographer
known for his amazing aerial photography [http://www.yannarthusbertrand.com/]. There were nuns eating ice-
cream, police officers mingling with crowds, smiles at every turn, quaint little shops with unique flares, and a
flea market with tons of memorabilia including artifacts from Poland’s darker days. Krakow was lively. Krakow
was warm.
I had visited the Hallien Salt Mines in Austria, which was absolutely amazing. I visited the Wieliczka salt mines
with high expectations but was a little disappointed. However, I was blown away by the intricate and elaborate
underground cathedrals in Wieliczka that were built for the miners who needed to fellowship and attend mass.
It was time to head up north…
Auschwitz-Birkenau
A trip to Poland can never, ever be
complete without a trip to the Auschwitz-
Birkenau concentration camps. My trip to
Dachau in Munich had devastated me and
knew this one, being the main camp, would
have a drastic effect on me. No words can
truly describe Auschwitz. The words “Hard
work brings freedom” are echoed on the
gates. The prison and cells were
horrendous. If they could do this to their
own, imagine what they would have done to
other minorities?
A trip to Poland can never, ever be
complete without a trip to the Auschwitz-
Birkenau concentration camps. My trip to
Dachau in Munich had devastated me and
knew this one, being the main camp, would
have a drastic effect on me. No words can
truly describe Auschwitz. The words “Hard
work brings freedom” are echoed on the
gates. The prison and cells were
horrendous. If they could do this to their
own, imagine what they would have done to
other minorities?
I walked through the quarters where I saw some ash; ash that used to be a living human being. We went through
showcases of shoes, women’s hair, suitcases with names and addresses still on them, and one of the most
moving – thousands and thousands of intertwined glasses, spectacles, and prosthetic limbs. I couldn’t even
begin to fathom how many people were murdered. I took a couple shots, one of which I will never forget. I took
a picture of one of the cells, and when I got it developed, I realized I had taken pictures of much more – ghosts.
I was able to clearly see two of the spirits. Others see more.
You could literally feel the energy in the gas chambers and crematoriums. We headed over to Birkenau, the
larger of the two concentration camps. Living conditions unfit for any living thing, talk less of full grown men.
I can’t even begin to imagine the cries, spirits, and apparitions that exist within its grounds till this day.
Aushwitz-Birkenau is a must for every pilgrim to Poland. If we are removed from the history of it all, we are in
danger of it happening all over again.
showcases of shoes, women’s hair, suitcases with names and addresses still on them, and one of the most
moving – thousands and thousands of intertwined glasses, spectacles, and prosthetic limbs. I couldn’t even
begin to fathom how many people were murdered. I took a couple shots, one of which I will never forget. I took
a picture of one of the cells, and when I got it developed, I realized I had taken pictures of much more – ghosts.
I was able to clearly see two of the spirits. Others see more.
You could literally feel the energy in the gas chambers and crematoriums. We headed over to Birkenau, the
larger of the two concentration camps. Living conditions unfit for any living thing, talk less of full grown men.
I can’t even begin to imagine the cries, spirits, and apparitions that exist within its grounds till this day.
Aushwitz-Birkenau is a must for every pilgrim to Poland. If we are removed from the history of it all, we are in
danger of it happening all over again.
Czestochowa - Jasna Góra Monastery
Enroute to Warsaw, we stopped in Czestochowa, where the
famous Jasna Gora monastery is located. It is world renown
because it houses the famous Black Madonna painting. When
Poland was being invaded, its enemies found the painting and
were going to pilfer it, but as they carried it towards the door,
it got heavier and heavier so much so that when they reached
the door, the painting was too heavy to carry out. Out of
anger, they slashed her face, and she started to bleed from the
cut. Imagine their terror when they watched this painting shed
human blood. Till this day, devout Catholics and pilgrims
alike flock to this out-of-the-way place in Poland to see this
painting.
Enroute to Warsaw, we stopped in Czestochowa, where the
famous Jasna Gora monastery is located. It is world renown
because it houses the famous Black Madonna painting. When
Poland was being invaded, its enemies found the painting and
were going to pilfer it, but as they carried it towards the door,
it got heavier and heavier so much so that when they reached
the door, the painting was too heavy to carry out. Out of
anger, they slashed her face, and she started to bleed from the
cut. Imagine their terror when they watched this painting shed
human blood. Till this day, devout Catholics and pilgrims
alike flock to this out-of-the-way place in Poland to see this
painting.
As I left the cathedral, I was approached by a Polish couple who’d never seen a black person. They were
ecstatic and took a picture with me. They had come to see the Black Madonna painting and ended up seeing a
real-life black Madonna!
www.staypoland.com/info_czestochowa.htm
ecstatic and took a picture with me. They had come to see the Black Madonna painting and ended up seeing a
real-life black Madonna!
www.staypoland.com/info_czestochowa.htm
Warsaw
Warsaw isn’t your typical European city. Much of it had been destroyed in the war and so portions like its Old
Town, had to be rebuilt to closely mimic the way it once stood. We also stopped at the Old Jewish Ghetto, the
setting of the infamous uprising. Much of the ghetto had been rebuilt because it had been annihilated during the
German invasion. The Old Town was beautiful. Very Bruges-like. Very Amsterdam-like. Again, quaint shops
and cafes lined its core as well as a standing art exhibit. I was approached by a couple Polish teenagers who
interviewed me for their English project. They instantly singled me out, were excited, extremely warm and
eager to hear all I had to say.
I went to a private Chopin concert at Lasienski palace. It had absolutely amazing décor and exteriors. The
fastest moving fingers in Eastern Europe belonged to our pianist. There wasn’t much to do in Warsaw besides
shopping and just relaxing. It is history-laden and adds another dimension to Poland. One that seems to
communicate that it is a country that wants to be taken seriously and is striving to be, once again, a major
player in Europe.
Warsaw isn’t your typical European city. Much of it had been destroyed in the war and so portions like its Old
Town, had to be rebuilt to closely mimic the way it once stood. We also stopped at the Old Jewish Ghetto, the
setting of the infamous uprising. Much of the ghetto had been rebuilt because it had been annihilated during the
German invasion. The Old Town was beautiful. Very Bruges-like. Very Amsterdam-like. Again, quaint shops
and cafes lined its core as well as a standing art exhibit. I was approached by a couple Polish teenagers who
interviewed me for their English project. They instantly singled me out, were excited, extremely warm and
eager to hear all I had to say.
I went to a private Chopin concert at Lasienski palace. It had absolutely amazing décor and exteriors. The
fastest moving fingers in Eastern Europe belonged to our pianist. There wasn’t much to do in Warsaw besides
shopping and just relaxing. It is history-laden and adds another dimension to Poland. One that seems to
communicate that it is a country that wants to be taken seriously and is striving to be, once again, a major
player in Europe.
My Top Recommendations in Poland
I really loved Poland. It blew away all my expectations. The people are much warmer than the rest of Eastern
Europe. As a people, they have suffered so much and have been persecuted. I feel this has made them more
accepting and open to others. The history of World War II is written all over the land. It can never be erased.
On a lighter note, here are my top recommendations in Poland (besides the places mentioned above).
1. Pierogis – No trip to Poland is complete without trying these dumpling-like mounds filled with goodness
(meat, cheeses, etc). Fried, sautéed, or poached, pierogis are just scrumptious.
Link – www.pierogi.com
2. Zubrowka Bison Vodka – Mixed with apple juice, a glass of this vodka, and you’ll find yourself unraveling
faster than you’d anticipated. Link - http://www.bisonbrandvodka.net/
3. Ruczaj Hotel – This cool, happening, and affordable hotel is about 4km outside of Old town, but offers nice
meals and a cozy atmosphere. Link - www.krakow-hotel.info/hotel_ruczaj.html
4. Club Fusion – It’s chic, it’s European, it’s underground, and it’s absolutely cool.
Link - www.cracow-life.com/krakow/where_to_drink/pubs_cafes_details/226-Club_Fusion
5. City of Krakow – This is one unique city to watch out for. It may very well become the next Prague in terms
of Eastern European tourism. Link - www.krakow.pl/en/
I really loved Poland. It blew away all my expectations. The people are much warmer than the rest of Eastern
Europe. As a people, they have suffered so much and have been persecuted. I feel this has made them more
accepting and open to others. The history of World War II is written all over the land. It can never be erased.
On a lighter note, here are my top recommendations in Poland (besides the places mentioned above).
1. Pierogis – No trip to Poland is complete without trying these dumpling-like mounds filled with goodness
(meat, cheeses, etc). Fried, sautéed, or poached, pierogis are just scrumptious.
Link – www.pierogi.com
2. Zubrowka Bison Vodka – Mixed with apple juice, a glass of this vodka, and you’ll find yourself unraveling
faster than you’d anticipated. Link - http://www.bisonbrandvodka.net/
3. Ruczaj Hotel – This cool, happening, and affordable hotel is about 4km outside of Old town, but offers nice
meals and a cozy atmosphere. Link - www.krakow-hotel.info/hotel_ruczaj.html
4. Club Fusion – It’s chic, it’s European, it’s underground, and it’s absolutely cool.
Link - www.cracow-life.com/krakow/where_to_drink/pubs_cafes_details/226-Club_Fusion
5. City of Krakow – This is one unique city to watch out for. It may very well become the next Prague in terms
of Eastern European tourism. Link - www.krakow.pl/en/