Poland’s closer than you think

A colleague of mine just went for a short holiday to Poland today. Whenever someone I know goes to Poland, I get asked the same question: would I like them to bring me something? Now, there was a time when I was eager to accept their offer and gave them long and detailed lists of items I longed for, missed and desperately needed.

But now I feel there’s no need to do that. Poland’s just on my doorstep, so why should I? There’s a Polish shop or two in virtually every London borough, my local off licence sells Polish products, you can even buy Tymbark fruit juices and Princessa wafer bars online in Sainsbury’s. There are Polish online bookshops that stock all the new books, DVDs and magazines. I don’t need to ask anyone to add extra weight to their luggage. Which is good, as Ryanair’s luggage charges have gone overboard.

Of course, I still miss some things. Like Sunday afternoons spent with the whole family on the sofa, watching bad comedies and predictable action flicks, stuffing ourselves with crisps and cookies. Like walks with my dog in the local forest. Like the sea breeze in my hair as I ride my bike from Gdansk to Sopot.

But these things, unfortunately, can’t be brought here.

April 22, 2009. Uncategorized.