Since my last post I have been over to Europe and the UK. Most of my time there was spent in Poland. Although I don't speak Polish, apart for a few words picked up during my time there, I only had a few problems with communications. Most younger Poles, especially in the major towns and cities tend to speak some English, often quite well. In smaller villages and towns it is harder to find English speakers, although they are there, if you inquire. The major problem in not speaking Polish was dealing with people working in institutions, such as the post office, the police, museums, and other government and quasi-government organisations. Many of the people working in these institutions are older people who don't speak English or can't be bothered. I found that postal workers were the least helpful, and I tried to avoid dealing with them.

Most of the Poles I met were very friendly and helpful - some went out of their way to help me. Most Poles who speak some English are keen to improve their conversational skills, so they are happy to met and speak with native English speakers. I recall meeting a teenage boy at the bus stop out near Stogi, Gdansk, who not only gave me directions as to which bus to catch back to the city, but paid my fare as well. I did quite a bit of sightseeing using the local bus and tram systems, and I always found people willing to help me find the places I wanted to visit. Sometimes the buses and trams are from the old communist times, but many are new and all are very affordable. Just a warning however, at peak times, expect them to be packed, as many Poles don't own cars. Also, be aware that in some cities the bus or tram driver will not sell you a ticket, especially at peak times. You have to buy your ticket beforhand, from one of the kiosks that abound in Poland. Most train, bus and tram tickets must be franked either before boarding or at time of boarding the vehicle. Even if you have a valid ticket, you can find yourself in trouble with the ticket inspectors if you have not franked your ticket.

Intercity rains in Poland are pretty good. I found them cheap enough to always go first class. If you go second class expect every seat to be occupied, especially during the summer. Poles like most people like to travel, either to visit friends or relatives, or to go on holidays. PKP is the biggest train company in Poland. The tranis are always clean and well maintained. In most cases you'll find a dining car that will incluse a bar. During my travels by trains I met some interesting Poles. I'll wite more about this later.

Poles love their alcohol, although they have been given an unfair reputation of being heavy drinkers. Well that's true in some cases, but most people only drink during festive occassions. When they do drink, don't try and keep up with them, especially if they are drinking vodka. Home made vodka is something else - I can speak from experience. One thing I like about Poland and alcohol is that drinking, apart from being fairly cheap, is considered a social activity and most pubs and bars are very social. From my experience, drinking alcohol is done with friends, not alone. More later...