Things I love and have learned from the Poles (Polish people) in the last 3 years #myfriendalexa

Yesterday, we completed three years in Poland. I have been quite vocal about my stay here and often share about the new places I discover, food adventures and my experiences in this beautiful country. Today, I wish to dedicate this post to the Poles and why I admire them. A few things that I love and have learned from the Polish people are:

Loving myself:

Poles love to live life. They love themselves and keep them at first before anything else. You would often spot women of all age groups even in their late 80’s clad in an elegant satin dress accessorized with the perfectly matching jewelry, clips, nail paint, adorning a stylish hat that will remind you of Elizabeth, carrying a clutch or swing bag gracefully.

They pay a visit regularly to mani-pedi and salons to ensure their nails are always delicately done and hair is blow-dried. For them, age is just a number. They love and pamper themselves and live life to the fullest. Their spirit to live life is infectious. Polish women can give you some serious style goals and teach you how to love and take good care of yourself.

Living Independently:

During my initial few days or weeks, it was obvious to feel the cultural shock. Out of many things, one was the lifestyle. It was absolutely a new concept for me to see people with a walking stick or sitting in a wheelchair traveling independently. I was and still in awe of such people who are capable of living on their own without a support system. They can definitely not be labeled as disabled anymore. Kudos to their spirit and confidence. They inspire me daily. Thanks to the smooth, wheel friendly roads and an efficient transport system that enables the old and handicapped people to travel on their own.

Not only handicapped, old couples buying and carrying their heavy grocery bags together, walking hand in hand on the road shouldering each other, warms my heart every day. Many times, they would say no to you when you offer them a seat in buses/trams as they still treat themselves young enough to love and live life. Isn’t it real couple goals?

Being Generous and Helpful:

Poles are one of the most generous and friendly people I have met. They would not mind lending you a helping hand by going out of their way. How can I not quote a few examples here – my kind neighbor drove me all the way to the hospital at midnight when one of my kids was unwell or cooked me a pitcher of piping hot soup when I was sick. My colleague canceled her taxi, ordered another one and waited just to accompany me when I ended my night shift. Or for that matter, my friends who made me comfortable in the office in a completely different culture and atmosphere. And the most recent one, when my colleague offered me to prepare breakfast for me as I had a severe migraine. Forever grateful to such people for their kindness and help.

This geographical move has surely evolved me as a person and I am still learning every day to improve myself. Today, I can confidently say that I have learned a lot. The last three years have given me happiness, warmth, memories, aplenty and most of all the attitude of gratitude.

Thank you Poland and Poles for being so welcoming and for everything. You are not just a country, but an emotion for me.

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