Poland is a country steeped in tradition, combining welcoming hospitality, considerable natural beauty and a rich history. The past is evident everywhere you travel, with remnants of its medieval history sitting alongside evidence of its more recent communist dominated years. The country is wedged between Russia and Germany and evidence of cultural links are everywhere. The communist tenement blocks daubed with graffiti can be off-putting as you enter the urban areas. However, the economic boom at the end of the twentieth century has made parts of Poland feel more like the countries further west. There is a strong sense of the old and new, which does offer visitors a fascinating holiday experience. Key historical places can be seen across Poland and this is certainly true of Krakow, with its beautiful architecture and strong Jewish heritage. Many of its Jewish population died during the Second World War but visitors can gain a sense of Jewish culture, with some synagogues and tenements remaining. A day trip away is the holocaust camp at Auschwitz, visiting this place can be a harrowing experience, not enjoyed but certainly remembered.
All the major cities in Poland have modern facilities but Warsaw is certainly the ideal place for a party. The capital offers a variety of bars and restaurants, from top-end bistros to side street cafes, as well as offering the ever popular traditional vodka and dumplings. The street markets stock traditional food and local produce. There are a large number of independent shops and high-class boutiques situated across the city. For culture there is the redbrick Royal Castle to visit and the charming Old Town Square is not to be missed. The urban areas offer plenty but outside there is a largely untouched landscape to explore. Poland retains a strong link to its past with folk traditions being a key part of life. Many visitors get off the beaten track by exploring the many waterways close to Gdansk, which offer boating, kayaking and canoeing. In the south are the Tatra Mountains where you can go hiking through snow-capped peaks and dense forests, or take a cable car 2000m above sea level. Although some areas are in need of renovation, the communist concrete monoliths are certainly intriguing. There is an infectious atmosphere in Poland that will get under your skin like no other culture.
