Going through our readings and discussion last week on Poland's recent political and economic history, I couldn't help but remember some of the stories my mother told me of visiting Poland in the late 1970s. When she and her sisters visited Poland with my grandparents to visit my grandfather's family in Netta (near Augustów), they arrived only to find out that all of the clothes that they had brought in their suitcases were going straight to their family members, leaving each of them with just one outfit each to wash and re-wear each day for the entire trip. I was very young when I heard these stories, so I didn't realize why they had to do this at the time, but now I understand very well what hardships the people of Poland were going through then, and why my family gave up all of their belongings to help their family.
I know things look and feel much different in present-day Poland - the country has gone through massive governmental and economic changes, and continues to slowly blossom into a strong industrial leader in Eastern Europe. But I know the city will still show signs of its past through the gorgeous architecture and the colorful traditional festivities we will have the incredible luck to be present for.
I am extremely excited to finally step foot into the country where my entire family lineage originated from, and to finally experience first-hand all of the rich culture that my family and our Polish relatives and neighbors back in Chicago have tried so hard to retain for the American generations that have come from them.
I cannot wait to bring back a piece of Poland with me, and finally learn what it really means to be a Pole.
Do zobaczenia wkrótce! See you soon!
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