Poland is for Lovers

Maybe it was the 60 degree temperatures but Polish people certainly are not afraid of public displays of affection! Every park bench in town has young, and not so young, couples in the throes of passion. They don't take up much bench space because they are typically sitting on top of one another! Who would have thought this stoic group of people carried so much passion inside! During our cultural immersion training we were told the Polish people are not big on hugs, but that was clearly meant for people not within their "fave five" (stealing from some mobile phone company)! When meeting friends three cheek kisses are exchanged and the pair walks off with elbows intertwined. Woman and woman, girls and girls...all walk arm-in-arm. Couples of all ages also walk with arms locked. It really is quite charming. I wonder if Erica and Michael will lock arms with me when they come to visit???

I decided to start carrying my camera with me wherever I go. There are so many "visually challenged" dogs around here I thought I would capture some and submit them for "what breed is this" competition. I also wish I had my camera when I ran into the chimney sweep and other intriguing subjects. Funny, it seems I only run into normal persons, places and things when I have the camera...!!!

I do have an update on the demonstrations in Dresden. As discussed in an earlier blog, Dresden has an annual memorial march to honor the loss of their city and 35,000 lives in the February 14, 1945 bombing of their city. Busloads of people from all over the country return to Dresden for this event. In addition, busloads of neo-Nazis also converge on the city. Dressed in black, groups of neo-Nazis gather to cause disruption. The Jewish Synagogue held their services outside in response to their presence. They were fearful of what might happen if they were in the synagogue. The police presence was to keep this group under control. From all accounts the day was peaceful.

Not much else going on in beautiful Wrocław. Hope all is well wherever you are!

Keep those cards and letters coming....my mailbox continues to be my largest source of disappointment. I do miss home...so seeing anything from stateside brightens my day!