So much to know about Poland…

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By Pat Friedman

Where to start? We’ll start at the present and work our way back. Currently (at publication time of this Winter 22/23 Issue), Poland has opened her arms to more than 8 million Ukrainian refugees – the entire population of New York City – during this time of unspeakable crisis in Putin’s war against Ukraine.

But Poland also has its own rich history and heritage, steeped in magnificent natural and architectural wonders. Endless sandy beaches, medieval forests, mountains, and Central Europe’s only desert make this country a tourist’s dream.

Dining in Europe’s oldest restaurant is one for the bucket list, too. The “Piwnica Swidnicka,” serving fresh, popular eats, in the city of Wrocław, has been open since the year 1275, making it one of the longest-lasting restaurants in the world. Around Poland, the cuisine is much more intricate than just their famous kielbasa sausage and those puffy potato pillows of goodness called pierogi. Even the modest and traditional tomato-based stew, leczo, with sausage, peppers, paprika and bay leaves will never disappoint. But don’t depart before trying the granny-apple tart known as Szarlotka, ideal for this – or anytime of year.