"Warsaw - Country between Communism and... " a Poland Travel Page by fabiandmicha

Virtually everything in Warsaw (Warszawa) today has been constructed in the last five decades. At the end of World War II roughly 85% of the city had been destroyed and most of the population deported or sent to concentration camps. More than a third of Warsaw's pre-war population was Jewish, but there are hardly any traces remaining of this heritage, other than a couple of small museums and a number of monuments, although new initiatives are underway to remember and recreate a touch of Warsaw's rich Jewish heritage. Much of the city's history can be explained by its location on the main east-west trade route from Germany to Russia - it has been attacked or overrun numerous times throughout the centuries, most recently by the Soviet Union.

Medieval architecture, cultural events, health spas, historical sights, art, scenery, beaches, hunting, opera, fishing, skiing and music festivals are Poland's foremost attractions.

Poland will appeal to travelers of Polish heritage who want to visit their ancestral homeland or those who have already visited eastern Europe and want to gain a broader understanding of the region. Though Poles are outgoing and friendly, visitors who don't speak Polish or German may find it difficult to connect with them -- few speak English fluently (though this is changing). Visitors to Poland should be prepared for dining and hotel standards lower than those in western Europe.

Along the german border, you'll find right after you passed bazaars, where you can find anything for cheap princes. A carton of Marlboro for example you pay just $11. You can get there from Jeans to Leather-Jackets to Meat to almost everything. It's nice to see and to shop, but careful, there are pickpockets, they just waiting of the next victim. Best thing, let your values in the car and make them unvisible. Your wallet in your breast pocket and everything will be okay.