I had some culture shocks when I came here, and I thought it would be fun to share them ?. Maybe you have/had/ will have similar experiences. Side note: I come from Berlin, so some of the things that I found weird might seem totally normal to you.
- The bike locks are so thin – apparently the people don’t steal bikes, and the crime rates are low (especially surprising since my number Polish stereotype is that Polaks like to steal cars).
- The public transportation is so cheap, and you can take bikes for free.
- The whole city is full of highways.
- There’s nothing except for communist buildings, the old town and skyscrapers. No “average city buildings”.
- People are so well dressed – whether its goth or smart casual, Varsovians take care of how they look.
- Thrift shops are actually cheaper than fast fashion.
- People look more lgbtq-friendly than I thought they would – everywhere you see people with rainbow bags or queer people holding hands.
- The municipalities actually work and you do not have to book an appointment in advance (coming from a Berliner).
- The service workers are friendly (again, coming from a Berliner).
- The minimum wage is so low.
- Most clinics are private, and you must pay for the treatment yourself.
- The lack of sunscreen! Oh gosh, please, you will all get skin cancer!
- I saw real propaganda on the street.
- Young people go to church.
- There are lots of Polish flags for someone that associates flags with extreme patriotism.
- Buses are always on time.
- The city is so clean.
