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Poland

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Poland is above all the charm of a country faithful to its traditions: religious fervor is one of the most important aspects of a stay in Warsaw or Krakow.

But that’s not all: the local cuisine, the colorful houses of the cities center and varied architecture in Poland still deserve at least a week.

Slavic tradition is still very present in Poland. Dance, music and architecture prove every day that two world wars and 40 years of Soviet presence and influence have not removed their culture to the Poles.  I was not impressed with Poland.  The life there was slow, not innovative.

I did like the beautiful fields of poppy flowers.

poland

It is for this atmosphere that is just in Poland, but also for its lush forests, mountains and clear lakes.

Entered the Polish territory on presentation of a passport or a national card (for citizens of the European Union).
transport network
Airports
Airports in Warsaw and Krakow
Warsaw and Krakow are served by regular flights from Paris.

Airport Warsaw Frederic Chopin: To get to the city center, take the bus 175 direction “dworzec Gdanski” (30 minutes).

John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice: several bus lines connecting the center of Krakow: lines 292, 208 and 602 (night bus)

General
The bus is probably the easiest way to travel in Poland many lines joining the main tourist attractions of the country from the big cities. This is also an opportunity, why not, to become acquainted with the Poles.

A trip to Frederic Chopin Airport in Warsaw

Frederic Chopin Airport in Warsaw is located at Okecie International Airport in the district of Warsaw, Poland. It is also called Okecie Airport, its previous name, before it was renamed after the famous Polish composer, former resident of Warsaw.

It is the largest and most modern airport in Poland.
It handles 50% of the country’s passenger traffic and has hosted nearly 10 million passengers in 2010.
The airport handles one hundred regular flights daily with more than thirty airlines. London, Frankfurt, Paris and Amsterdam are the main international destinations and Krakow, Wroclaw and Gdansk, the main domestic destinations.

The airport has three terminals: two for passengers and one for freight.
transport network

     by bus

– Bus 148: Airport – Ursynów – Praga
Hours: daily from 4:35 ET 10:35 p.m.
– Bus 175: Airport – Center
Hours: daily from 4:58 ET 11:27 p.m.
– Bus 188: Airport – Center (Politechnika Metro station) – Praga South (Wiatraczna)
Hours: all day between 4:43 ET 11:13 p.m.
– Bus 575: Airport – Metro Station Wilanowska
Hours: daily from 4:49 ET 10:49 p.m.
– Night bus N32: Airport – Central Station
Hours: daily from 11:09 p.m. ET 4:39

Taxi: from / to the airport and the city center of Warsaw

Turkey is the Best Country

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Turkey is one of the best countries in the entire world.

After traveling for years, I have learned that life is pretty much the same.  A lot of the  countries have nice buildings, nice beaches, nice food, etc.  So why is Turkey have earned my recognition as of being the best country in the entire world?  What is so different about Turkey?

The answer: People and philanthropic way of living

People is what is comes down to.   The culture of Turkey has impressed me with its unconditional hospitality, generosity and most important respect.   Turkey is a very unique country.  It is the only country in Middle east that is Christian.  Yes, the Muslim people live there too, but in harmony with Christians.  The country has old fascinate qualities and believes, yet the women are treated there equal.  There, the women can wear the short skirts and smoke the cigarettes.  There, the women’s opinion is valid.  Their views are highly respected.  There, the women are not the second class.   They are welcomed to have the marriages outside of the arranged marriages, unlike all other countries in Middle East.  How about that?   Me coming out of south Russian, it was a good news.

_11_tu

Turkey is a beautiful country.  The architecture, old and modern, is designed to compliment each other.  It is the place where the old fashionate way is respected and it is the place where modern world is respected.  Hey do you want to wear a scarf to cover your face, you are welcome.  Hey, do you want to wear a low cut ti shirt,  you are welcome!

turkey

I am a foodie.  The country is reach in its spices, produce and meats.  The traditional way of preparing the food was obviously a treat.  I just do not see the kebabs to be well prepared in the microwave.  Me coming out of the south Russia in late 80s and early 90s, just looking in all that food was enough.  Personally, I could afford only chubuk chorba.  It was the instant soup that was sold in small packages for about 0.15 cents.  At this moment of my life, I could not afford $15.00 dollar fish dish.  Luckily, some locals at the villages were giving me food for free, when I was not even asking.  What a treat that was!  I will remember the taste of that fish for the rest of my life.  The sweet and juicy taste of two fish on the plate, covered in light brown creamy souse.  The people who gave me that fish were smiling, saying that I do not need to give anything in return.  I was only a teenager, but already could understand and appreciate with the philanthropic way of living of the Turkish society. Till this day, I am amused with the behavior of villagers. Philanthropic way of living is the most rare quality that most countries do not have.  Certainly, I do not see it in America, where what can I do for to help you and here is the bill for my my help is widely practiced.  In most cultures philanthropic way of living shall be hidden, for most people will just take advantage of it.  Because after all, what is it there for me?

turkey food

As I was hitchhiking from city to city and from village to village, with my small back pack, I was introduced to the beautiful coast of mediterranean seas.  What a beauty?  Not one beach was alike.  The nature, the fresh air, the warm breeze ….the beautiful life… the start of my adventurous life was on!   There, I was exposed to the beauty of waters…  Sitting in the beat up car that I flagged down, I was dreaming that one day, I will travel the world and visit the most amazing beaches of this planet.  My dream came trough…

beach_turkey

TURKEY is the best country on this planet, one of those few countries on this planet that preserved philanthropic way of living.

Later in my adult life, I have visited Turkey a couple of more times to see if this was only my first country, my imagination or the country is truly amazing as I have described above.  As I was sitting in the nice court ear restaurant, eating $15.00 nice fish dish, I realized that the country did not changed.   Till this days, I regret that I have not made this country my home.  I still think that some day, I may go there and do that.

I miss you Turkey…. the best country in the whole world.