Liveline: Thread with no name, Host with no shame

Wow, what a very very different country Poland is to previous visits! Just wow! Streamlined efficiency, disciplined driving, modernity.

Nice flight, was in middle seat between two Poles, a lad and a lass. Lad into videoing take-off etc, lass brought her own four delicious four course dinner in board. Got up to go to the jax, no turbulence but took a mad tumble due to my poor balance, was ricocheted harmlessly between people who temporarily caught me until I got steadied, although one pax almost flattened by me.

Wheelchair assistant by steps told me my luggage was still in Doobalin, would be couriered to hotel tomorrow. Same happened last time I flew into Poland in late 1990s, but a very different story of gross lack of communication and inefficiency then. And insane drivers, multiple accidents in the road.

Today it was all so incredibly efficient, driver Whatsapped me whilst I was on plane taxiing in, all worked out so neat. There is a very slow speed limit in plane between airport and city, drivers obey it. My driver told me how proud the Poles are about how the country turned out and the good use made of EU money, but as he said it was timing that changed the country so much, citing examples such as Italy where you fund a lot of hotels built in 1960s, lending a semblance that the country hasn’t progressed so much, but yet the investments are present but less visible.

Hotel has piped birdsong sound in bathroom, and doggy watering bowls along the way for the canine guests. There are camper van services here, all sorts of practical services for the wandering tourist.

Hotels hereabouts very dog friendly , well they tend to be around continental Europe

Those chips are heavenly, what a flavour and with a light fluffy texture.

Proper daycent grub, including Polish Coddle

This is the easiest country in the world to live in. Poland has changed radically over last 20+ years, from a dour sort of place with great architecture, to a very good humoured happy place where people are laughing and enjoying life. Driving manners have done a massive u-turn, everybody waits back until I have crossed safely, they stop when they catch sight of me even looking to cross. There’s huge respect all around here. And the hospital next door to my hotel has appointments to see contracts 24/7. You book online, could be on a Saturday at midnight, you pay upfront (prices cheaper than Ireland of course) and bring ID what you on attendance. You can stay in my hotel (Galaxy) whilst having day procedures, rest up, go into town on an electric golf cart etc. a silurky blissful place.

Saw one of these Polish Spaniels today jumping out of the river and on top of an unsuspecting sunbather relaxing on the embankment! Very good humoured, owner apologised.

Driving tests and rules have become waaay stricter in Poland over past 20 years, they used to make the Italians seem like Scandinavians. I can cross the road in comfort knowing I’m not going to be intimidated off it here. Back then, early noughties a dat, half the accidents in Irish roads were caused by Polish drivers. There had been no proper driving test, only a basic parking test. Everybody now keeps great space between cars here.