Europe 2012 Day 5, Poland (part 1)

July 17,

So while traveling through Europe, I’ve suspended my bathroom rating- mostly because they are well equipped and it won't be as much "fun". But I did have a bathroom experience in Poland.  First, you may not know that the toilets in Europe aren't in the traditional "stalls" like in the US but more like an actual closet (this the term WC- water closet). I entered the ladies room (at my supplier) and noted the WCs were on separate lighting. And, the switches were no where to be seen.  The only switch in the bathroom operated the main light. So, as I always do when I travel, I went with the flow.  I went into the WC, shut the door and went to the bathroom blind (and it was pitch dark!) Right as I was about to leave, the light came miraculously on  and one moment later, someone else entered the ladies room.  Mt first thought- why the hell is the switch to the stalls on the outside of the bathroom (answer to myself:hey, this is Poland!) and the second that girl is going to go back into the office and tell everyone about the dumb/weird/silly (pick a word) American who was going to the bathroom in the dark!

After we finished our business meeting, we headed to Krakow. We had enough time to explore before we had to catch our flight back to Frankfurt.  As we were driving along, my Polish supplier told me he heard on the radio Jon Lord from Deep Purple had died.  It is always hard to keep up with current events of any kind when on the road.  But, I’ve noticed, my hosts always seem to try their best to keep me informed.  I asked him if he was a fan of Deep Purple and he said yes.  Then our German colleague commented on how everyone in Germany and even in Poland followed American/English music. 

Speaking of music, I noticed Polish music playing on the car radio. What I mean by Polish is the sound of traditional Polish instruments and Polish language.  But each song sounded different.  The first song sounded like Polish punk rock.  Then the next sounded like Polish musical music (think Les Miserables) then Polish Celion Dion!  It was interesting to hear the different genres of music back to back on the same radio station.

My supplier told me the road we were on the road to Oswiecim.  He told me that the concentration camp Auschwitz was located there in WW2.  I asked how far up the road it was.  He said,"15km. Would you like to go? We can look from the outside because won't have time to go inside."  Never in my life have I been so close to something of historical significance and not had any desire whatsoever to see it.  I asked my American colleague if he was interested and thankfully he shook his head.  I didn’t ask my German colleague as I didn't think he'd want to go either.  I knew if were to go, I wouldn't be able to control my emotion. Just thinking about the absolute horrible things humans can do to one another is enough to bring tears to my eyes as I write this. I can't imagine the pain I’d feel upon visiting such a place.

So we turned onto the road toward Krakow.