The following things have stood out to us since we arrived in Kraków. Most of them unique to Poland from our limited travelling experience.

1. ATTITUDES: Polish people are very friendly and helpful (but not as friendly at the Poms); and with the exception of museum staff we have encountered so far. But that could be because of Michael’s behaviour. This is great as we know none of the language or symbols for the signs or menus. I know this is bad, but trying to learn a little French, German and Italian is about all I can cope with, and to be fair, I did not know I was coming to Poland until a few months ago. (And … The dog ate my homework).

2. LANGUAGE: Most Polish people can speak some English, even the beggars. Most can speak very good English and are happy to do so. Menus are written in English in the Old Town which is well geared for tourists. On two recent bus trips that lasted over three hours in total, the FM radio station was being played, and more than half the songs were in English. You will be pleased to know I did not sing along, even to Cher.

3. SAFETY: There is a strong Police presence on the streets, and particularly at the combined railway and bus station (called the Glowny). The apartment we are staying in is effectively a gated block of units with two secure entry points before you get to the front door.

4. GOOD SORTS: The Polish girls are gorgeous according to Michael. He is having a wonderful time girl watching. He says they match the Paris women without a lot of the fuss. The favourite hair colour for older women is an orangey red. Can’t believe how often we have seen the same colour here.

5. LAWN AND GARDEN MAINTENANCE : It appears the lawn mower, whipper snipper and lawn edger have not been discovered. There is loads of green space in Kraków, which is wonderful, but the grass is let grow until it is almost a foot high. We have noticed some that has been slashed and piles of clippings left to rot. (There must be no snakes in this country). Hedges have been planted and not manicured. The sides of roads are also covered in very long grass. Perhaps they have just had heaps of rain and have not had a chance to get to it. It is spring and everything is growing like crazy.

6. PEDESTRIAN RIGHTS: in Kraków at least, as this is the only place we have been so far on foot, pedestrians appear to have right of way and many streets just do not cater for cars. You need to watch out for bikes though and the occasional horse drawn carriage. Plus, cars stop for you at pedestrian crossings.

7. BUS DRIVERS: Well, they can speak on their mobile phones while driving. They must print off the ticket and give change to the last person who just got on, while taking off and driving.

8. BREAD STALLS: these are the most common street stalls in Kraków. They are everywhere and all look the same and all sell the same breads. The circular breads are similar to those we bought in Germany.

Finally,

GEARING UP FOR TOURISTS: in Kraków anyway, the city is developing its infrastructure to cope with crowds. They have half finished a brand new combined railway and bus station here that is a mix between St Pancras London (the new part) and Central Station Sydney (the old part). Next to this is a huge shopping mall that would sit well in Sydney or Paris. Not what either of us expected. The museums we have been to are well set out and again, English translations are available for all of the exhibits.