I first saw the sky high grey concrete communist blocks in the district of Wola to the west of Warszawa’s centre as a child. My aunt and uncle (related through...
July 12, 2019
At this time of year I'm often helping the harcerki (girl scouts) learn about Polish history. To illustrate my talks I sometimes use the works of the 19th century painter...
May 16, 2019
The battle of Monte Cassino is known as one of the decisive battles of WWII and for us Poles, as the sacrifice of so many, to break the German defence...
May 1, 2019
The month of May is bursting at the seams with important days for Poles, but some of the celebrations in Poland are very different to those we celebrate. I would...
April 12, 2019
The massacre of 22,000 men in the Katyń atrocity is difficult to comprehend without relating it to the personal. The story of Bogusław Piesiewicz, who suffered a double tragedy in April 1940 as a...
March 15, 2019
In Poland it’s difficult to consider Lent and preparations for Wielkanoc (Easter), without also thinking of the annual 'spring clean' at home. The aim of the clean is indeed for your house...
March 4, 2019
Valentine’s Day has long gone and the shops are no longer awash with red and pink paraphernalia. But did you know that originally, it was ‘Kaziuki’ which popularised the idea...
January 26, 2019
Many people say that it would be impossible to establish an independent Polish state in 1918 without the sacrifice made during the Powstanie Styczniowe (January Uprising)of 1863. Józef Piłsudski, brought up...
December 21, 2018
One: Moments of stillness In the hustle and bustle of pre-Christmas preparations we don't have a minute to spare. This can sometimes spill over into the season itself. So remember...
December 4, 2018
When the cold wind bites and the rain patters on the window, listen carefully for a gentle knock on the door. If you open it even just a crack, the bajka...
