On our way to a Polish wedding, we arrived by train in Bydgoszcz, Poland, half way between Warsaw in the middle, and Gdansk on the Baltic Sea. Our son and his fiancé met us with hugs and kisses. With backpacks in tow, we arrived at our apartment. It was spacious for Europe and had a large digital TV. Checking the thirteen channels, they were all in Polish. At least I had a book to read.
Poland is one of the most tormented countries in all of Europe’s history. Because it lies between Germany and Russia, it has been a highway between the great powers of European history. Poland has been fought over, split into pieces, and subjugated by the stronger force for the past 1000 years. When Poland did have some sense of autonomy their kings weren’t even Polish. They were someone’s cousin or brother of a European/Russian Royal that currently was in power. The Poles were able to break from their yoke of subservience after World War I, but in September of 1939, Hitler invaded and slaughtered the people with little resistance. The Polish army had horses against German tanks. In the town of Bydgoszcz, the Nazi’s gathered the people in the town square to watch as thirty of their leaders, including the Mayor were executed. Most of Poland was destroyed in World War II.
Aside from Poland’s wild history, weddings happen and babies are born. Poland is now part of the European Union and has a solid economy. Look for me again, by Friday.
