PNTO_TP

USEFUL INFORMATION Emergency numbers (when calling from a cell phone) 999 – Ambulance Service 998 – Fire Department 997 – Police 986 – City Guard 112 - all services when calling from a cell phone

Getting Around

By Air – LOT Polish Airlines www.lot.com

By Train – PKP Intercity www.intercity.com.pl/?page=home_page By car - www.poland.travel/en-us/Artykuly/jak_podrozowac-en-us/podroz_samochodem/pot_category_view Public Transportation – www.poland.travel/en-us/Artykuly/jak_podrozowac-en-us/komunikacja_w_miescie/ transport_publiczny/pot_category_view

In situations where life is endangered you can also contact special services: +48 601 100 300 – Mountain Rescue Patrol (GOPR) +48 601 100 100 – Water Rescue Patrol (WOPR) Emergency Assistance to American Citizens Abroad In case of an emergency, you may contact the ACS section directly during normal working hours (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) at +48 (22) 504-2784. Outside of normal working hours, please call +48 (22) 504-2000 and ask to speak to the Embassy Duty Officer.

Attractions UNESCO Heritage Sites - www.whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/pl

U.S. Embassy in Warsaw American Citizens Abroad Unit, ul.Piekna 12, 00-540 Warsaw phone: +48 (22) 625-1401 Emergency Assistance to Canadian Citizens Abroad For emergency assistance after hours, call the Canadian Embassy in Warsaw and follow the instructions. You may also call the DEPARTMENT IN OTTAWA TOLL-FREE AT

+1 (800) 111-4319.

Canadian Embassy in Warsaw ul. Jana Matejki 1/5, 00-481, Warsaw phone: +48 (22) 584-3100

Historic sites - www.poland.travel/en-us/Artykuly/co_zobaczyc-en-us/zabytki/pot_category_view National Parks - www.staff.amu.edu.pl/~zbzw/ph/pnp/pnp.htm Regions – www.regiony.poland.gov.pl/start_en.html

Major cities: Warszawa – www.warsawtour.pl Gdansk – www.gdansk.pl Gdynia – www.gdynia.pl Sopot – www.sopot.pl Wroclaw – www.wroclaw.pl Kraków – www.krakow.pl Poznan – www.poznan.pl

Polish National Tourist Office, 5 Marine View Plaza, Hoboken, N.J. 07030-5722, Phone: (201) 420-9910, Web: http://www.poland.travel

Poland Travel Planner

As a result Poland lost a third of its pre-Second World War region that was under Soviet rule. But for compensating this loss Poland was offered a large portion of Germany east of the Order of Neisse Rivers.

RELIGION Poland, a predominantly Roman Catholic nation, has a millennium long tradition of tolerance. It did not experience religious wars, something unheard of in medieval Europe. Catholics, Jews, Protestants, Russian Orthodox and Muslims have been coexisting together contributing to Polish and European culture, science and social development.

Useful Information on Poland ELECTRICITY Electricity is 220V, 50 Hz. Plugs with two round pins are used, the same as in the rest of Continental Europe.

TIME Like most countries in Europe, Summer (Daylight-Saving) Time is observed in Poland, where the time is shifted forward by 1 hour; 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2).

ABOUT POLAND Poland, a country of 38 million and the size of New Mexico, located between the Odra and the Bug Rivers, and stretching from the Baltic Sea to the ranges of the Sudety and the Carpathian Mountains constitutes a natural bridge between Western and Eastern Europe; not only in a geographical context, but also in a geopolitical, historical and cultural sense. Poland’s geographical location and ethnical diversity made her a unique place, where western and oriental civilization mixed together give rise to a unique culture and personalities that created specific objects of art, architecture, music, literature and cuisine. It borders on Germany in the west, the Czech Republic and Slovakia in the south, Lithuania, Belarus and Ukraine in the east, while its northern border is delimited by the Baltic Sea coast and Russia (Kaliningrad district).

Poland is the largest of the Central European countries which joined the EU in May 2004.

More: http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/countries/co untry_poland.html

FACTS ABOUT POLAND History

Upon reflecting on the history of Poland, it is revealed that in the mid-10th century, under the Piast dynasty, Poland gained prominence as a unitary and territorial entity and at around 966 the religion of Christianity spread through the country. Poland was divided into different states during the 12th century and was reunified by King Wladyslaw I. Under the rule of the Jagiellon dynasty Poland forged an alliance with Lithuania.

Between 1772 and 1795 the Kingdom of Poland was divided between Prussia, Austria and Russia.

The central and the eastern provinces of Poland also went under the Russian Empire. Poland was united as a Duchy of Warsaw when Napoleon conquered

Polish National Tourist Office, 5 Marine View Plaza, Hoboken, N.J. 07030-5722, Phone: (201) 420-9910, Web: http://www.poland.travel

Central Europe.

After the fall of Napoleon in 1815 Poland was split again by the Allies at the Congress of Vienna. Russia captured most of the Duchy of Warsaw. The eastern part was governed by the Russian Tsars who created the new Kingdom of Poland while the former eastern parts of Poland were directly included in the empire. After sometime Russia in effect captured the country.

The First World War led to the unification of once bifurcated Poland, as an independent Republic of Poland. Very soon after the surrender of Germany in November 1918, Poland regained its independence as the Second Polish Republic. In the Second World War, Poland was attacked by Germany and Russia. This invasion resulted in a huge loss of life and property in Poland. Of all the countries involved in the war Poland had the highest death toll of its citizens.

The Second World War resulted in the formation of new boundaries for central Europe by Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt at the Yalta Conference.

Geography Poland is a relatively low-lying country. 91.3 percent of its territory lies below 300 m above sea level. The highest point is Mt. Rysy in the Tatras, while the lowest point is located west of the village of Raczki Elblaskie.

There are three main mountain ranges in Poland: the Carpathians, the Sudety Mountains, and the Gory Swietokrzyskie (Holy Cross Mountains). The longest rivers are the Vistula, Oder, Warta and Bug. Poland has some 9,300 lakes with surface areas over 1 ha; they make up 1 percent of the country's territory.

The largest is Lake Sniardwy in the Mazurian Lake District, and the deepest is Lake Hancza north of Suwalki. The structure of the relief can be divided more specifically into a series of four distinct zones. To the north lie the marshes and the dunes of the Baltic sea; To the south is a belt of a thousand lakes; in the center of Poland is the third zone, which includes the central lowlands fit for agriculture; and the fourth zone is composed of the mountains and highlands to the south, offering a most spectacular landscape.

Cuisine Entering a Polish home, whether you are an old friend or a

stranger, you will be greeted with warm hospitality and a sumptuous meal. "Guest in the home, God in the home", as the old Polish saying goes.

For centuries the Polish kitchen has been the arena for competing influences from France and Italy.

It also borrowed extensively from Lithuanian, Jewish and Hungarian cuisines, and more exotic tables like Tartar, Armenian, Cossack.Fresh water fish is the favorite dish in the north of Poland where lakes are in

why Polish delicacies taste so good you should also know that they are typically made of organic produce prepared by natural methods, cooked in the traditional home-made style without artificial ingredients.

Famous Poles and Their Achievements Nicolaus Copernicus, a graduate of Krakow University, astronomer, mathematician, physician and economist was the first astronomer who

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS January 1 New Year's Day May 1 May Day May 3 Constitution Day August 15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

December 25 & 26 Christmas Days Moveable feasts

abundance; from the sandy plains of Mazovia in central Poland comes zurek- a sour rye soup, and the Eastern belt is know for the world famous pierogi.

Wielkopolska in Western Poland will treat you to aromatic duck dishes; Suwalszczyzna in the north-east tip of Poland offers the best potato dishes and Podhale at the foot of the Tatra Mountains is famous for kwasnica - sauerkraut soup and oscypek - a sheep's milk smoked cheese. Wherever you go, you can enjoy delicacies that for centuries have been made of produce harvested in the forests, fields, meadows, lakes and rivers of Poland. To better understand

formulated scientifically based heliocentric cosmology and is recognized as the father of modern astronomy.

Tadeusz Kosciuszko was educated at the military schools of Warsaw and Versailles, and attained the rank of captain in the Polish army.

When the American Revolution broke out he embarked for the scene of conflict and, joining Washington's army, received a commission as officer of engineers, October 18, 1776.

He served with distinction throughout the war, was made a brigadier general, and was awarded thanks of Congress.

Polish National Tourist Office, 5 Marine View Plaza, Hoboken, N.J. 07030-5722, Phone: (201) 420-9910, Web: http://www.poland.travel

Easter: April 12 & 13, 2009 April 4 & 5, 2010 April 24 & 25, 2011 April 8 & 9, 2012 Corpus Christi: June 11, 2009 June 3, 2010 June 23, 2011 June 7, 2012

CLIMATE The climate is oceanic in the north and west and becomes gradually warmer and continental as one moves south and east.

Summers are generally warm, with average temperatures between 68 F and 81 F. Winters are cold, with average temperatures around 37 F in the northwest and 17 F in the northeast. Precipitation falls throughout the year, although, especially in the east; winter is drier than summer.

GETTING THERE

BY BIKE BICYCLE EQUIPMENT Before the trip check the wheels, tires, gears, the chain and brakes. The bicycle must also be equipped with lights. A spare inner tube can also prove indispensable, with spanners and tools to remove the wheels and tires, a pump and puncture repair kit. Bicycle trips are a growing and very popular form of recreation in Poland. This is due to the improving cycling conditions - in many cities there are separate cycling lanes which can be used to traverse parts of the city. Some towns are connected by cycling paths through interesting places in the region. Bicycles can be rented from firms who have been involved in the construction of these cycling routes.

a safe country . As in every other Nobel Prize recipient from Kazimierz Pulaski (Casimir city in the world, there are Poland.

Pulaski) was a military commander sections which have a higher level for the Bar Confederation and of crime. Moreover, for your own Language fought against Russian domination safety, the best practice is not to of the Polish-Lithuanian CommonPolish was once the lingua franca carry large amounts of money in wealth. When this uprising failed, in parts of Central and Eastern cash and to avoid walking in he emigrated to North Europe because of the political, America, where he Short introduction to everyday Polish became a general in the Continental Let's start with something simple: Army during the Yes: Tak (as in tick-'tack') American RevoluNo: Nie (as in 'nyeh'-nyeh-na-na-na) tionary War. He died of wounds Ok: Dobrze ('dough' plus a 'b' then 'shuh') suffered in the Excuse me: Przepraszam (difficult to pronounce because it includes that oh-so-notBattle of Savannah.

English combo - 'p' merges into 'shey' followed by 'pra' and 'shem') John Paul II, Karol Wojtyla was What: Co (often used like an English 'what??' and pronounced 'tso') born, educated and Where: Gdzie ( 'guh' and 'jay') ordained in Poland.

When: Kiedy ( 'key yeh dey') The pontificate of JPII was characterWho: Kto ( 'k' and 'toe') ized by openness Why: Dlaczego ('dlah' and 'che' and 'go') to dialogue with How: Jak (just like 'tock' but with a 'y') the world and active spiritual Poles are big on greetings. Remember how to say 'good day'. You can even say it at work. He was the night - it has such universality here. first pontiff in the Good day: Dzien dobry ('jean' and 'dough' plus 'bree' like the cheese) history of the Church to hold Hi: Czesc (use this one on friends only: 'chay sh ch' but run it all together as one prayer meetings sound) with all religions.

Bye: Czesc (works like 'aloha', making informal comings and goings easy) Frederic Chopin, one of the most unknown neighborhoods, famous pianists of the 19th cencultural, scientific and military parks, and areas around rail tury, created a playing style which influence of the Polish-Lithuanian stations late at night. When is still copied by musicians around Commonwealth. Nearly 97% of going to a disco or club, do not the world, including those who Poland's citizens declare Polish as take valuable items or important come to Poland to perform at their mother tongue. Polish is documents, other than a photo Chopin festivals. considered to be one of the ID with a proof of your age. It is Another pioneer in her field was more difficult languages to master worth remembering that most Maria Sklodowska-Curie (Marie by non-native speakers. Unlike establishments are not liable for Curie), the first woman, who after English, Polish is pronounced items other than coats and jackets graduating from Warsaw Univerphonetically. Once you underleft in cloakrooms. Moreover, it is sity, became a doctor of physics stand where to break the word, safer to avoid forming attachments and a professor at the Sorbonne in and that the second-to-last syllable with strangers, especially if they Paris. She discovered polonium is always stressed, you’ll do seem to be under the influence of and radium and did research into fine. The Polish alphabet does alcohol or drugs. You should also radioactivity and its use in cancer have its own surprises. avoid leaving anything valuable on treatment. Twice awarded the If confused, just look it up in a the seats of parked vehicles.

Nobel Prize, she eventually died of good dictionary. leukemia.

GETTING THERE Lech Walesa, the famous Safety

By Air freedom fighter and Solidarity The rate of violent crime in Poland has direct intercontinental movement leader is another Poland is generally low. Poland is

Polish National Tourist Office, 5 Marine View Plaza, Hoboken, N.J. 07030-5722, Phone: (201) 420-9910, Web: http://www.poland.travel

flight connections with the USA (New York and Chicago) and Canada (Toronto). On these routes flies LOT Polish Airlines.

Poland can also be reached on U.S. or European airlines.

Flight time from New York to Warsaw is about 9 hours.

The Frederic Chopin Airport at Okecie in Warsaw has connections with more than thirty countries, operated by 25 airlines, among them British Airways, SAS, Air France and Lufthansa. Once in Europe, one can fly to Poland on either legacy or low cost carriers.

Airports are situated in the vicinity of the largest cities in Poland for the most part.

Most of them are used for domestic flights.

By Train Fast – Intercity, Eurocity and express trains run between the largest cities.

Regional or local trains carry passengers to smaller towns and make frequent stops, so they give an opportunity to visit smaller towns and villages.

Train fares depend on the route, standard and class. Many various promotional prices are always offered. For details ask at the railway station. All trains, except for the local ones, offer first and second class carriages.

Fast trains usually carry a separate restaurant car, while long-distance trains often offer space in additional sleeping-cars.

Information on schedules and fares is available at railway stations, at the counters marked 'I'(Information) or from travel agencies. Time tables are on display in many locations on

railroad stations. They are made up in two colors - yellow for departures and white for arrivals. For more information see www.rozklad.pkp.pl. and www.intercity.com.pl

By Car Required documents - valid vehicle registration document - valid driver’s license (EU License or International License, which can be obtained from AAA or CAA) Additionally, for vehicles registered outside of the European Union:

- Valid vehicle insurance certificate Required equipment - warning triangle - extinguisher - first aid kit All vehicles are required to use headlights, night and day all year round. The use of seat belts is compulsory for front and rear-seat passengers.

Speed limits and other regulations see: http://www.poland.travel/enus/ Artykuly/jak_podrozowac-enus/ podroz_samochodem/przepis y_ruchu_drogowego/pot_category_view

Traffic lights One can turn right when a red light is on, provided a separate green arrow light is on. In such a case, the driver must always yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.

Rent-a-car in Poland - Polish and international car rental agencies are well represented at airports, railway stations and at major hotels.

By Bus Coach travel in Poland is operated by national and regional carriers.

A coach trip is usually longer than a train one. You can buy tickets at ticket offices, at train stations or with the driver (on condition that the tickets have not been sold out at the ticket office). Apart from the information above there are many small private bus services which mostly operate minibuses on certain fixed routes. As a rule their stops are situated in close proximity to train or bus stations.

Some small towns or villages are sometimes only accessible by public transport, in this case, the bus. Tickets are bought from the driver. Some of the private mini

Polish National Tourist Office, 5 Marine View Plaza, Hoboken, N.J. 07030-5722, Phone: (201) 420-9910, Web: http://www.poland.travel

ACCOMMODATION Polish hotels are classified according to the star system (from * to *****) Many international hotel systems are represented by Accor S.A., Hilton, Hyatt, Holiday Inn, Marriott, Best Western, Radisson and Sheraton.

Many historic and old buildings (palaces, castles, manors, mills) were converted into upscale hotels. In addition to traditional hotels, various types of accommodations are available, including country inns, motels, pensions, farm rooms and youth hostels.

To learn more about accommodation and make reservations visit: www.hotelsinpoland.com www.hotele.pl www.hotelspoland.com www.polhotels.com www.poland.com www.wwz.pl www.leisure-heritage.com www.agritourism.pl www.ptsm.pl

TIPPING GUIDELINES Tips up to 10% are expected in restaurants and cafes. Tips for taxi drivers are expected and are usually rounded up over metered amount. Porter's services at hotels and train stations are expected, but amounts for such services are at the traveler's discretion and are usually in amount of PLN 2-5

MONEY MATTERS CREDIT CARDS All major credit cards e.g. American Express, Diners Club, JCB, MasterCard/EuroCard and Visa, are accepted. ATMs are widely available.

BANK HOURS Monday-Friday 9:00am – 6:00pm, Saturday 9:00am-1:00pm in main cities. In smaller towns, banking hours are limited.

bus services also serve the smaller villages more directly. The trips are short and usually cheaper than the ones in a public bus. There are no difficulties of getting to Poland using international coach lines. Large cities (such as Warsaw, Krakow, Poznan, Gdansk and others) are situated on European routes with many connections. You can get to Poland by bus either directly or you can choose an interesting option with changes in different cities on your route. The multiplicity of choices is as wide as the number of services and covers both convenient travel options and a variety of ticket prices.

Public Transportation It is difficult to present a general model of the functioning of the public transportation services in Poland as each town or city has its own regulations.

Some regulations however are applicable everywhere. Public transportation patrons are required to have a valid ticket.

Traveling without a valid and validated ticket results in a fine.

There are frequent controls in the major cities. Tickets (usually of the same type for bus, tram and subway system) can be bought at news stands and kiosks or at some grocery shops. In many cities tickets can be also purchased from bus and tram drivers. Prices and types of tickets vary.

Taxi If you decide to take a taxi please remember to choose only those

with a logo displayed. Once inside the taxi make sure the driver switches on the taximeter.

You can also ask about the route the driver is going to choose to reach your destination. Prices vary depending on the city and the transport company.

Differences however, are not big.

Weekend and night fares (10.00pm - 6.00am) and out-oftown zones have a higher scale of charges. The price of the first kilometer is usually between PLN 4 - 6, with the following kilometers cheaper, about PLN 2. In the large cities taxis leaving from the vicinity of stations can be more expensive.

HEALTH INFORMATION Travelers with Disabilities Even though there are more and more public utility buildings adapted for the disabled, a journey by public transport still happens to be a problem. That's why it is recommended that wheelchair users come in their own cars. All necessary information about the stay and travel of the disabled in Poland can be obtained from the Integration Friends Society (Stowarzyszenie Przyjaciol Integracja), Sapiczynska

Polish National Tourist Office, 5 Marine View Plaza, Hoboken, N.J. 07030-5722, Phone: (201) 420-9910, Web: http://www.poland.travel

10a, 00-215 Warszawa tel. +4822 536 0111, fax +48-22- 5351182 www.integracja.org, integracja@integracja.org Avian flu Because of the danger of avian flu, Poland – like other EU countries– does not allow import of animal products whose country of origin is outside of the EU. This ban does not apply to infant products (on condition that such products do not require refrigeration prior to consumption, and the packaging is intact). Meat and milk can only be imported under a special permit.

Travel Insurance Contact your travel agent or insurance agent and ask what type of travel policy they recommend.

This kind of policy will be necessary in any case of emergency: accidents not covered by your health insurance (particularly important when going for mountain hiking, skiing, scuba-diving, paragliding, biking, etc…), loss or theft of property, costs of cancellation of a journey due to various unforeseen circumstances (sudden illness, accident, fire, etc.).

Medical Care Poland’s medical facilities are of an equivalent standard to those in other European countries.

Private medical facilities are comparatively inexpensive and of a good standard.

It is also wise to review your health insurance policy and contact your insurance provider to make sure that you are covered in Poland. Otherwise, consider a purchase of additional insurance.

Prescribed medication can be purchased at pharmacy shops, marked APTEKA. Over-the counter medications are available at pharmacy shops, supermarkets, convenience shops and news stands. When in Poland, foreign citizens are obliged to pay for services received from the Polish health service. To avoid such charges, you should take out an appropriate insurance in your own country before you set off.

Contact your health insurance provider or agent how your

insurance protects you in Poland and consider an additional one.

Medicines Pharmacies can be found in both large towns and small communities. At night at least one pharmacy should be on duty in each town. In any pharmacy you can purchase basic medication, cosmetics and herbal teas. However, you

should remember that some medications are sold on prescription only, and rebates apply to prescriptions issued in Poland to eligible individuals only. Some specialist medications must first be ordered in the pharmacy and picked up on a given date.

ent historical compositions as well as contemporary creations for the enjoyment of audiences year round. As an added attraction, many performances and competitions are held in venues that are renowned for their historical or architectural importance.

Pets Pets and other animals brought to Poland must be vaccinated against rabies at least 3 weeks prior to arrival. The vaccination remains valid for one year.

Shortly before arrival to Poland, the veterinarian’s opinion about the animal's overall health condition should be issued in the vaccination booklet.

Architecture Polish cities and towns reflect a whole spectrum of European styles. Poland’s eastern frontiers used to mark the outermost boundary of the influences of Western architecture on the continent.

History has not been good to Poland's architectural monuments, however, a number of ancient structures have survived: castles, churches, and stately buildings, often unique in the regional or European context. Some of them have been painstakingly restored, like Wawel Castle, or completely reconstructed after being destroyed in the Second World War, including the Old Town and Royal Castle in Warsaw, as well as the Old Towns of Gdansk and Wroclaw. The centre of Kazimierz Dolny on the Vistula is a good example of a well-preserved medieval town.

Poland's ancient capital, Krakow, ranks among the best preserved Gothic and Renaissance urban complexes in Europe. One of the best preserved examples of Modernist

CULTURAL ESSENTIALS Arts and Literature The appreciation of music and theater is a long-standing tradition of Polish cultural life.

The names of past and present masters like Chopin, Gorecki, Penderecki, Witkiewicz or Mrozek strike a familiar chord with music and theater lovers all over the world. In Poland, native and foreign artists pres-

Polish National Tourist Office, 5 Marine View Plaza, Hoboken, N.J. 07030-5722, Phone: (201) 420-9910, Web: http://www.poland.travel

GAY AND LESBIAN The Polish constitution guarantees equal rights to all people and protects them against discrimination on whatever grounds, including sexual orientation. Poland is one of very few countries where historically homosexuality has never been banned; however, there’s no legal recognition of same sex relationships with regard to marriage and adoption of children. There is a number of Polish publications and websites devoted to homosexuality: www.warsaw.gayguide.net

SHOPPING Supermarkets in towns and around tourist centers work usually from 6am to 9pm on weekdays and to 1pm on weekends.

Some supermarkets are open 24 hours. Department stores and most other stores work generally from 9am to 8pm (weekdays).

Vegetable markets in cities open up as early as 6am.

E-MAIL & INTERNET In cities, apart from hotels, internet access is available in many places, the most popular being internet cafes. Some of them are even open 24-hours. In smaller cities there are considerably fewer internet cafes, but generally there should not be a problem with finding at least one place to log on. Prices vary, so an hour may cost anywhere from PLN 2 to PLN 7.

For those who take their computers with them wherever they go, there are hundreds of hotspots in big cities that offer free wireless access, frequently operated by hotels. However, it is important to note that in some hotels internet access is not included in the price of the room.

architecture in Europe is located in Katowice, Upper Silesia, designed and built in the 1930s.

Interesting buildings were also constructed during the Communist era in the style of Socialist Realism; while some remarkable examples of modern architecture were erected more recently.

pork cutlet with cabbage and potatoes, topped with a cheesecake and washed with an amount of liquor, sometimes home made. If you abstain from alcohol, you will find that in Poland it is sometimes not enough just to

comprising of numerous lakes, mountains and forests have always made Poland a favorite destination for all tourists.

UNESCO Heritage Sites Poland is a country of a 1,000-

Etiquette and Gratuity When greeting a Pole, it is proper etiquette to shake hands with members of both sexes, although it is also polite to wait for a woman to be the first to offer her hand. Some Polish men may even kiss the hand of a woman. Remember to always retain a completely formal approach when addressing your Polish counterparts. Unless you are invited to use first names, you should always use formal titles such as Mr. (Pan) or Mrs. (Pani) and the surname (family name).

Although some Poles may be able to hold a conversation in English, it is advisable to learn some conversational Polish beforehand. Being seen to make an effort would be regarded as respectful and polite, and will more likely earn you some trust from your Polish acquaintances.

Polish spirit There are, of course, many more specific Polish customs. It is also worth knowing that the Poles are a particularly friendly and supportive people, who cultivate a sense of duty towards each other and their families and friends. You will find it very easy to engage in a friendly conversation, regardless of the other speaker’s linguistic competence.

If you are invited for dinner, better go on an empty stomach because otherwise you will find it difficult to feast on a generous helping of soup with noodles,

Landscape Complex and Pilgrimage Park Churches of Peace in Jawor and Swidnica Wooden Churches of Southern Malopolska Region Park Muzakowski / Muskauer Park Centennial Hall in Wroclaw National Parks See: http:://www.staff.amu .edu.pl/~zbzw/ ph/pnp/pnp.htm COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA Poland Monthly Poland Monthly is an English-language publication specializing in business news and insight, politics, and lifestyle issues in Poland. www.polandmonthly.pl

say “no, thanks”, as your host may assume his traditional Polish hospitality is being put to test.

MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Attractions in Poland range from nature’s beauty to the historical monuments lined up beside modern architectural expertise.

The hospitality that the country offers to its tourists stands as a sure attraction in Poland for all foreign visitors. Modernity and tradition going hand in hand appeal greatly to foreign tourists, as such an essence is not so common in today’s world.

History buffs are welcome to visit carefully restored complexes of old Polish cities, including the royal castles in Warsaw and Krakow, Poland’s former capital.

They will enjoy touring old magnate residences remembering the bygone times and visiting numerous museums. In addition, natural attractions in Poland

year old history, rich traditions and abundant cultural heritage.

The legacy of bygone centuries that includes monumental architecture, historical mementos and masterpieces of art is perfectly combined with the wealth of Polish nature and its original landscapes. The list created by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) distinguishes buildings and sites that constitute the most valuable examples of peoples’ material culture, products of human genius or unique nature reserves. These sites include: Krakow's Historic Centre Wieliczka Salt Mines, Former Nazi German Concentration Camp, Auschwitz Bialowieza Forest / Belovezhskaya Pushcha Historic Centre of Warsaw, Old City of Zamosc Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork Medieval Town of Torun, Kalwaria Zebrzydowska: the Mannerist Architectural and Park

Polish National Tourist Office, 5 Marine View Plaza, Hoboken, N.J. 07030-5722, Phone: (201) 420-9910, Web: http://www.poland.travel

The Warsaw Business Journal The Warsaw Business Journal is a leading international business publication in Poland.

Since 1994 the WBJ has been a reliable and important source of news and information for international investors, senior managers, and business persons in every industry.

The Warsaw Voice The Warsaw Voice is an English language guide to developments in Poland and other Central and Eastern European countries. It is up-to-date, objective and reliable. It's presence in the Polish market has been felt since October 1988. www.warsawvoice.pl The Warsaw Insider The Warsaw Insider is a comprehensive monthly guide to good living and fast times in Poland's

capital. Entertainment, information, culture, travel, food and drink in a compact glossy magazine. www.warsawinsider.pl Cities and Regions Poland is a fascinating jigsaw puzzle, composed of colorful regional pieces. They range from beaches, cliffs, and Kashubian folklore to thousands of lakes hidden deep within forests, watched over by towers of Teutonic fortresses, as well as

who, having regained their independence in 1918 after a century and a half of occupation, took less than 10 years to build one of the greatest ports on the Baltic Sea. The history of the Tricity is an important element of the contemporary consciousness of every Pole: it was here that the strikes of 1970, 1980 and 1988 set in motion the destruction of the communist system. In 1980, Lech Walesa led the strike at the Lenin Shipyard in Gdansk, which

TELEPHONE Mobile networks cover practically the entire territory of Poland. Any U.S. mobile service, provided it is GSM, will work in Poland. Please contact your network operator to find out about roaming charges.

To make mobile calls within Poland, it is often more convenient to buy a prepaid SIM card from one of several Polish service providers. They offer the usual services, including GPRS and MMS, on a pay-as-you go basis.

If calling to a land line in Poland,

the domes of Eastern churches scattered throughout the mountainsides.

More about Polish Regions: http://regiony.poland.gov.pl/star t_en.html Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot These three cities are known as the “Tricity,” which is an urban complex extending along the Bay of Gdansk and one of Poland’s largest tourist attractions. Each of the cities making up the Tricity offers a different atmosphere.

Gdansk is a Hanseatic town more than 1,000 years old, while lively Sopot and Gdynia are proof of the economic spirit of the Poles

became the cradle of the Solidarity movement. The trade union leader went on to become the president of Poland and

always dial a '0' city code and phone number. To dial outside of Poland, dial '00,' country code, foreign city code, and the rest of the number. Poland can be reached from the US by dialing 011, then 48 + city code (without 0) and the phone number.

winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Gdansk www.gdansk.pl Gdynia www.gdynia.pl Sopot www.sopot.pl

Polish National Tourist Office, 5 Marine View Plaza, Hoboken, N.J. 07030-5722, Phone: (201) 420-9910, Web: http://www.poland.travel

CURRENCY & EXCHANGE The monetary unit [PLN] is also marked as [zl]. 1 zloty is divided into 100 groszy [gr]. The bank-notes come at 200, 100, 50 and 10 zloty, and coins in 5, 2 and 1 zloty, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 groszy. Currency can be exchanged in banks or exchange counters marked, Kantor.

Travelers checks are readily exchanged. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers should take travelers checks in USD. On entering the EU, Poland has pledged to substitute her currency with the Euro; the date of substitution has not yet been set.

Currently, it is forecast that the change of the monetary system will take place between 20122013.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE MEDIA IN YOUR POCKET In Your Pocket is a one-stop travel and information portal and guide for more than 50 European cities and resorts, including Warsaw, telling you where to go and where to eat. It has been delivering urban information since 1992. www.inyourpocket.com

Warszawa Where tradition intermingles with modernity. From the terrace on Zamkowy Square, where the Royal Castle and St. Anne’s Church are located, is a view of the new Swietokrzyski Bridge.

The dominating silhouette of the city centre belongs to the Palace of Culture and Science, which today shares a skyline with numerous skyscrapers. You can feel the breath of history in the Old Town, on Nowy Swiat Street and everywhere where the city’s roots have been preserved.

Zamkowy Square, containing

Sigismund’s Column, is the most prominent feature of the Old Town. The 15th century Gothic

St. John’s Cathedral stands on narrow Swietojanska Street. Its crypt houses the sarcophaguses of the princes of Mazovia and the tombs of many famous Poles.

The cathedral is the summertime venue of the International Festival of Organ Music. Swietojanska Street leads into the Old Town Square, with its colorful, narrow-fronted tenement houses.

Wroclaw Wroclaw was once described as “the holy blossom of Europe, a beautiful gem among cities”, and has always been a bone of contention, changing borders many times throughout its long history. In the past, Wroclaw has belonged to Poles, Czechs, Austrians, Hungarians and Germans. Settlers here have included Walloons, Jews, Italians and Ruthenians. The mixture of many different religions and cultures, while troublesome at times, has also contributed a lot to the city. The heart of Wroclaw is the Market Square, one of the

most beautiful and largest urban squares in Poland. As in centuries past, it is home to large banks, elegant stores and famous restaurants. Wroclaw’s Market

Square was built on the crossroads of important transport routes running from the Czech Republic in the south, to the north, and from Western Europe to the East. www.wroclaw.pl Krakow Krakow, with a population of nearly one million inhabitants, is one of the most frequently visited cities in Poland. It is an important centre of science with its renowned Jagiellonian

Polish National Tourist Office, 5 Marine View Plaza, Hoboken, N.J. 07030-5722, Phone: (201) 420-9910, Web: http://www.poland.travel

University (est. 1364) - one of the oldest universities in Europe.

The old city center of Krakow has been listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites and its exceptional atmosphere and flair attract thousands of tourists every year. The city also offers a number of interesting tourist attractions that make a visit to Krakow really worthwhile.

Krakow’s Main Market Square is the largest medieval urban center in Europe. The centrally positioned Cloth Hall, a construction from the turn of the 12th century, was originally designed for the cloth trade and greatly modified over the centuries.

Overlooking the square from the east is St. Mary’s Church with its magnificent high altar carved by the Nuremberg sculptor Veit Stoss (known in Poland as Wit Stwosz). Every hour, the hejnal (bugle call) is played from the higher tower to commemorate the Tatar raids on the city during the 13th century. The Town Hall Tower dominates the western section of the square. The Main Market Square is the place where the city’s life focuses, as the numerous cafes, bars and restaurants are within the walking distance from there. The route from there leads to the Florianska Gate and Gothic Barbican.

The Barbican is a masterpiece of medieval fortification art, and it is one of the three such structures preserved in Europe.

The Florianska Gate was part of a

system of defensive walls, fragments of which are still visible on both sides of the gate. The old part of Krakow is surrounded by a beautiful park known as the Planty, a green oasis in the very heart of the city. The Royal Castle and Cathedral are located on top of Wawel Hill which commands a view of the whole town. The Wawel Cathedral witnessed royal coronations and funerals, and the Wawel Castle was the residence of Polish kings. www.krakow.pl

Poznan Poznan is known around the world as an important international trade-fair centre. Every year about 30 international and national events are held here.

Specialist trade fairs, such as the Polagra Fair, featuring food products, and the Budma Fair, featuring building materials, are among the largest sectoral events in Europe. The historical landmarks in this city are also well worth seeing.

The observation terrace of the Economics Academy skyscraper, 80 m above ground, offers an

excellent view of the city’s old quarter, Ostrow Tumski, where

the cathedral stands today and where once stood the castle of

Prince Mieszko I and his son Boleslaw the Brave, crowned in 1025 as the first king of Poland.

Their sarcophaguses can be viewed in the Golden Chapel of the cathedral. www.poznan.pl

POSTAL SERVICE While in Poland, do not worry in the least about using the postal service to stay in touch with home. Stamps can be bought virtually anywhere and even the smallest towns have mailboxes, unsurprisingly painted in red, in which to drop a letter. The Polish Post Office offers two ways to send a letter: by priority or economy mail.

At the time of printing this planner, a letter sent by economy post costs PLN 1.45 within Poland and PLN 2.50 internationally. Postal offices are usually open on weekdays from early morning hours through the evening and Saturdays until noon. For more detailed information and up-to-date pricing, please visit the official website of Poland’s Postal Service www.poczta-polska.pl.

Polish National Tourist Office, 5 Marine View Plaza, Hoboken, N.J. 07030-5722, Phone: (201) 420-9910, Web: http://www.poland.travel