When considering this study abroad trip, I had concerns about visiting Poland with Russia’s war against Ukraine happening right next door. I worried about my safety, and I envisioned a tense atmosphere in Poland that would reflect my worries. However, this was far from the atmosphere that I experienced in Krakow. Most Poles continue about their normal daily lives — workers tend their shops, people eat at restaurants, and young people go out to bars late into the night. No shortages were apparent. The tourism business thrives despite the war a border away. Some Ukrainian flags adorn the outside of businesses, but, as with the Ukrainian flags hanging in the United States, I wondered if these shows of support corresponded to real contributions to Ukraine’s aid. While I didn’t get to observe it myself, singers did perform one night to collect aid for Ukraine. However, I was surprised there weren’t more demonstrations specifically against Russian aggression, especially considering Poland’s own history of being occupied by Eastern aggressors.
During our tour of the Krakow Museum in Schindler’s Factory, I reflected on the parallels between Poland’s current situation and the time just before the German invasion in 1939. Our Polish tour guide explained to us how Poles spent the summer of 1939 enjoying life rather than preparing for a war. While looking at the photos of Poles dancing and having picnics, I was reminded of Krakow today, where Poles continue about their daily lives seemingly uninterrupted. I hope that their lives remain uninterrupted by war.
Our tour guide also called the Slavic nations “last minute masters.” By this, she meant that the Poles can mobilize quickly to counter any threat. However, I don’t think “masters” is the right word here, because it implies that the Poles succeed in repelling their enemies without prior planning. The Poles were swiftly overrun by the Germans in 1939, so hearing the tour guide speak proudly about their “last minuteness” caught me off guard. I realize there are dangers in drawing conclusions about an entire nation from one city or one tour guide, but the Poles do not seem to have taken their defeat in 1939 as a lesson in the importance of preparation.