Did any one else feel Krakow an unfriendly place to visit?

Answer 1

No just got back loved it!!

Answer 2

Depends on whether or not you're Jewish or an Atheist or somehow outside the mainstream of Catholic Poles.

There is still a very strong anti-semitic sentiment in Poland, even in Krakow. And Radio Maryja makes sure that non-Catholics, or, say, women who want ordination of female priests, or gays and their sympathizers, or Muslims and any "others" or "outsiders" feel unwelcome, as well.

And there currently seems to be a very strong "go home, foreigner!" movement beginning as well.

Some of this can be chalked up to fractures about the joining of the EU, the fact that the zloty (Polish money) will disappear in 2012 upon full membership to the EU, high unemployment, outdated, crumbling infrastructure and discomfort over the changing politics and economics they feel pulled into, as they struggle to fit into that european world view.

They recently arrested and imprisoned a drunk man for saying to the arresting officers that he didn't like the government there (and they do still have a pretty strict censorship law--do not, for instance, say to a stranger in a bar that you hate Poland's president or its government or its ministers), their education minister wants creation science to be taught in the schools instead of evolution and their health minister recently called for the teletubbies to be investigated for homosexual tendencies/negative influences on their children.

It's a beautiful, proud and great country, and Poles in general are warm, wise and wonderful people, but they have their problems, same as we do here in the states.

Ignoring them or denying them will not make them go away.

Whether YOU will have a problem with what is going on over there largely depends on what you think and feel, and whether or not you share that with Poles, or they find out about it.

If it agrees with what they also feel and think, then no problem, but if it doesn't, it might be best not to shout it about, except to close friend,s and only when you feel they are not baiting you into an argument, but rather, want to openly and honestly discuss these things.

Krakovites depend heavily on tourist dollars and so, if you're just visiting temporarily, you may not ever experience any of what is noted above; but it does not mean these problems don't exist, nor that they are not serious problems.

To get a taste of what I am talking about go check out

polish forums.com
expat in poland.com
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1184033,00.html
http://www.tau.ac.il/Anti-Semitism/asw2005/poland.htm

Answer 3

i just answered your question with see below - it seems to me that people ahve no idea that Auschwitz and Krakow are two seperate places!

the concentration camp is about 60 miles out of Krakow- in a place called - oh hang on a sec - AUSCHWITZ!!! or locally called Oświęcim.

Ive been to Krakow a number of times and loved it. Eastern Europeans always tend to be offish i find but our cab driver was a sweety! just depends i guess!

PEOPLE!!! Krakow is the bloomin city! AUSCHWITZ is the concentration camp!

Answer 4

I visited Krakow in April and actually enjoyed it - concept the individuals have been very friendly and inviting and the city itself very sparkling and felt secure strolling approximately and at night. wonderful city, friendly human beings, sunshine, very decrease priced beer and foodstuff, what extra ought to you want. Am going back next three hundred and sixty 5 days as purely didnt have sufficient time to work out all of it.

Answer 5

I visited Krakow 8 years ago and I found it different but lovely! i am Belgian and I used to live in Brussels. Why are you asking this question?
Yes I visited Auschwitz too, and the atmosphere there was something else...

Answer 6

No I had a great time! The people were really nice, shy alittle but nice.

Answer 7

oh my gosh not at all!!! i was there last summer and we had a blast - everyone was helpful and so friendly!!!!!

Answer 8

no