Golden Poland

Ted. My father’s parents emigrated from Europe to the US early in the last century. We say they came from Poland, but when my grandmother was born, in 1895, the country of Poland did not exist. She grew up in the Polish speaking region of the Russian Empire. We do not know which town my grandfather came from, but my grandmother was able to tell us fascinating stories of life in her town: Wysokie Mazowieckie. In 2001, Judy and I made a pilgrimage there in search of my roots. We received invaluable help from Robert, a Servas host, who hails from the nearby city of Białystok.

Judy & me with Robert & Ann

Coincidentally, his parents came from my Grandma’s town so he knew it well. Over the past 17 years, we have built a lasting friendship with Robert and his wife Ann. This October we were finally able to return to Białystok and Wysokie Mazowieckie.

Wysokie Mazowieckie town square

October is a golden time in Poland. The birch trees, oaks and countless other hardwoods are approaching their fall glory. Fields of ripe rapeseed paint swathes of yellow across the countryside.

We were overwhelmed by the many differences we saw in Poland on this trip. Since joining the European Union (EU) in 2004, the Poles have made dramatic improvements in infrastructure. Investment money is now pouring in from all over the world. Old Stalinist structures are being crowded out by shiny skyscrapers.

Warsaw city center

Trains, buses, roads and bike paths look brand new. Old tenements have been leveled to make room for new apartments, offices and malls (and, sadly - McDonalds). English is heard everywhere. We met a 10-year-old girl who has been studying English for 6 years! The economy is booming and everyone is optimistic about bright futures for their children.

My grandparents’ homeland has a long, sad history but this month and this century is truly a golden time in Poland!