Last
week, we experienced record heat waves in Poland. Temperatures across the
country topped up to 40 C (104 F).
Such
a strange contrast from my first week in Warsaw, and six inches of snow covered the ground in APRIL!
We’ve
been living as expats in Warsaw a
little over four months. Recently, several friends and readers have asked what’s
Warsaw like and how we are adjusting. I’ll admit that the first two months were
rough. I shed quite a few tears, and I was depressed.
But
now I can see the silver lining of it all. Sure, I still have a bad day now and
then just like anyone else. However, I have realized there are many reasons to
love living in Warsaw too.
My
husband and I recently discussed what we like about living in Warsaw. We feel like we
have everything at our fingertips – public transportation, a good location, more
international food options, Dr. Pepper and pork – just to name a few things. Besides
our family and friends in the U.S., I can’t think of anything else I miss from America
anymore.
Top 10 Reasons to Love Living in Warsaw
1. Cost of
living
– This is one of first factors that attracted us to living in Warsaw. Our cost of
living has been cut in half compared to living in Istanbul. Rent, eating out, drinks,
international groceries are all much cheaper here. For example, on average, a
half liter of Polish beer costs 8-10 zl ($2.50-$3) compared to 8-10 tl ($4.50-$5.20)
for an Efes in Istanbul. Doesn’t take long for this stuff to add up!
2. Green spaces – Warsaw is
green! According to this
study, Warsaw has almost 20,000 hectacres (50,000 American acres) of
green spaces and as such has earned the nickname “green city.” In fact, 14
percent of the city’s urban area (7,258 hectacres) is covered by forests – much
more than any other European city. Because of all this green space, you
constantly see people running, riding bikes and relaxing in the city’s numerous
parks.
3. Polish
pierogies, piwo and
pork – You knew food would be one of
my top reasons, right? Polish food is hearty and reminds me of a grandmother’s
homecooking. We’ve eaten our fair share of delicious Polish pierogies washed
down with half liters of piwo (beer).
Piwo was one of the first Polish
words I learned. I am almost overwhelmed by the abundance of pork here.
4. Pubs in Parks – The Poles
certainly got this idea down pat! As you stroll through the city’s numerous
parks, you often will stumble upon a small pub. Our favorite is the
Flinstone-like Pub Lolek located in the large Pole
Mokotowskie Park. Just park your bike, order some beers and kielbasa and you’re
set. We also like the small beer tents set up along the Vistula River.
5. History – After World
War II, Warsaw was left in ruins by the Nazis. Nearly 85 percent of the city
was destroyed. Then, the country was under harsh Soviet rule for 40+ years. The
Poles have endured a lot (too much) and their spirit is one of total perseverance.
 |
| This photo shows what Warsaw looked like in 1945 following the war. Devastated! |
I
love wandering through the restored Old Town area and hanging out in the New
Town section. You’ll also see many important reminders of the city’s Jewish
history too.
6. Classical
music
– I think you could catch a live classical concert every night if you wanted to
in Warsaw. Since the city is home to the famous 19th-century composer
Frederic Chopin, classical music plays a big role in life here. I like
wandering behind the University of Warsaw where you are bound to hear students practicing
classical melodies. On Sundays through Sept. 29, you can catch either the noon
or 4 p.m. outdoor piano concerts featuring Chopin’s music at Warsaw’s Royal
Łazienki Park. A wonderful free activity! (More info: http://www.estrada.com.pl)
 |
| Just look for the large Chopin monument at Warsaw’s Royal Łazienki Park. |
7.
Renting bikes – In order to get to
those free Sunday concerts, we often ride bikes thanks to the city’s convenient
rent-a-bike system by NextBike. After paying an initial 10 zl
annual fee, we can rent bikes from more than 50 stations around the city.
Rentals for less than 20 minutes are free. Warsaw has numerous bike trails and
wide sidewalks that are perfect for long bike rides or quick trips down to the
river or the market.
Until
we moved here, I hadn’t rode bikes much as an adult except for the times my
husband has tried to kill me on vacations in Bali,
Belize and Bozcaada. However, I have grown to
really like biking. We see much more of the city on bikes; not to mention, that
they often are quicker and cheaper than other modes of public transport. And when
there’s a promise of a beer in the park, what’s not to like?
8. Farmer’s
market
– I visit my nearby farmer’s market at Hala
Mirowska at least twice a week for the freshest Polish produce. I don’t
know much Polish yet, so shopping at the market is pretty comical and involves
a lot of pointing and smiling. I love having this market just five tram stops
away from our apartment!
9. Ease of
getting around
– Although Warsaw is a large metropolitan city with a 2.7 million population, I
find it relatively easy to get around. Much, much easier than Istanbul, thank
you very much! Warsaw’s public buses, trams and subways are just easy to use
and inexpensive. For 250 zl ($80), I use a 3-month unlimited, refillable
transportation pass.
Also with smart phone apps such as itaxi.pl and jakdojade.pl,
with just a click, I can order a taxi or figure out the fastest way to get
somewhere via public transportation.
10. International
foods –
Lastly, we have been impressed with the city’s selection of American burgers
and steaks, Vietnamese food and pizza. International food isn’t “Turkified” like it was
when we lived in Istanbul, so I actually can eat a decent bowl of pho or bánh mì
sandwich. Now, if only, I could find
some authentic Mexican food
somewhere.
While
it’s taken more time to grow to love Warsaw, with a bit of insatiable curiosity
and some patience, I have come to realize it’s a great place to live!
