During my twelve hour flight, I was anticipating how sad Poland would look. In my mind it would be all gray like a dramatically lit movie, and everywhere I turned I would see slums and concentration camps.
When we finally arrived, it was a muggy and cold day, similar to our weather now (50's and rainy). Our counselors gave us time to recuperate from our flight by sleeping and showering before a walking tour of Poland. I was so far from thrilled about that tour it was insane.
Before our walking tour began, we went to a mall for dinner we were given zloty (polish money) and sent off. I was expecting there to be only random polish restaurants and maybe McDonald's, I was so wrong. I opened up the doors and saw woodfield mall. Ornate decorations hung from the ceiling, escalators snaked throughout the multiple floors, department stores with window displays and "SALE" signs lined the long corridors. I finally arrived at the food court and saw Subway, Burger King, and Pizza Hut. I was shocked.
Many countires are trying to follow American's style of living. They see that in America, malls are a big deal and consumerism is on the rise, and Poland has jumped on this bandwagon.
They are becoming more of a americanized culture rather than a unique, individual one.
By the way, I chose Pasta to be different- which it wasn't.
Poland overall wasn't the nightmare I thought it was going to be, some parts were what I expected (slums and concentration camps) but a lot werent:
Old Town Square in Krakow
Wow. I'm actually amazed at how Americanized so many countries are becoming around the world. If you think about it, why go to a country that's a 12 hour plane ride away if you're going to see the same chain restaurants and stores that you could see 10 minutes from home? It's kind of sad in a way because I know I'd love to travel to other places and try/see things I've never heard of before, and this whole 'meshing' of cultures somewhat defeats the purpose, I think.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm really surprised that there are malls in Poland witht the same stores we have. What is happening to our world. Is America creating a global image that the rest of the world is trying to catch up on? Or is this just one example.
ReplyDeletei wouldnt expect there to be a big mall like we have. i picture other places to be so different than ours, but our country is used as an example. i dont think thats a godo thing becuase our country is very materialistic, unlike many place, and for other countries to follow the way we are could chagne them to be so.
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