"Multi-cultural" Wroclaw

This city is interlaced by canals of the river Oder and cobbled streets are embraced by thick fog in the colder part of the year. If the fog rises, grey sky does not impress ether. Residents, who are passing by magnificent buildings of the old town, are walking like "zombies". And Janek was right. When the sun shines on many churches that are rampant with detailed mouldings, and when the face of the National Museum and the Town Hall bathe in golden light, Wroclaw with its colourful architecture simply enchants. It is true that a first contact with Wroclaw’s inhabitants can be somehow rigid; situation is worsened with the lack of knowledge of English, but with a little effort and the help of gestures, it is possible to arrange everything. The Polish language, as the European Voluntary Service volunteers in one of their films said, is like the noise on the radio station, when in fact the station is not set and you can hear only “ššššš”. However, over the time Polish language becomes closer and warmer.

Surprisingly, on Sunday morning in the city with over 600,000 inhabitants, is silent. Only the sounds of church bells, announcing Sunday service, can be heard. Like most Poles, residents of Wroclaw are mainly committed to the Roman Catholic Church. Youngsters, the elderly, children and families find their way to the nearest church on Sunday. But when night falls, let it be Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday or Friday, in a number of bars, clubs and discos vodka, beer and wine are being poured. Poles brew excellent beer and under Wroclaw Town Hall "beats the heart of Wroclaw" as says the inscription on the elite pub. Even if you are not a fan of alcohol, you simply must try a glass of vodka. Žubrovka, vodka with bison grass, is also available in vanilla, coconut or hazelnut flavour. And they serve it only 0,5 dl or a whole decilitre,  as 0.3 dl Poles apparently do not know.

What does this bring? Crazy parties in numerous clubs that are scattered throughout the city. Of course there is no need to surrender alcohol intoxication; however that is the best way to blend in with the surroundings. Surely young Poles “make a little alcohol basis” at home, as excessive crowds at the bar (where you have to pay in zlotes) have not been noticed. While girls stagger to the bathroom and clinging to chairs, tables, doors and passers-by, in order to safely arrive at their destination, speaks in favour of “alcohol basis”. During weekends the dance floors are even more crowded and at that time you quickly feel the difference in the "clubhouse behaviour". Uncompromising pushing and poking here and there brings a small dispute on the dance floor and the single ladies will certainly get shrift (perhaps even seductions) from young Poles. Nightlife in Wroclaw is really something special and worthwhile experience for several reasons. DJs are mixing music with an exceptional sense for their audience and the diversity of musical choices, ranging from rock, rap, and techno, pop to live concerts and various combinations thereof easily cater for every taste.

Large population of young people gives a touch of university city to Wroclaw and historical events pave the city a path toward tolerance and coexistence of different cultures and religions. Insiders say that the city knew the concept of "multi-cultural" before German Chancellor Angela Merkel loudly spoke in public about it.  Through the history the city has gone under five names, it has been passed between four different countries and a great deal of the population has experienced a horrific rise and fall of fascism and communism. At the end of the Second World War the town was almost completely destroyed. Then the newcomers from near and far away, who wanted to 'start over', built a ‘new, liberal city’. Even today you can walk around the unique "Borough of Four Temples" where Lutheran, Roman Catholic and Orthodox Church and synagogue stand next each other. Some say, that Wroclaw is one of the most interesting and exciting places in Poland. Why? The construction of a completely new stadium for EURO 2012 and the fact that the city was chosen as the European Capital of Culture 2016.