Poznań

Where Kraków is clearly a city of its tourists Poznań still is a city of its people. Don’t let the train station
fool you, there’re true treasures to be found here, beautiful architecture and lots of green. Park Malta for
example, a big city park surrounding a lake of unlikely size. Sailing or cycling and for the kids a narrow gage
train line travelling trough the entire park. It would attract a lot of adult kids as well if they put the original
steam locomotive back into service which now stands on display at the station attacked by rust. A shame really
as it’s the first steam locomotive produced in Poland.

Poznań is also the home of Lech beer, especially good on a warm summer evening on the main marktet square (Rynek).
Though Poznań isn’t specifically aiming at tourist it clearly has an international character. When walking
around the market square there are friendly smiling waiters or beautiful waitresses standing in or around the
entrances of cafes and restaurants, smoothly switching to English as soon as they detect you’re not a local.
Although it’s clear why they’re standing there the emphasis is always on curtesy and friendliness. Which reflects
in the service you receive. The one restaurant that stood out in the quality of their traditional Polish Kitchen
and excellent service was Ratuszova which can be found on Rynek.

Oddly enough Poznań seems to have the widest collection of different types of trams rolling around the city.
From very modern to old, amongst them even a model that used to be in service in the streets of The Hague
The Netherlands. I recognized it as I was traveling in those very trams my self when I was a kid.
However the connections are many and the ticket system is simple enough. You buy a half hour or a full hour ticket
at one of the small kiosks which often be found next to the tram stops in the city center. Stamp the card when you
get in and the time starts.

If there’s one thing the modern Pole loves it has to be big luxurious shopping malls, though there’re citys in
Poland with many more shopping malls, Poznań must have one of the most beautiful. Stary Browar (The Old Brewery)
former Hugger’s brewery is now a big shopping mall amongst others. Though largely rebuild from scratch
around old parts of the factory it was done so with genuine turn of 20th century brick. Interesting as the
trivia maybe the fact is that the spaces inside are from time to time breathtaking. Big roof windows supported by
beautifully shaped iron struts can be found all over, bathing the inside in natural light. This is shopping in style.

So what about the Poznaniens them selves? For me a lot can be said about how people react to me when I point my
camera at them. I love doing street photography and don’t hide it. Everyone that’s interested can see
the modest film camera (rangefinder) I carry with me. If the situation allows for it I’ll give a friendly smile
and shake my camera, if not I’ll just point and take the risk. I never use a big zoomlens so I’m always really close.
So how did people in Poznań react to Mr. Nosy Parker caring a camera? In one word, wonderful! No matter if I asked or
not the reaction was always friendly, never even a no. Sometimes a small chat came out of it other times friendly eye
contact. I could walk around for hours and enjoy what I love doing most.

In conclusion. I came to Poznań with somewhat moderate expectations. In honesty it really only was on my list
because the old steam line to Wolsztyn leaves from Poznań. As an adult little kid I love steam trains and I
couldn’t wait to travel with one that’s actually still in active service! Sadly I was in for a disappointment
as the line is out of service until the end of the year (2011) due to maintenance on the rail infrastructure.
On the upside, its been replaced by the suprisse of Poznań, certainly a wonderful Polish city worth a visit.