Expectation vs. Reality: Life in Poland 🇵🇱 Pierogi, vodka, and... taking off your shoes? 👞 Cześć! I often hear from my students that Poland is full of surprises. Before they started lessons, they had some "stereotypes" in mind, but the reality is much more interesting (and sometimes funnier!). Here are 3 things that surprised my students the most about living in Poland: 1️⃣ Vodka is not our "water" 🍸 Despite the stereotypes, we don’t drink vodka with every meal! Actually, Poles are huge tea lovers (herbaciarze). You'll find that offering someone a cup of tea is the ultimate sign of Polish hospitality. 2️⃣ The "Shoes Off" Rule 👟 In Poland, your host’s floor is sacred! Taking off your shoes immediately after entering a home is a must. Don't be surprised if you are offered kapcie (guest slippers) – they might not match your outfit, but they are a sign of a warm welcome! 3️⃣ Imieniny > Urodziny? 🎂 Many students are confused by "Name Days." In Poland, Imieniny are a big deal, especially for the older generation. Sometimes people celebrate their Name Day more than their birthday! It’s another great excuse to eat cake and meet friends. Learning a language is not just about grammar cases. It’s about understanding the soul of the country and its people. What is it like in your country? What surprised you the most about Poland or the Polish language? I’m looking forward to your comments!