I’m learning Polish. It’s not something I had really planned on doing. Years ago when Paul and I went to Germany, we took a German class together at the local community college in advance of our trip. This year we’re going to Poland, and I guess Paul figured we should learn the language…because as a Christmas gift he gave me a Rosetta Stone Polish language course. What was I to do?
I’m now on Lesson 2…for the third time. Hey, it’s a tough language. I don’t know yet how to order a glass of wine. That comes later, I presume, in the social interaction section. But I’m pretty sure the word for wine is win. Why do I think that? Thank you for asking.
Beverly and I wrote The Everything Wine Book which was subsequently published in Polish in 2007. Take a look for yourself at the cover. What else could win mean?
I always thought of Poland as the place to drink beer and vodka. I understand that’s still true (which will make Paul very happy). But in recent times – and especially since the country was democratized – Polish people have been clamoring for wine. Sure, they had access to wine during communist rule. But it was bulk wine from other Eastern Bloc countries, and that barely counts.
Prince Charles and Camilla were in Poland this week, and President Lech Kaczynski hosted a dinner for them. There were lots of toasts paying tribute to the longstanding friendship between the two countries. Champagne was the beverage of choice…for all except Camilla. She chose to toast with a glass of red wine. I don’t know why. And I don’t know what wine it was or where it came from. Just bet it was good.
I’m no duchess, but I’m expecting to taste some great wines in Poland. And, if not, there are still those two fallbacks.
By Saucy Sis 1
