Name: Amanda Faria Shimamoto
Country of Origin: Brazil
Profession: Student
Connection to Poland: Lived in Poland from January to March/2012
Purpose of the stay in Poland: AIESEC Exchange Program
What surprised you most while visiting Poland?
The nicest – and scariest – surprise I had in Poland was the cold weather. During my internship I saw snow for the first time and it was awesome. In Brazil the weather is warm all the time and it was a nice experience to wake up and go to work feeling the freezing cold morning breeze.
What is different comparing to your country of origin?
The weather, for sure. Polish food is different from Brazilian food also. We have more fresh fruits/vegetables and less soup and tea. Polish way of life is different also: prices are low for basically everything, in comparison to Brazilians.
What have you heard about Polish people, is this true or just stereotype?
Before my arrival in Poland I thought Polish people were cold and unwilling to talk about their past. After spend almost 9 weeks there, I’ve realized that it wasn’t true. I’ve met friendly people, willing to help and talk to me about Poland’s history.
Can you list three dishes you liked most?
In the Kindergartens which I’ve worked the interns had their meals with the kids. Soup was great, nice and warm to keep us up and face the weather. The black strong Polish tea was helpful on the way to work as well. Pierogi was a very interesting dish, filled with meat or cheese were delicious too.
Which three places from Poland do you recommend and why?
I’ve lived in Lodz during my internship and it’s a large, interesting city. Every foreign should visit Manufaktura, this complex full of great stores for shopping and nice restaurants, besides, the temporary ice skating place, cinema and night club for entertaining. Piotrokowska is a walkway street also full of stores and restaurants. It’s a special place for those who intend to spend a pleasant night, meet new people and party on the night clubs in the area. In Krakow, the Old Town Square is a lovely place to visit, filled with souvenirs stores, restaurants and bars as well.
Is there anything special you would like to share related to Poland or Polish people?
I really got surprised with how I was received in Poland. I felt well treated and they tried the best to make me feel comfortable. Even strange people were nice to me – I’ve met some when I was alone in Krakow and Warsaw, and in the bus to Berlin. Felt like I was in home, in despite of all the cold!
What exactly guided you to Poland?
I’ve always been very curious about Eastern Europe and its history. Maybe I was guided to Poland because it was a strange country for me, with a totally different culture from my country and which history was very interesting too. Beautiful landscapes and museums to visit definitely aroused my imagination.
Are you going to visit Poland one more time?
I am! There’s a lot to see yet and I miss all my friends in Poland!