Name: José Roberto Júnior
Country of Origin: Brazil
Profession: International Relations Analyst
Connection to Poland: Friends in Poland
Purpose of the stay in Poland (study, work, tourism etc): Tourism
What surprised you the most while visiting Poland?
I’m surprised with the large number of trams in Warsaw and Lodz and with the fact that many people ride bicycles. And very educated people.
What is different comparing to your country of origin?
You have lower prices of lot of things, for example of food or news magazines. Another different thing are trams as a means of public transport. In Brazil, trams have been deactivated in 1968, and there are only historical lines used for tourist purposes that remained.
What have you heard about Polish people. Is this true or is it just a stereotype?
I’ve heard only good things about Polish people. And I haven’t found any sterotypes.
Can you list three dishes you liked most?
I eat only Polish chocolate and Polish ice cream. Very very delicious
Which three places in Poland can you recommend and why?
Krakow – I recommend this city for people who want to know more about the history of Poland , and the history of the Pope John Paul II
Warsaw – It is amazing city and with a lots of the historical places
Lodz – It is a good city with an amazing history. There are many good places to go to. You can walk in the streets.
Is there anything special you would like to share related to Poland or Polish people?
Yes. There are a lot of Polish citizens or their descendants living in Brazil. Poles contribute to Brazil’s development. I’ d like to talk about one Pole who achieved a lot there, in Brazil. He was an actor, Zbigniew Ziembrinski (1908-1978), and he is considered the father of the modern Brazilian theater. And Poland? It is an amazing country with an amazing history and I want to know more about it. Poland always fights for its independence and democracy.
What exactly guided you to Poland? What was the reason you came and lived here?
My friends. I came because I promised my Polish friends, and I’m curious to know Poland. I consider all my Polish friends as an extension of my family. And to remember my friends, I have here in my desk a Polish flag.
Are you going to visit Poland one more time?
Yes, of course, I will miss Poland and I want to know Krakow, Poznan and Wroclaw and Gdansk. Poland is always in my heart.