Name: Zoltán Migovics
Country: Hungary
Occupation: Jazzman, accordionist
What is his link to Poland: Friends
Purpose of stay: Concerts, travelling, friends
You travel a lot and you have visited many countries in the world. In your opinion, how does Poland distinguish on the world map?
Taking Polish urbanization and architecture under consideration, it is not hard to note that it is a place where two cultures comes across – western and Slavic. What distinguishes Poland is the fact that I have never felt as comfortable as I felt in Poland in any other country, just like at home and for that I am thankful to the people I met there.
What did you know about Poland before your arrival?
Before my first arrival to Poland in 1989 I didn’t know much, perhaps because I was only 14 at that time. I’m ashamed to admit it, but I used to associate Poland with many market squares, of which Poland was known during the systemic transformation in central and Eastern Europe in the late 80s.
What is Poland for an average Hungarian? Is his image related to what Poland is in reality?
An average Hungarian considers Poland as a friendly country, with which we share historical past. Poland is also a country of people, with whom you can spend a wonderful time – drinking, eating and partying in a great ambience. Speaking by experience, I know that these are the aspects that correspond to reality.
What irritates you the most in Poland and Polish people?
I cannot answer that question briefly, because during my stay I was always surrounded by my Polish close friends.
So is there anything that fascinates you in Poles?
I think the organic connection of Western European and Slavic mentalities is quite captivating. The Slavic side of Polish people tends to be mysterious and full of mysticism, it is filled with riddles and it cannot be penetrated. In order to avoid a boring, philosophical speech, I can briefly say that I like the friendly and warm ambience that accompanies my meetings with Poles.
Through many years of historical and cultural relations with Hungary, a Polish saying became very popular: “Pole and Hungarian cousins be, good for fight and good for party”. What is the Hungarian point of view about this?
I think this saying is very true and perfectly illustrates the reality.
You said that Polish people as a nation are very cheerful and friendly with a positive attitude. What could you say about Polish women?
In my opinion, Polish women are good mothers, wives and housewives, however, when compared with women from other Slavic countries, they are more self-centred and emancipated. When I think of my Polish female friends, I can only say good and warm things about them. They are really wonderful women.
Polish cuisine is known to be delicious and full of varieties. Do you agree with this opinion?
Polish food is indeed very delicious. I don’t remember which dish I enjoyed the most, but everything I tried was very tasty and exquisite, incomparable to cuisines of other Slavic countries.
You’re a musician, a man of arts. What do you find the most captivating in Polish culture?
My adventure with Polish culture started with Chopin and jazz musicians, such as: Michał Kulenty, Zbigniew Namysłowski and Marek Bałata, whom I know personally. I listened to their music on radio and to music of American jazzmen. It was them who have shaped my idea of jazz.
Can you name three associations you have with the word “Poland”?
Cracow, my friends, churches.
Do you consider Poland as an attractive country from the tourist’s perspective? What places would you recommend to the readers of Link to Poland?
Yes, Poland is attractive from the tourist’s point of view. I would recommend visiting Cracow in the first place, then the countryside to try the delicious, rural and truly Polish cuisine. If the tourists come across a chance of visiting Polish Carpathian Mountains, they should use the occasion and during the stay in the mountains they should definitely participate in a village party. Unforgettable experience is guaranteed!
What advices would you give to foreigners who are visiting Poland?
I cannot give any specific advice, though I’m convinced that the best way to get to know Poland is to have good friends there and that is what I wish to the readers of Link to Poland.
Thank you for the conversation!