Learning Polish eating customs
One of the unexpected delights so far on this trip has been the outstanding Polish food. From an odd combination of potato pancakes and beef goulash, to perogis, to the ever-present bet stew, Polish food has been fantastic, from the nice places to the holes in the wall. But evidently I’m still learning about their eating customs.
One lunch, Jami had gone to the bathroom while I snagged a table. It was fairly crowded, and I grabbed the first table that opened up, a four top. Not a communal table, but a small table barely big enough for 4. Our stuff was spread out, there were two menus at the table, and I though it was clear we had it. But an old man started talking to me in Polish, indicating at an empty seat at the table. I tried to make clear that it wasn’t just me – there were two at the table. The guy seemed to understand, so I thought my hand gestures had been successful, but then the guy pulled up a chair and sat down. Apparently “I have someone else joining me” translates as “please join us as well.” Jami was a little confused when we got back, and not very amused, but not wanting to disturb things further, we had lunch with our new friend at the table. He silently ate his lunch, then got up, nodded at me, paid, and left.
The food was so good it would have been worth it even if he was talkative.
Jami and friend
Well said Aaron. A very sobering experience…..
Testing!
This is a comment on your Polish culture post…..too funny!!
Food and eating customs are some of my fave parts of the travel experience (as is evidenced by the weight I just gained visiting Hilary in Argentina)! I guess that includes the “share a table with fellow diners” custom in Poland. Maybe a little awkward, but it makes a great story! Jami looks thrilled!
You didn’t even need to go to Poland for good Polish food. We could have all just gone to Greenpoint. Which is just another way of me saying…I miss you two.
HAHA!!! Hey, in a crowded deli (or Chipotle) on a lunch hour in manhattan, I’ll share someone’s table just to get a seat! As long as you don’t sit next to or directly across from the person. Like he sat diagnol from you, that was nice. If he sat right next to you it could have gotten uncomfortable LOL!! Continue having a great time!!! Love reading these blogs!!