When reflecting on my travels, particularly to cities like Warsaw and Kraków, I have often marvelled at the sense of security these Polish cities offer. In a previous post titled “Find Your Favourite Place,” I highlighted how Warsaw, Poland’s capital, felt safer than many Western European cities I have visited. This sentiment is not solely mine; numerous individuals, including Polish nationals now residing abroad, have echoed this observation. But what contributes to this pervasive sense of safety? The story of the Drunken Girl and the Lost Bag at 4 AM provides some insight into this remarkable aspect of Polish culture.
A couple of points to note on this story, this is from my own anecdotal experience and I’m not casting judgment on the young woman. As most women don’t act this way, it appears to have been a one-time embarrassing incident for her.
A Night Out in Kraków and the Drunken Girl and the Lost Bag
In the heart of Kraków’s Old Town, a young woman spent an evening celebrating with friends at a trendy bar. It was winter, with snow covering the streets, making taxis the preferred mode of transport. After a night of enjoying perhaps one too many whiskies, she decided to head home in the early hours. Clutching her designer Prada bag—which held her phone, money, bank card, and apartment keys—she hailed a taxi.
The Moment of Realisation
Upon arriving at her apartment building, she used the key code to enter but soon discovered she no longer had her bag. While her phone remained in hand, the bag containing her essentials was missing. Panicked, she retraced her steps, spending two hours in the snow, from 4 AM to 6 AM, searching the streets where she had exited the taxi. The bag, a cherished gift from a close family member, was nowhere to be found. Considering the possibility that it had been left in the taxi, she contacted the taxi company, but they reported no findings. It is at this moment that she became the “Drunken Girl and the Lost Bag.” Not something that she was proud of…
Accepting the Inevitable
Resigned to the loss, she cancelled her bank card, changed her apartment locks, and braced herself to inform her family about the mishap. The incident served as a sobering lesson, leading her to vow never to drink alcohol again.
A Surprising Discovery
Days later, with the snow melted, she returned home to find a note left at her door. Someone had discovered her bag on the footpath near where she had exited the taxi. The fluffy white bag had been concealed by the snow and became visible only after the thaw. The note indicated that the finder would return the bag that afternoon.
Restoring Faith in Humanity
True to their word, the individual returned the bag in pristine condition, with all contents intact: money, bank card, and keys. This experience underscores two significant observations about Poland:
1. Safety in Polish Cities
The fact that a young woman could wander the streets alone at 4 AM, blind drunk, and remain unharmed speaks volumes about the safety of cities like Kraków and Warsaw. The story of the Drunken Girl and the Lost Bag highlights how these cities maintain an environment where people feel secure, even late at night. In my experiences, and those of friends and family, walking alone late at night in these Polish cities has been uneventful and safe. I have noticed that the same is also true is other parts of Eastern Europe such as in Hungary. This level of security is something I hesitate to attribute to many ANY Western European city.
2. Honesty and Respect Among Residents
The return of the bag, untouched and complete with valuables, highlights the honesty prevalent among Polish citizens. There is a cultural respect and adherence to rules reminiscent of traditions once common in the UK. In countries like Poland and Hungary, people tend to respect authorities and each other, contributing to a safer and more orderly society.
Cultural Observations
This respect for rules in Poland is evident in daily behaviours. For instance, pedestrians wait for the green light before crossing the road, a practice that might seem overly cautious to some but reflects a collective respect for order. Poland seems to represent the type of culture we once had in the UK. While I am not advocating for a return to past societal norms, it is worth noting the benefits of such cultural traits that seem to have diminished in the modern Western world.
Why is Poland Safer?
These observations are not solely anecdotal. Many who have spent time in Eastern Europe share similar sentiments. If you are sceptical, consider discussing this with a Polish friend.
One possible explanation for these cultural differences lies in the political landscape. In Eastern Europe, there is a perception that politicians are more accountable to their citizens, delivering on their mandates more effectively than in some Western countries.
Conclusion – Drunken Girl and the Lost Bag
The story of the Drunken Girl and the Lost Bag at 4 AM is more than just an isolated incident; it is a reflection of the broader cultural and societal norms in Poland. The safety and honesty experienced in cities like Kraków and Warsaw offer valuable lessons in community, respect, and the benefits of a society that values order and integrity.
Let me know if you agree or disagree and about your own experiences.
