In my series called ‘Dlaczego Kochamy Polskę’ (‘Why do we love Poland?’), I interview a mix of Polish people and foreign people who all share a love and passion for the ways of Polish life. Next up, I caught up with Neil From Poland Passport.com during the summer for a coffee. Neil aims to inspire and help more of those people with Polish heritage to retrace their roots, visit their homeland and if possible, become a dual national of the country they reside in and the country they come from.
Dlaczego Kochamy Polskę: Neil From Poland Passport.com
Where are you from?
Born and raised in New York and lived in Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia.
Where do you live?
Los Angeles, California for the last 20 years.
When did you first travel abroad?
My first trip was to Mexico when I was a child.
Dlaczego Kochamy Polskę: Neil From Poland Passport.com
What is your favourite city in Poland and why?
Warsaw, because of its history and the Warsaw mermaid, And let’s not forget about the Praga district which, to me, is one of the most interesting places in all of Europe.
What is your favourite town in Poland and why?
Zakopane is lovely, with the mountains all around. A spectacular setting.
What is your favourite village in Poland and why?
Frysztak. The birthplace of my maternal grandfather. I have taken my family there to visit as a pilgrimage to our heritage.
Dlaczego Kochamy Polskę: Neil From Poland Passport.com
What is your favourite province in Poland and why?
Mazury, the lakes and forests are stunning for my family, we are nature lovers.
Why do you like visiting Poland?
While I don’t live in Poland. I come on business 4 times per year. I love Poland’s complicated history. I am enthralled with the amazing transition it went through over the last 30 years. And, most importantly, how the Polish people are so warm and welcoming
What is your favourite Polish drink and why?
I’d have to say Bison Grass Vodka (Żubrówka) - with apple juice. It sure seems innocent but it can warm you up quickly on a chilly autumn evening. The fragment of bison grass in every bottle is unique.
Dlaczego Kochamy Polskę: Neil From Poland Passport.com
What is your favourite Polish food and why?
My favorite is Gołąbki – the best combination of cabbage and meat in the world, all covered, of course, with tomato sauce. Pierogi are also great. Everyone in my family can find stuffing we like, from mushrooms to cherries or white cheese and potatoes.
What is your favourite random fact about Poland?
The cosmetic company Max Factor was established by a Pole: Maksymilian Faktorowicz.
If you didn’t live in Poland, where would you live?
While I live in Los Angeles, I consider Warsaw my second home away from home.
Follow Neil’s site at Poland Passport
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Thank you and Dziękuję bardzo to Neil for being the latest in my series of Those Who Love Poland! If you love Poland and run a blog or are a travel writer, please get in touch, you can be featured, either e-mail jonny (at) northernirishmaninpoland (dot) com or head to my contacts or work page and get connected! You can also subscribe to Northern Irishman in Poland by filling in the form below! Safe travels!
