Let’s Have a History Lesson!

I started and then stopped a blog entry when I went to Bratislava last week. Since then I completely have lost my train of thought. Thus, the list format once again.

I.

Poland always has had a good relationship with the US – more so than other countries in the region. Polish special forces took part in the 2003 invasion of Iraq, making it one of only three US allies to take part in the initial fighting. Poland was also one of the earliest and biggest contributors to the fight in Afghanistan, with 1,600 soldiers.

However, the Poles are increasingly worried about Obama’s “conciliatory” foreign policy towards Russia. They view Russia as a massive, irrational threat to the region, as evidenced by Russia shutting off its oil pipeline through Ukraine during a cold spell last winter. The pipeline supplies 1/5 of the natural gas consumed in Europe.

Obama recently announced his decision to withdraw from plans to build a missile defense system in Czech and Poland, a plan which Russia had strongly opposed. And unfortunately, Obama made the announcement on September 18th, the 70th anniversary of the Russian invasion of Poland. Whether or not Obama made the right decision, Obama and the US are severely declining in popularity in Poland.

II.

In Bratislava, I stayed at a “boutique” hotel with cool art and chocolates in the rooms (yeah, it doesn’t take much). However, the best thing about the hotel was that you could request a “lady’s chamber” - a small room which looked like a dollhouse, with a slanted ceiling and dormer windows. I stayed in a big-girl room on this trip, but maybe next time.

III.

There has been tension between the Hungarians and Slovaks since Hungary was stripped of most of its land after WWI. And relations recently have become “frostier” according to the Budapest Times. This summer Slovaks passed a law making it illegal to use Hungarian or “incorrect Slovak” in public places. This may not have been a huge deal, but hundreds of thousands of Hungarians live and run businesses in Southern Slovakia. In retaliation, the Hungarian Minister of Foreign affairs recently was quoted referring to Slovakia as a “younger brother that needs to be taught European manners.” Snap!

IV.

I have mentioned before the pull-over-happy crazy traffic cops and their penchant for bribery – whether it be in the form of cash or cake. I was driving with my boss Gerry to the hotel, and a cop stopped us right before we were about to drive over a bridge. Gerry and the cop then proceeded to have a standoff: the cop browsed Gerry’s (Irish) passport and twirled his pencil; Gerry refused to reach for his wallet. After fifteen minutes, Gerry gave up. Outcome - Slovak cop: +EUR 50; Gerry (& everyone else in the car): -15 minutes of our lives.