Happy Name Day!

Here in Poland, and in most predominantly Catholic European countries, people celebrate their Name Day in addition to or in lieu of their birthday. This celebration stems from way back in the day when people were named after a particular saint and would celebrate that saint's Feast Day. Of course now the list has grown to accept a wide variety names in addition to saint's names. But imagine my shock and awe to learn that I had my own Name Day, given that the name 'Amanda' is neither European nor Catholic in any way.

Well folks, I am proud to announce that in addition to celebrating my birthday (which is August 30th in case I happened to allow you to forget), I will now be celebrating my Name Day on October 26. Celebrations include giving the celebrated chocolate and flowers and possibly eating cake.

On my first Name Day ever, I was the lucky recipient of this rose and I also received two boxes of chocolate. Not too shabby for only telling a few people.


I also figured I would use this forum to make a list of things I have observed so far about Poland and it's culture:

1. Everyone wears their wedding ring on their right hand. For a few days I didn't think anyone was married...
2. People drive on the right side of the road, right as in direction not correctness.
3. Most of the country is Catholic, which means lots of cathedrals.
4. Children don't start school or learn to write until they are 7 years old because "their little bodies can't handle the cold temperatures of the winter."
5. Teens can drive and drink, not simulataneously, at age 18.
6. Polish teens are much cooler and more respectful than Korean ones, not to mention much taller.
7. There is a noticeably large disparity between the attractiveness of Polish men and Polish women, and in no way does it work in my favor.
8. Most families have 1 to 3 children.
9. The Poles are eerily good at making pizza.
10. Polish children know and love 'Gangnam Style.'