From Pawilony, with love

Sadly, Warsaw isn't a first choice Erasmus destination, or even a vacation destination, for most. I regret to say that I was one of those dummies back in 2015. The story usually goes something along the lines of "I didn't get my first choice" or in my case "it was the only thing offered". But, Warsaw sweeps you off your feet in a heartbeat and makes you question what else is out there that you missed because you thought it's just not enough? In fact, there should be a sub-category of the Paris syndrome called the Warsaw syndrome. Only, instead of the city failing to meet your expectations, it exceeds them greatly.

Warsaw had me at the very first meal in Zapiecek. The meal was followed by half a liter of Tyskie beer that tasted like pure freedom to me. You see, back home, I lived with my parents. Pierogi and Tyskie on a sunny September afternoon overlooking the Sigismund's Column in the Old Town will be forever engraved in my mind as the moment I truly felt happiness. 

As amazing as that moment was, I have to admit, that is as good as the food in Warsaw gets. As a person from the Southern parts of Europe, Northern European cuisine is just... ok. In the words of Comrade Dyatlov for a completely unrelated thing "not great, not terrible". If a Polish person is reading this, I am open to trying out home-made cooking that could change my mind but so far it hasn't happened. 

The University of Warsaw offered two weeks intensive courses of Polish language for exchange students before the semester starts and I signed up. This is where I met most of my partners in crime for the following two semesters. It didn't take too long after that for us to discover every student's dream - Pawilony. Shots, Mojito's in a bucket, a food truck, a pub with boobs as decoration, you name it Pawilony has it! 

Nightlife in Warsaw truly offers an abundance of different options. It can be tailored to anyone's taste. Pawilony is a perfect example of that. If you are not feeling the vibe of one place, just check out another.

I am not a party animal, far from it, I am more of a let's-play-board-games-and-stay-in kinda person. But Warsaw had so much to offer that I was constantly stepping out of my comfort zone and loving every minute of it.

So, to all of you thinking what many have thought before that Warsaw is a consolation prize - you are in for the ride of your life! Buckle up, be open, and enjoy. Because this city will make you feel things you never thought you would feel before.