Sunday in Poland: What an Expat Noticed About Shopping and Pharmacy Access
Olesia Diadechko, a Ukrainian who has lived in the Polish city of Konin for several years, shared her observations about the everyday differences between Poland and Ukraine. One of the biggest adjustments, she says, is Poland's Sunday trading ban, which makes careful planning necessary.
“You have to plan what to buy so you don't end up with stores closed on the weekend and nothing in the fridge,” she explained.
According to her experience, only certain small shops, such as Żabka, may open on Sundays, and this varies from one location to another. Pharmacies also have their own routine: in Konin, some are only open until noon on Saturdays, and finding an open pharmacy on Sunday can be difficult, especially in smaller towns.
“It's especially noticeable in small towns,” she added.
How Ukrainians and Poles Show Emotion
Diadechko also noticed differences in emotional expression. In her view, Ukrainians usually show their emotions more openly, while Polish men can be more emotionally expressive than she was used to seeing in Ukraine.
“In Ukraine, our faces have subtitles,” she said, describing the subtle ways Ukrainians communicate their feelings.
She emphasized that these are personal observations and that people's behavior often depends on the city or social environment. Her experiences reflect broader cultural patterns that can shape how newcomers adjust to life in Poland and navigate the challenges of integration.
As Olesia Diadechko navigates the challenges of daily life in Poland, many Ukrainian expats face additional hurdles, particularly in the realm of housing. The soaring real estate prices in Poland have made it increasingly difficult for newcomers to secure affordable accommodation. For more insights into the struggles faced by Ukrainians in the housing market, read about how rising property costs are impacting homeownership.