Daily Life Comes With a Learning Curve: A Ukrainian Woman's Account From Poland
Olesia Diadechko, a Ukrainian who has lived in the Polish city of Konin for several years, describes how everyday routines can be different in Poland compared with Ukraine. She points to Sunday shop closures, limited pharmacy hours during weekends, and the way Poles and Ukrainians handle emotions as the main things that stood out to her. She stresses that these are personal observations from her own experience.
What Surprised Her Most
Poland's Sunday trading restrictions mean that many shops remain shut, and Olesia says this can be awkward for shoppers:
"You have to think ahead about what to buy so you don't end up with an empty fridge while the shops are closed." — Olesia Diadechko
According to her, on Sundays only a few smaller stores, such as Żabka, stay open, and it depends on the specific outlet. In addition, some pharmacies in her town work only until noon on Saturdays. "This is especially noticeable in smaller towns," she observes, adding that finding an open pharmacy on a weekend can be a challenge.
Another difference she highlights concerns emotional expression. In her view, Ukrainians tend to show their feelings more openly. "Our faces come with subtitles," she says, noting that Polish men can be far more emotional than she was used to seeing in Ukraine.
Olesia also points out that people's behavior depends not only on the country but also on the particular city or environment they are in.
Her story is an example of the small, everyday adjustments that come with moving from one country to another. It highlights how cultural norms affect daily routines and can shape the experience of immigrants. For an English-speaking audience, such first-hand accounts make it easier to understand the kinds of challenges that newcomers to Poland may encounter.
As Olesia navigates the complexities of daily life in Poland, she also faces challenges in securing stable housing. The rising costs of real estate have made homeownership increasingly difficult for many, including Ukrainian immigrants. This situation mirrors the experiences of others, such as a woman from Mariupol, who has struggled to find affordable accommodation amid surging prices. To learn more about how these economic pressures are affecting the lives of Ukrainians in Poland, read about the housing challenges faced by immigrants.