African American

I ask this as a white person. If I’m in a conversation, what term is it preferred that I use? Does your answer differ if I say I’m in a formal setting, and I want to be as polite and proper as possible?

Not all black people come from Africa, I've always been confused by this. I asked my American friend and she seemed completely mind blown, she couldn't give me an answer. No hate, just curious

So let me say that I’m African American and I was scared to go there based on what I heard about racism in Poland. I still decided to go there for a full week and…. Wow wow wow, must say that Krakow is now officially my favorite city in Europe.

Appearance: The city is absolutely beautiful, apparently the government is very strict and requires business owners to clean up the outside of their business, so unlike most of Europe you don’t see a ton of trash in front of restaurants. It was literally spotless!

People: From the moment I arrived the people were extremely friendly. Even though I was told that people would be mean since the winter is so harsh, everyone that I encountered smiled and was nice. Cars will even stop in the middle of a green light to let me and other pedestrians cross. Honestly the sweetest people that I’ve encountered Europe.

Food: Everything was absolutely delicious, all of the food is in huge portions the dumplings are very delicious, I’m not a fan of Pâté but for some reason the Pâté in Krakow was like crack lol it was absolutely delicious and usually came with every meal at most restaurants. In addition to the food being delicious everything is very affordable.

Places to see: Wawel Castle- One of the most beautiful museums/castles that I have ever been to. It’s huge in two hours I was only able to see two exhibits because the castle is so huge. I really like the state rooms and the treasures.

The Leaky Cauldron- A Harry Potter themed restaurant, the food is mainly sweets that are VERY sweet. I had the marshmallow pancakes and a white hot chocolate drink, boat very sweet but delicious and in total everything combined was less than $10 USD

Salt Mines- The salt mines was an excellent experience a lot of people suggested it to me and it was worth it. Underground but very cold though. I’d suggest a Viator guide. The guides mainly just provide transportation though.

Auschwitz-Birkenau- Obviously very sad but it was a beautiful tribute to the victims from the holocaust. I balled my eyes out when we went to the gas chambers. Very horrible part of history but great to see to the travesty of humanity.

Diversity- As I mentioned before I arrived people (who had never been to Poland) told me about how racist it was and I was expecting that. Furthest from the truth, looked for a barbershop before I arrived and immediately found an African owned barbershop near the Jewish district. I honestly didn’t see many black people in Poland but no one stared at me (even the polish say that polish stare at people, but I didn’t experience that) kids didn’t stare at me I actually get more states being black from kids in Latin America than I did in Poland. I didn’t get any mistreatment. I felt bad for believing the hype before I went about how racist the people are considering how nice everyone was.

Overall if you want to go to beautiful city in Europe with cheap prices and delicious food I’d highly suggest Krakow especially to my fellow African Americans.