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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Travel
Ben Aitken

I had a job in a chippie after a month and was in love after six weeks: my brilliant year in Poland

Poland Stefania
Poznań was the first city Ben Aitken visited and worked in after arriving in the country.
Poznań was the first city Ben Aitken visited and worked in after arriving in the country. Photograph: Alamy

In the winter of 2016, a few months before the Brexit referendum, I decided to move to Poland. I thought it best to get out there while I still could, before my liberty to earn the minimum wage in 20-odd countries was irrevocably lost.

I can’t say it was love at first sight. It was too cold for that. It’s not easy to fall head over heels at -4C. When I boarded the bus outside Poznań airport, I shared with the driver the only phrase I had mastered on my journey from Luton. Kocham cie. I love you. The driver’s reply was to raise an eyebrow, shake his head and usher me on board. It was an auspicious beginning.

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