I walked by this street sign, stopped, thinking it looked strangely familiar, then realized I could read it. I’ve been having this experience continually. Being able to read simple words rather than having all meaning opaque really opens up the world of course.

Pre-war home of the father of my Pennsylvania childhood friend down the street. A local man was nice enough to spend an hour showing me various buildings and foundations of buildings. At one point I remarked that once this had all been Poland. Yes, he said, until 1939.

1939. The Great Patriotic War didn’t start until June 1941 of course. I always get a kick out of displays like this one at the State Museum. “Reunification”. Smiling children greet smiling soldiers.

I’m staying in a great hotel, and would love to put it on the map, but unfortunately I can’t, because it is in an unsupported region. Happily Google is working hard on the problem.