Bushell intended to begin construction on three different tunnels: Tom, Dick, and Harry. The tunnels were about 2 feet square and went down 30 feet into the ground. The walls of the tunnels were supported with scraps of wood that the prisoners took from their beds. Bob Nelson improvised an air pump to keep the tunnels ventilated. Eventually, electric lighting was also installed in the tunnels.

When Tunnel Harry was completed in March 1944, it measured 102 meters in length. During construction, civilian clothes and legal papers were acquired or forged. Although 600 prisoners had helped build the tunnels only 200 would be allowed to participate in the escape attempt. Men who spoke German, had a history of trying to escape, or who had put in the most work on the tunnel were guaranteed a spot.

On Friday, March 24, the escape began under cover of a moonless night. When the first men emerged from the tunnel, they realized that it had been dug too short. Instead of coming out in the wood, they were in the open within view of the guard tower. Originally, one man was supposed to escape ever minute. Problems, setback and the eventual collapse of the tunnel delayed the process dramatically.

In the end only 76 men crawled from the tunnel safely, but the freedom was only temporary. Seventy three of the men were recaptured and 50 of them were executed.

Recently, a team of British engineers tried to recreate the tunnel. Even with their knowledge and experience they were unable to duplicate what the Stalag Luft III prisoners had been able to do with limited resources and a host of guards breathing down their necks.

Wislawa was born on July 2, 1923 in Bnin, Poland. At the age of 8, she moved with her parents to Krakow. This was the city that she called home for the rest of her life. When the Nazis invaded Poland in 1939, Wislawa found a job as a railroad employee. This saved her from being sent to Germany to work as a forced laborer. Despite the danger, Wislawa studied at an underground university so she could continue her education. When the war ended, she attended Jagiellonian University, but did not earn a degree.

Wislawa wrote her first poem at the age of four. Over her life she wrote hundreds of poem, but only about 250 were published. Some of her work has been translated into English: View With a Grain of Sand, People on a Bridge, and Sounds, Feelings, Thoughts: Seventy Poems. Her first poem “Looking for a Word” was published in a local newspaper in March 1945. More than once, she was called the “Mozart of Poetry” and she wrote with the “fury of Beethoven”. She used everyday objects to expand on philosophical subjects. Her writing was spiced with humor, irony, paradox, and contradiction.

Several awards were given to Wislawa including the Goethe Prize, the Herder Prize, the Polish Ministry of Culture Prize, the Order of the White Eagle, and the distinguished Nobel Prize for Literature.

Wislawa Szymborska may have died but her work and legacy has not. She will be remembered around the world, and especially in her country, for her stirring words and intellectual humor.

Going to Wroclaw

One city that likes to go to the extreme is Wroclaw. This city loves to celebrate the New Year with a bang by inviting musical guests to play on the market square. You will also find a variety of entertainers and performers on the square.

For those of you who are not in the mood to brave the cold, try going to a bar or nightclub. Most will be hosting private parties for various companies and clubs.

The Student Way

The mountains have become popular spot for student during the day. They would often stay in either a shepherd’s shed or a mountain hostel. Students would only be able to do this if the weather would permit it.

The Origins of Sylvester

Many people in Poland call New Year’s Eve Sylvester. Outsiders may find this odd, but the Poles have been raised with this name. This name comes from a bishop and a saint who died in 335. He was the last patron of that year and the day was named after him.

Spending the Holidays

It doesn’t really matter where you spend the holidays, so long as you are with your friends and family. Being at home is never fun, people should try to get out more and find ways to have good holidays. If you spend Sylvester alone this year, try going to Poland next year!

The History of the Flag

The history of any flag is always fascinating- and the history of the Poland flag is no different. The two national colors, white and red, were sewn together to create the flag. With the white being on the top and the red on the bottom. In a few places, the court of arms could be displayed.

The Coat of Arms

The coat of arms is often used only for abroad and overseas. For example, at the airports, or on a ship at sea would be allowed (and required) to show the Polish flag with the court of arms. However, places like the Presidential house or the Sejrn (lower house of parliament) are not allowed to display the court of arms. They have to display a flag with just the white and red strips.

Punishable by Law

Nowadays, the Polish community are more lenient with their flag. They used to arrest people who just had their flag out on their front lawn. However, the Polands will allow their flag to be displayed on a few seperate days. One of them is May 2, national flag day.

However, if the flag is treated with any degree of disrespect, the accused could be charged with a fine or even spend up to one year in prison. However, most people do not treat the flag with disrespect so the law is not often enforced.

The Display

Not long ago, the citizens of Poland could not display their flags. This is because the polish flag was often known to be a slap in the face for communists. Whenever the police would find a flag hanging near your door, the person responsible would often go to prison for about a year.

Mate for Life

True love does exist! These birds mate for life, unlike many of their fellow forest companions. The courting process takes place in the air with the two birds clasping each other’s talons and screeching at each other.

Once they have finally decided to mate for life, they find and build an suitable nest. These birds can produce 1 to 3 eggs per year. One other thing to note is that if a mate dies, a replacement can be found.

Compared to the Golden Eagle

When put up against Golden Eagles, the White-tailed Eagle will surely lose in a one-on-one battle. However, the White-tailed Eagle has a couple of advantages that the Golden Eagle does not. The White-tailed Eagle can survive longer without food and has a better digestive system than the Golden Eagle. The White-tailed Eagle also has a few of the hunting abilities that the Golden Eagle has.

Another fun thing to note is that Golden Eagles like to dwell in forests, which the White-tailed Eagle prefer the climate of the coast and ocean.

The Near Extinction

The White-tailed Eagle was facing extinction in several places across Europe. Farmers thought that these birds were after their livestock and would trap or shoot them down. However, conservation efforts have been made to preserve this majestic creature. Now, the White-tailed Eagle is hardly extinct and can be often seen in the wild. Poland is truly blessed to have the White-tailed Eagle as their national bird.

The Warsaw Ghetto

The Warsaw Ghetto is known as one of the most popular attraction in Poland. Known for the famous capture of the Jews that were at Warsaw, the town has flourished to be more popular than ever. Nowadays, museums decorate this city where the concentration camps used to be. There is also some of the original wall there to remind all who looks upon it the pain and suffering that happened there.

Majdanek

Another popular place in Poland that housed the first Nazi concentration Camp is Majdanek. Majdanek was the final resting place for those who were unfortunate enough to have to face the gas chamber. When the allies arrive, the gas chamber was still working; the only one that they could ever find that was still in operation.

Tykocin

Tykocin is also near an extermination camp of Treblinka. This Jewish village was completely destroyed when the Nazis came in. The synagogue there was sacred and one of the best places to visit in Poland. Today, the synagogue has been turned into a museum to show off famous Jewish artifacts.

Why Poland

People who like to look at history and learn why things happened the way they did would be delighted to go to Poland. People would be interested to see how the Jews lived during the time of World War II. Look up Poland guides today to find out more

The stark contrast between privately-ran hospitals, and state-ran hospitals in Poland is pretty alarming to say the least.

If you were to walk into a privately-ran healthcare facility in Poland (like the one pictured above), you would be greeted by a nice, clean, and tidy surrounding. On the other hand, if you were to visit a public hospital in the country, your environment would morph into one of overcrowding, chaos, and rundown conditions.

Poles Looking to Safer, Healthier, and Cleaner Alternatives

Because of underfunding in its healthcare system, state-ran healthcare facilities across Poland have seen a major decline in quality. Most hospitals and clinics funded by the state haven’t seen a remodeling project in years, let alone an upgrade in technology, medical instruments, and doctors.

That being said, private healthcare entities have used the state’s demise to their advantage, as many have started setting up shop in Poland. Currently, the Polish Association of Private Hospitals (PAPH), estimates that their are now 500 privately-ran hospitals and clinics currently running in the country.

These 500 health facilities range from large, metropolitan hospitals in Warsaw, to small clinics that are ran by just one or two doctors at most. Either way, this increase is most certainly a promising sign that Polish healthcare is making a turn for the better in the 21st century.

Change in Economy and Middle Class

Along the lines of an improved healthcare system, we should also note the fact that Poland’s economy has been on the rise lately, contributing to a wealthier and larger middle class.

And what can this wealthier and larger middle class do in terms of eventually swaying the country’s healthcare system more towards being a private entity? Well, its these middle class people who are lining up to pay for private insurance policies. Because of better financial outlooks, more and more people are turning away from the ills associated with Polish public healthcare.

They have options now that don’t include waiting in long lines too see overworked and underpaid doctors and nurses. Basically, its no coincidence that private healthcare has emerged in Poland as its economy has risen.

What Does the Future Hold?

There is no way of knowing how far private healthcare can spread in Poland. Still, the potential, opportunity, and demand is there for continual growth. Private healthcare companies should, and most likely will, continue to try and set up shop in the country until they are dissuaded not too. And from the looks of it, there won’t be any factors in the near future that could dissuade these private entities from entering the country and making profit.

The government seems to be fine with it at this point, and the people themselves are most certainly in favor of the change I would presume.

All in all, Poles and private companies alike have to be enjoying the current healthcare situation. The people are getting better healthcare, and the insurance companies and healthcare providers are making a profit off of them. Seems like a win-win situation for the time being right?

We can only hope the trend continues in the direction its heading right now.

Poles probably aren’t the most celebrated or well-known group of people in the world. Still, there have been several who have not only altered the course of their country, but the world as well.

Here is a quick rundown of the 10 most (and yes, very arguably) famous Poles to date, including:

#1: Pope John Paul II

Otherwise known as Karol Jozef Wojtyla, Pope John Paul II was born in the small town of Wadowice. He was Pope from 1978-1995, and became the first non-Italian Pope in 455 years! Pope John Paul was great friends with many heads of state and religions, and made it a priority to spread his and the Catholic Church’s international reach and influence.

#2: Lech Walesa

For those of you who don’t know Walesa, he was the main instigator behind the “Solidarity Movement” which helped to drive Communism out of Poland. Walesa was actually an electrician by trade, and his humble background made his prominence as the Movement’s leader that much more intriguing.

#3: Ryzard Kuklinski

Kulkinski had quite the occupation – a Cold War spy for the United States. He was an army officer in the Polish Army during the Cold War and provided invaluable information for the USA as one of their chief spies stationed behind enemy lines.

#4: Henryk Sienkiewicz

Sienkiewicz is best known for winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1905. His novels were known for being highlighted by his strong and devote Catholic views. Sienkiewicz has had his works published in over 50 different languages.

#5: Fryderyk Chopin

Here is name that should be familiar to most music fans – at least the Classic type. Chopin was a Romantic composer of the 19th century and is best known for his concertos and work with the keyboard.

#6: Nicolaus Copernicus

Ah, here is another name that you should recognize. Copernicus, in what was seen as a heathen and damning idea at the time, proposed the once preposterous-idea of Heliocentrism or that the Earth actually rotated around the Sun, rather than vice versa.

Lo and behold, we now of course know that Copernicus’s theory was correct.

#7: Marie Curie

Curie, born of two Polish parents, forever changed the way that man viewed nuclear physics and cancer therapy through her research and finding of radium. Curie, is perhaps best known for eventually dying due to her work and the exposure she subjected herself too while studying the elements of radium.

#8: Irena Szewinska

The winner of 3 Olympic Gold medals, and 7 overall as a track and field sprinter, Szewinska was the first women to hold world records for the 100m, 200m, and 400m at the same time and participated in 5 Olympic Games before retiring.

#9: Roman Polanski

Polanski is perhaps one of the most famous European movie and Jewish directors ever. Polanski’s work was influenced heavily by the time he spent living in Krakow ghetto during WWII.
His most famous films include “Rosemary’s Baby” and “Chinatown.” He also directed “The Pianist” with Adrian Brody, and the latest version of “Oliver Twist” which he directed in 2005.

#10: Krystyna Janda

Janda is by far one of the most famous Polish actresses. Janda is known for her roles in politically-oriented films, especially films that have centered on Communism and the effect that it had on Poland, and still has today.

After the latest round of Euro 2012 qualifying fixtures, what was once a muddy picture is starting to become more clear. Soccer giants, and the last two squads to hoist the World Cup trophy in Spain and Italy, both clinched their tickets to the second-biggest soccer tournament in the world with their respective results against Lichtenstein and Slovenia yesterday.

The two join Germany, Netherlands, and hosts Poland and Ukraine as 6 of the 16 spots for Euro 2012 have already been filled.

As for other big-name teams, France struggled to a 0-0 draw against Romania but still remain atop their group by a single point. England on the other hand, netted a goal from ManU’s Ashley Young to top Wales 1-0. The victory gives England a clear lead in their group as they look to clinch their spot with a good result in their next fixture.

Poland’s Preparations

As for Poland, who has the luxury of skipping qualification due to their host nation status, The White Eagles played to a very respectable 2-2 draw against Germany in a recent friendly. The Poles actually led until the 90′ minute before Cacau of Die Mannschaft pulled his team even.

Granted, German coach Joachim Low, rested many from his regular Starting XI, but Poland showed that they wouldn’t back down against their superior neighbors.

38th Friend

Meanwhile and on the volunteer front of Euro 2012, 4-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Urania swimmer, Yana Klochkova was announced as the 38th Friend of the tourney.  Klochkova won two of her gold medals in the 2000 games held in Sydney, with the other two coming in Athens in 2004.

“It is a great honour for me to become a Friend of EURO 2012,” said Klochkova in an interview with UEFA.com. “”I will do everything I can to help Ukraine host the tournament in the best possible way.”

There will be a total of 200 Friends nominated for Euro 2012, with 100 apiece coming from both host nations.

The history of Poland is a story of success after having been put down in the past. After the middle ages, Poland emerged as an dependent state of Russia, Prussia and Austria. However, shortly after World War I, Poland gained it’s independence. Ruled by an authoritarian government, Poland enjoyed it’s independence until it was betrayed by Nazi Germany starting World War II

The First Betrayal

On August 23, 1939, Germany and the Solviet Union signed a secret non-aggression treaty that divided Poland between the two countries. A week later, Hitler ordered his troops into Poland, and the famous battle of Westerplatte took place. During this battle about 200 Polish troops (including civilian reservists) held off over 3000 German troops for a week. Unfortunately, Poland was unprepared for such a vicious attack, and eventually succumbed to the Nazis. Later that month, the Solviet troops too, invaded Poland.

However, Hitler was not one to keep his word. He invaded the Solviet union two years later and took over the rest of Poland. Though the Polish faced horrors from Hitler’s Holocaust, they created underground resistances, often led by Solviet command. Over 600,000 Polish participated in actual engagements against the Germans during the rest of the War.

The Second Betrayal

In 1943, the Solviet Union broke ties with the Polish resistance when Germany claimed to have found the graves of Polish officers in the USSR. With little help from the outside, uprisings in Warsaw were brutally suppressed, and when the Germans retreated in 1945 they leveled the city.

When Poland was finally able to hold elections to re-establish it’s government after the war, communists left from the USSR still controlled the poles and formed a regime under their control.

The Third Betrayal

Due to unrest and dis-content with working conditions, several strikes and other sources of political unrest led to the Solidarity Movement. This led to the unraveling of the communist party in Poland. Because of this the Solviet Union instituted martial law and arrested activists and intellectuals. Poland remained in much of the same state in which it had post-WWII for another decade.

Finally after many talks, Poland was able to have it’s own free elections in 1990.