MADE IN POLAND

Despite falling consumption, Poland is still considered somewhat of an alcoholic's paradise. People like to drink on special occasions, but also when meeting friends or going out onto town. Restrictions regarding drinking alcoholic beverages are very low and after all, the country is home to some of the best Vodka in the world and great, cheap domestic beers. This said, be warned and don't try to out-drink a Pole, you might end up being carried home. In recent years, mixed drinks have gained more popularity among the younger crowds as it becomes more fashionable than the traditional beer.

Therefore, when making friends and sitting down at someone's dinner table, don`t be surprised when the host pulls out a bottle of vodka in order to raise a toast to the guest's (your) health. Don't decline, it may be taken as an offence. Guests at home are generally treated very special and no, it's not just about the drinking. Guests are also served with some of the world's best sausages and cold cuts among other dishes.

In their free time poles like to spend the day cooking and eating a lot of food -- always be prepared to gain a few extra pounds when visiting friends in Poland. Although spending more time at home in front of personal computers and socializing through the internet has risen in recent years, Poles still spend a great deal of their time outdoors: camping, playing soccer, swimming and fishing at a lake near by, meeting friends, and hitting the discotheque and bars at night are your typical social activities.