The man with the bar stool

 

It’s summer football season and the UEFA is on. I’m exploring the part of me that likes to watch football games for entertainment. So far, it’s been really good. Something I see taking a good hook on me. Not that I watch every game. Maybe a game or two on the weekend and that’s enough for my current appetite. Not having a single favorite team enables me to enjoy the games from a neutral standpoint. Although I must admit - I would be happier to see Poland win in comparison to other teams ;) 

So today was Poland v/s Spain and being in Poland, I was inclined to watch this one. A week prior to the game I looked for a venue to watch. My need was simple, big wide clear screen, Open space, preferably no advance booking/ reservation needed. I asked around and Elektrownia at Powisle was the place to be. I asked a couple of friends if they’d like to join me and voila! There we were. Absolutely loved the vibe of this place.

We watched the first half sitting on the grass. Which was totally cool with us but we wanted to explore the other side. We got our beers and went to the other area with a bigger screen. Or at least it seemed. A couple of tables there, with people sitting around them on bar stools. I didn't see an empty one. The game was getting hot. Sitting wasn’t such a priority. There I stood near a table, with my beer by my side. 

It concerned me not to block someone else’s view who had already got there before me. Being an obnoxious viewer is not really my thing. Just diagonal to me was an elderly man. I asked him - “Am I blocking you?” He confirmed politely with a smile that I wasn’t. A few minutes later, a colleague of his (an elderly man as well) got me a bar stool. I was so touched. I still am. I said thank you and he smiled at me. He didn’t really have to. It was a self-service arena. I wasn’t blocking him in any way. It was such a beautiful pure act of kindness. 

The Poles being labeled as cold, it really fills my heart with joy every time I experience warm encounters with them. Especially because I am brown-skinned. I feel blessed to be treated so well by them in so many places that I visit and witness their welcoming hospitality. 

I laid my bag down, put my glass on the table and enjoyed watching the game. Sipping occasionally, cheering and following every minute in fandom wonder. 

It’s starting to be the amazing summer I imagined it to be. Have you encountered good experiences with Poles? What’s your experience? Would you think that they are nicer in summer than in winter? Share with us and join in the collective energy of positive vibes.