<DIV><DIV><P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I>A polarized people</I></P><P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I>The Poles are either bubbling with life, or comatose; they love or they loathe. It is this total commitment to the occupation of the moment which earns them the reputation of being mercurial. As Hemar wrote in his song: “If only Poles did systematically and economically what they do spontaneously, they would be perfect.”</I></P><P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I></I> </P><P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I>Necessity is the mother of invention</I></P><P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I>Key national characteristics are adaptability, a knack for improvisation, and the ability to make the best of what is available. A good Polish cook is one who can make gourmet soup from a rusty nail.</I></P><P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I></I> </P><P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I>The Polish touch</I></P><P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I>Devotion to style pervades all areas of life: the table might be rickety, but it is covered with a snowy tablecloth and decorated with a vase of flowers.</I></P><P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I></I> </P><P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I>Never say never</I></P><P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I>When the Communists rather foolishly tried to stop the Poles practicing their religion, the churches filled to overflowing. “Forbidden” is a term of encouragement to a Pole.</I></P></DIV></DIV>