Last week I was in Warsaw. I’d never been before and what I saw impressed me.

Then there are the people. A more serious look I haven’t encountered. They looked weary and slightly haggard – a people who were struggling.

Not unfriendly I should add. On occasion I saw smiles but not often. They seemed all to have a purpose and it wasn’t to smile. There was a functionality about the way they do business. In shops, it was a case of, ’You want a bag for your things? Here, I’ll fling you a bag.’

On another note, I suppose the word that best describes how I experienced them was obedient.

They pressed the button and waited for the green light before crossing the road. No one would cross a road without the signal even on a deserted road where you could see traffic coming for about a mile.

Being used to taking my chances on English road, I did. Then my brother wondered out loud to me whether it was an offence to do this… I don’t know.

With these elements I had a feeling of order. I saw one man with a dog (which jumped obediently into its sweet basket when he prompted it) but not one dog foul anywhere. (Ahhh, heaven.)

I began to wonder whether this atmosphere meant a lack of initiative. Maybe the UK with its increasing anarchy renders more inventive citizens. Break the rules and establish something better? Something along those lines.

Then there was the smell of the place. Trams give this a slightly archaic look and smell. But even here, they have priorities on the road which means efficiency and reliability. They are (according to experts on Trip Advisor) the very best way of getting about.

I have to mention Polish money. I loved it. Coins below the value of five zloty and notes for everything else. But… it was the clear, sensible coins that impressed me. I didn’t have to scrutinise each coin to see what denomination I was handling. I hate euro cents and if I was a newcomer to Britain would probably have pence.

Back home, obviously the biggest relief was the language. I know no Polish (except no, yes, good morning and thank you now.) So I’m grateful for being able to shop and talk without using primitive hand signs.

Water on tap. We’re spoilt really. But the provision of eau potable is not to be underestimated.

And then there are the colours. People here aren’t the most adventurous with colour but at least you’ll sometimes see a man wearing a pink shirt and loud tie. (Nothing compared to Spain or Italy I should add – love it!)

Warsaw people seemed to only allow themselves to wear black, grey, very dark blue and very dark green. Unfortunately it only added to their slightly grim look.

Britain’s shop windows also have some appeal. They’re colourful and sometimes entertaining. Warsaw shops seemed to refuse to show what they sold.

A hat shop had a couple of hats in the window. The shoe shops had shoes indifferently placed in their windows and even the one supermarket I passed made sure it did nothing to promote anything it sold inside. No displays or offers.

When I walked to the market too, the stall holders just sat and waited. No attempt was made to encourage me to buy.

Except the one woman selling woollen knee-length underwear. She showed me all the colours available (beige, black and grey) and tried to find my size. I fancied a pair but went away without any as they were all huge.

The biggest and most pleasing aspect to Warsaw? It is this. I returned last Saturday and the whole time I was there I saw no reference to Christmas.

No decorations, not aggressive campaigns in the shops trying to get us to buy tins of biscuits two months before the festivities. Not a shred of tinsel or glitter. Nothing. The day after I returned I heard my first Christmas song on the radio. My heart sank.

For this, I commend Warsaw. I assume all of Poland will have the same common sense approach to Christmas.

So, would I return? Yes indeed. Maybe in warmer weather as I think I could walk on and on around the streets. And I do so fancy a ride on the trams.

My recommendation? Go to Warsaw. Don’t stay in the business district. The Polish hotel waiter’s recommendation? Go to Krakow. It’s much nicer.

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