Embarking on a solo backpacking adventure across Eastern Europe this summer, I journeyed through Poland, Slovakia, and Czechia. After enduring four flights from Baton Rouge, I touched down at Poznan airport in Poland. Poznan, like many Polish cities, suffered extensive damage during World War II, yet its remarkable restoration efforts have breathed new life into the urban landscape. The expansive Old Town Square now hosts a splendid array of historic landmarks and charming eateries. As I explored, I couldn't help but notice the historical significance of the 1956 Poznan uprising, which marked the inception of a series of massive protests against the communist regime, adding an intriguing layer to Poznan's past.