A picture from in front of the “Ruch” kiosk on B. Prusa Street in Bolesławiec. An older man is paying 28,000 zł for newspapers. A gray-haired woman standing nearby addresses him in refined language:
—Could you give me 5,000 zł for bread?
—I can give you that—the man hands her a banknote of that denomination. After a moment, he addresses the kiosk attendant.
—These are terrible times, when people ask for money for bread!
The saleswoman’s retort was surprising:
—Not quite. I also gave money to a man who was standing there in torn shoes and worn-out clothes. And he went straight to Jan...
Let us add that the popular Mr. Jan runs a confectionery and a liquor store, selling, among other things, cheap “patykiem pisane” wine. We will not comment on this genre scene, although the facts arouse so-called mixed feelings and prompt reflection. For future researchers of local history, let us also record the date: February, Anno Domini 1995.