How fast do you have to talk to catch up when you see someone only a few times in the course of decades? Answer: It is 3 a.m. and my mind is set on Polish, which is no way to approach the Ocean blog, but let’s just say that I am hoarse and so are they.

What topics were contentious? Here’s one: what to do with the old communist guard – throw them in jail or let them be? Answer: opinions vary. Oh, and another speculative issue: how many Poles are worse off now then, say, 20 years ago? Answer: maybe 70%. One more: so how church-inclined are people anyway? Answer: in the city – less than you’d think, but not many dare admit it. And one comment made directly to me: “you are so forthright in your questions!” My answer: I have to be. I have so little time here to learn what people are thinking and feeling.