Parthemores in Poland

On Friday and Saturday we encountered the “police” handing out free samples of Coke Zero.  They had on aviator sunglasses, and all-black outfits, complete with a black LBE with Coke cans in place of ammo pouches. 

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen police uniforms as an advertising gimmick.  I’m not sure exactly what this policjantka was advertising, but the tightness of her pants and spikiness of her boots suggested something racy. 

Saturday’s experience involved the real police investigating a fender bender right next to the Coke Zero “police.”  Of course they stopped to enjoy a free sample.

And what do you do when you’re finished with your can?  You try to put it in the already overflowing garbage can.  “A” for effort, at least. 

In other law enforcement news, we witnessed a huge protest on Saturday in the Stary Rynek.  In Poland, you have to register your protests ahead of time, so there were plenty of cops on hand, with their armored vans and riot gear.

The protestors were a group of artists and anarchists (counter-culture types) who are upset that the government was shutting down the building that they have been squatting in for the past few years.  If the fire dancers, bongo players and graffiti artists had a union, this is what their meetings would look like.  Some very interesting haircuts in the crowd…

Shortly before we encountered the protest parade, we noticed that there was a wedding going on in the building next to the Ratusz.  According to the novelty license plate, it was Ewa and Tim.  (Note:  Ewa is pronounced like Eva and Tim is not a Polish name)  I really hope they can get their money back, because I’m pretty sure their ceremony was interrupted by a thousand or so chanting anarchists.  That brings a whole new meaning to the part when the priest says “if anyone has any objections, speak now.” 

But the most prolific branch of security remains the parking police.