European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - January 29, 1989, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Ortra t o a Blind violinist plays in a Gypsy band on a Street Corner in Krakow. By Wendy Kaczerski associated press Poland s people like its politics Are rarely at  the cities poles Rise Early standing inline at Dawn for rationed meat and quickly disappearing loaves of bread. During the Day the streets Bustle with weary Pushy shoppers on their daily search for consumer items that can be hard to find. The reason poles say is that the goods produced in Poland Are exported to help pay for the Ever escalating National debt. Open air produce and clothing markets Are very popular but even there Black Market prices often prevent poles from  they need. In the Countryside Farmers and their workhorses Greet Dawn and dusk in the Fields of potatoes sugar beets and cabbage. There is a Strong sense of family in Poland but Young people Are leaving the farms for Industrial jobs in the cities and Many find ways to emigrate. The Farmers we met operated on a subsistence level. One older Farmer in Borze Cin a Small Village near Tarnow lives alone in a two room Home made of Reeds and mud without a bathroom and running water. On a Hook near his Coal fired oven hang six used teabags saved for reuse until the Tea water runs Clear. Behind the rickety table where he served Chicken soup was a homemade shrine to the Madonna decorated with fresh Flowers and candles. Behind the statue Hung a Large photo of the polish born Pope John Paul ii along with other Large religious prints. Most of the Homes we visited contained such " shrines. Amid the political and economic strife that have plagued Poland for centuries the Catholic Church has been a constant Refuge. More than 90 percent of poles Are roman Catholic and their religious Fervour remains Strong in spite of the communist government. In the last eight years churches have become meeting grounds for members and supporters of Solidarity the outlawed Trade Union. The Church has embraced Solidarity and its support of the Union has been an inspiration to those poles trying to change the political and economic conditions of their country. Saw iwo v1 y trial i pedestrians in Krakow pass poster covered billboards advertising the City s cultural life. Outdoor cafe in Krakow. A Farmer serves Chicken soup for lunch the largest meal of the Day. At right the family shrine with a statue of the Madonna and a photo of Pope John Paul ii. A couple use a horse drawn planter on their land near Borze Cin an Iron statue of the Eagle Poland s National Symbol is decorated with Flowers by citizens in Krakow. A photos by Mark Lennihan Page 14 the stars and stripes sunday january 29, 1989 the stars and stripes Page 15