I think it's more connected to the latter, immigration to Britain and America - people in Poland seem to think England is the golden land where they'll make their fortune and have no problems ever. They tend to arrive and then end up in a shitty job with just about money to get by, and stuck with not enough money to really move up, but also too much pride in their dream to admit it didn't work out and give up and go home. Heard the same story from so many people now.
As a result though although the Polish in the UK are a bit less starstruck in thinking that it's going to be all milk and honey, the ones still in Poland tend to still have that perception and so the minute they hear someone's come from their dream country to their country instead they're all confused and want to know why, and slightly excited to see someone from there.
It's a bit silly really but it has earned me more free booze and other drugs than I've even paid for in my entire time here, so I won't complain :D
Anyway how's everyone holding up tonight? Bit off-topic but does anyone here play Poker (No Limit Hold 'Em to be precise)?