If there is no strong wind, people sit on little benches, leaning against the shabby and crumbling walls of their decrepit houses. It is impossible to ascertain how they make a living; it is difficult to communicate with them about anything…If one smiles at the people sitting against the walls, they become even more gloomy, and the women veil their faces. Indeed a smile does look false here, and laughter would sound like the screech of a rusty nail against glass.
- Ryszard Kapsucinski, Imperium.
