Warsaw, Poland

 Today we flew to Warsaw. We cabbed it to the Sofitel Hotel, settled in, and met our good friends Correen and Lori who we are experiencing this trip with us. Later in the day, we met up with our Gate 1 Riverboat Cruise group for a welcoming drink, a delicious dinner, and a good night's sleep.

After breakfast the next day, we loaded onto a bus, and toured the city of Warsaw. During our freetime, we walked around Old Town and made our own discoveries. We had drinks, food and made purchases.

For dinner we found a lovely little restaurant to end a wonderful day.

                                           Our hotel in the background

 

The old wall which protected the castle that is now in ruins. There is debate on whether to rebuild this structure, but cost might stand in the way.

        Changing of the guard which happens hourly, and every half hourduring the winter.

 

                                               The ruins of the castle

 

                                          Bubble fun in the park

 

                                          Old Town Warsaw

 

 

 Warsaw is the capital city of Poland, and is also the largest city in the country. It lies on the River Vistula. It has a long history of culture which can be seen in the grand palaces and parks along the Royal Route, large post-war architecture, Jewish heritage museums, performing arts and of course Chopin.

In 1944, Warsaw was deliberately destroyed because of the Polish resistance to German occupation. The reconstruction of Old Town has taken extreme care to replicate the historic urban and archecttual form. I'd say they did a damn good job! 

                                            There is a park dedicated to Chopin.

                                       This bench plays Chopin music

                                Aaahhhh...life is good, and so was the food and wine!