The train trip only took 3 hours. I misread the schedule. I kept wondering why the other passengers looked askance at my food bag. I literally brought three meals worth of food lol. I forgot how close everything is in Europe, and it was a high speed train.

Let’s just say that I’ve got meals for a day or two.

Anyway, the weather turned crappy. 

I met Min from Seoul and we had a lovely dinner. Porkchops and potato pierogis.

Tomorrow another free walking tour and the purchase of some long johns.

Happy Wednesday 

So lovely today. Had a nice coffee, a walking tour in the old town, some sightseeing, a long walk, some food, more walking, some food, more walking, and dinner.

My feet hurt lol.

The weather was fantastic. I’m glad I was able to enjoy it. 

I learned about the rebuilding of the old city. A lot of the work was done for free in exchange for living quarters above the shops. And that would explain why the old city is so quiet at night. People live there. You go party someplace else. 

There are more churches than I realized that made it through WWII. St. Anne’s is one. The interior has a splendid organ and 17th century frescoes.

I also learned about black madonnas. I’d thought the statues and paintings I’d seen where our lady was really dark was some kind of artistic choice, or paint in need of conservation. Not so. Lots to see in the coming months. Common in orthodox churches I’m told.

The rest of the day was spent looking at churches by the dozen, and strolling in parks.

Couldn’t have asked for a better day.

😀

Had a long morning at the POLIN museum of history. It chronicles the last 1000+ years of Jews in Poland. It’s quite in-depth. By the third hour, I had seen enough. I’m afraid the temporary exhibit didn’t get much of my attention. On the up-side, I could pass a test in Polish history now.

I just spent the rest of the day walking around in circles, looking at stuff. It was enough. Also sent some postcards. 

Tomorrow I go on a free walking tour of the old town. Looking forward to that. The free tours are the best. You have no expectations…so it’s easy to relax and enjoy. You tip anyway so it all works out.

❤

I’ve got a pattern already. A walk, some history, a sit down, some art, a walk, dinner.

The Rising Museum was free today.  If I’d known, I’d have come tomorrow.  Man it was crowded.

The Poles sure believe in value for museum admission. If possible there’s almost too much content. 

I learned a lot about the Polish resistance. It was short-lived and brutal. It seems like the Germans wanted to set an example.

After that somber morning, a short walk and coffee seemed like the best thing for me. It worked.

Near to the coffee shop, a remaining section of the ghetto wall stands. It’s strange to think about all those people living and dying,  now there’s a Starbucks.

The modern art museum was my almost last item today. It was free bc of the limited offerings on display. The loose focus was the Warsaw mermaid and women in general. Lots of exposed breasts and seaweed, in that order.

The mall again, and another walk, then an early evening in front of the tv.

Goodnight 

Mary