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Woke up to a lovely morning, mid 20's predicted.
Off to explore Warsaw today, finishing off with a Chopin concert.
Very flat terrain, not even any hills let alone mountains.
Starlin wanted Warsaw to look like Moscow so up until 1953, (when Statlin died) a lot of buildings built after the war look very Russian.
First impression was wrong, Warsaw is lovely, will be even more beautiful in a couple of weeks when the flowers are out. No more jumping to conclusions!
Photo shoot at Chopin statue.
So much history here, so much Russian repression........so much persecution....poor Poles!
Almost totally rebuilt since WW2. Such a resiliant nation!
The old town is absolutely beautiful
Almost totally been rebuilt - such extraordinary effort.
Germans destroyed so much of the city with dynamite just for the sake of it, including the palace and church (with the congregation in it at the time).
The Potsdam conference decision to communise Poland appears to be in a way a payback for Pilsudski (the then ruler of Poland), defeating Russia in 1920 whilst 2 million Russian soldiers were attacking Poland. He attacked them from the rear! Suck eggs!
Madam Curie was born in Warsaw.
(We were hasseled by gypsies and their children wanting money when we were walking through the old market square.)
Aristocratic polish families names were determined by whether the female or male in the partnership had the money or the higher standing........'ska' (female), 'ski' (male). Example.....'Wokski'!
During WW2 the homes, palaces, properties were confiscated by the Germans and most fled. Again following the war, Poland was occupied by Russians and again they were controlled this time communism.
How sad....... For do many centuries they were a strong force.
Wilanow Castle....
So beautiful! Still being restored to it's original glory (370 years ago)...... Now a museum containing so many fine pieces of furniture and fine artworks.
Believe it or not the castle was not damaged during the war. It was however used by the Germans and then by the Russians who consequently stole much of the artwork and treasures.
Many have since been returned to the Museum.
Really worthwhile!
Off to Siedzow in the country, about 1hr from Warsaw. Cherry trees in blossum, apple trees in abundance. I am so enjoying the fresh and preserved berries for breakfast.
Fresh flowers are a big part of the Polish tradition.
Great Chopin Recital - very moving.
Traditional Polish dinner at quaint farmhouse, great night had by all. Group have melded so we.
Back to Westin for a good night's sleep.
Great Historical and Cultural learning day.
Warsaw is a lovely city with a great blend of old and new.
Roger's added thoughts on the day......
Warsaw is very pretty pop. 3.5m.
All the buildings have been re-built, the Germans wrecked and burned everything but the brave Poles re-built.
The Polish people have put up with a lot if wars in the last 200years.
80% of Poles buy their property, not like the Berliners where most rent.
Saw lovely little cottages on our way to the lovely dinner in the back blocks, once owned by the Jews until the Germans killed 3 million of them just in this part of Poland.
There were huge glass houses with veges and flowers growing in them. The Polish love their flowers.
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