Sometimes I just need some chill out time - travelling can be really tiring. After visiting the Warsaw Uprising Museum this morning, struggling through all the Poles visiting on their anniversary day, I needed a break. And what better place to have a break than in my comfy Westin room?
A movie - Harry Potter - watched from bed in the afternoon. Some writing later on. Popped out for dinner downstairs. Then back to my room to pack my backpack for an early departure tomorrow. And finally, a lavender bath to complete the chill out day. Lovely!!!!!
Showing posts with label warsaw. Show all posts
Showing posts with label warsaw. Show all posts
Friday, August 7, 2009
August 1st - Warsaw Uprising Anniversary
Well, I had chosen the most special (& busy) day of the year to visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum - the Uprising anniversary. The museum was packed with Polish people & it was a challenge to get to see any of the exhibits.
One which sticks in my mind was video footage of the Jewish people of the ghetto that had to collect dead bodies from their neighbourhood, through the emaciated bodies on a cart, then transport them to a mass grave where they then had to shuttle the bodies down a ramp. Instant tears - imagine how it would feel to do that work? There were also a couple of Rabbis looking on at the mass grave - I cannot imagine how much distress they must have been going through.
One which sticks in my mind was video footage of the Jewish people of the ghetto that had to collect dead bodies from their neighbourhood, through the emaciated bodies on a cart, then transport them to a mass grave where they then had to shuttle the bodies down a ramp. Instant tears - imagine how it would feel to do that work? There were also a couple of Rabbis looking on at the mass grave - I cannot imagine how much distress they must have been going through.
Out & About in Warsaw
After the rather long walk from my hotel to the Old Town, I did end up seeing a few things.
Firstly, the Palace, which was charming but I think a bit devoid of character. Mind you it had been rebuilt after the Nazis burnt it down. In fact, all of the Old Town had to be reconstructed.
And strolling around the old town was quite pleasant really. Met a young couple & we had a jolly good chat for a couple of hours after the bus just decided not to show up anymore & I was stumped on how to get back to the hotel.
Warsaw - A Different Kind of City
I must say, though very quietly, that I don't like Warsaw. The people here seem unhappy. Not a lot of smiling goes on & nearly all have a sad or angry look on their faces. I perceive more than a small trace of hopelessness left over from times gone by.
Warsaw was almost completely destroyed by Hitler in WW2. His intention was to leave not one building left standing after the Warsaw Uprising. He just about achieved his objective. Warsaw had to be rebuilt from scratch. Even the buildings in the ‘old town’ are fairly new. The city is not a pretty place. It feels a bit soulless.
I toured the palace which has be rebuilt after being burned down & raided by the Nazis. Several of the churches I wandered in to had tributes & memorials to war heroes & victims plastered over their walls. It feels like the city is still mourning its losses. And, after what they have been through here, it’s completely understandable.
Warsaw was almost completely destroyed by Hitler in WW2. His intention was to leave not one building left standing after the Warsaw Uprising. He just about achieved his objective. Warsaw had to be rebuilt from scratch. Even the buildings in the ‘old town’ are fairly new. The city is not a pretty place. It feels a bit soulless.
I toured the palace which has be rebuilt after being burned down & raided by the Nazis. Several of the churches I wandered in to had tributes & memorials to war heroes & victims plastered over their walls. It feels like the city is still mourning its losses. And, after what they have been through here, it’s completely understandable.
Lost in Warsaw
I got completely lost on my first full day in Warsaw. After having walked for over an hour in (what I thought was) the general direction of the Old Town, I asked someone where I actually was on the map. I had gone in the opposite direction altogether, & had to hop on the Metro & ride 3 stops to get back on track. A big oops!!
Traditional Polish Food
The Folk Gospoda restaurant was located only 5 mins away from the hotel & was recommended to me by the hotel staff for traditional Polish food. After the short walk, I was warmly welcomed at the restaurant & was pleasantly surprised that a Polish folk band was playing away there.
I ordered the pork rollup with potato dumplings & onion sauce. A complimentary dish - pork lard - was brought out. Interesting flavour - very heavy & fatty. Then the main meal. There was no way I could have finished the full dish, it was far too filling & I only managed to eat just over half of what was presented. I had a nice Zywiec Porters beer (dark) to wash it all down.
But in the middle of the night, my stomach rebelled. I spent a very uncomfortable few hours hoping to throw up to rid myself of this awful feeling, but unable to. I didn’t go back there. The next day was spent being gentle on my digestive system, careful not to eat any fatty Polish food again.
I ordered the pork rollup with potato dumplings & onion sauce. A complimentary dish - pork lard - was brought out. Interesting flavour - very heavy & fatty. Then the main meal. There was no way I could have finished the full dish, it was far too filling & I only managed to eat just over half of what was presented. I had a nice Zywiec Porters beer (dark) to wash it all down.
But in the middle of the night, my stomach rebelled. I spent a very uncomfortable few hours hoping to throw up to rid myself of this awful feeling, but unable to. I didn’t go back there. The next day was spent being gentle on my digestive system, careful not to eat any fatty Polish food again.
A Backpacker at the Westin!!!!!
After much deliberation, I’d decided to treat myself to staying at the 5-star Westin (darling!!!) as it only cost 50 euros per night (bargain), as much as you would pay for a 2 or 3-star in Western Europe.
The guy at the front desk first thought that my rate (I booked on Booking.com) was only a part payment before realising it was just a bloody good deal. He must have liked me (he wanted to go to Australia to live) & he gave me an upgrade. I was now an official ‘preferred guest’! I told him I loved him - this was safe cause he was gay.
And gee, the cost was certainly worth it! The ‘Heavenly Bed’ (check my bliss photo) was just that, & I found myself struggling more than usual getting out of bed in the morning. And I had a bath for the first time in a few months. So I bought some bath salts to treat myself - two nights in a row. The view from the 16th floor over Warsaw was amazing. And even the lift with its open glass sides gave me a thrill each time I rode in it - I let out a “weeeeee” each time. I did forego the 120PLN breakfast (about $60 AUD) & bought some fruit for myself instead.
But overall, as a typical comfort loving Taurean, I loved it!!!
The guy at the front desk first thought that my rate (I booked on Booking.com) was only a part payment before realising it was just a bloody good deal. He must have liked me (he wanted to go to Australia to live) & he gave me an upgrade. I was now an official ‘preferred guest’! I told him I loved him - this was safe cause he was gay.
And gee, the cost was certainly worth it! The ‘Heavenly Bed’ (check my bliss photo) was just that, & I found myself struggling more than usual getting out of bed in the morning. And I had a bath for the first time in a few months. So I bought some bath salts to treat myself - two nights in a row. The view from the 16th floor over Warsaw was amazing. And even the lift with its open glass sides gave me a thrill each time I rode in it - I let out a “weeeeee” each time. I did forego the 120PLN breakfast (about $60 AUD) & bought some fruit for myself instead.
But overall, as a typical comfort loving Taurean, I loved it!!!
Berlin to Warsaw
Another day, another train trip. This one was a six hour ride to Central Station in Warsaw, leaving at 12:29pm. There was a compartment of 6 people - a German (Peter), an English couple, a young Israeli woman, two Polish men, & me.
Peter was a railway engineer & we chatted consistently for over 3 hours until his stop arrived & he left. I had a bit of a challenging chat with the Israeli woman about the Israel/Palestinian conflict. I wanted to know why the Jewish people didn’t seem to appreciate that the Palestinian people also needed a homeland. That the constant conflict was extremely detrimental to the children who had only ever known conflict & war. She just said it was complicated & that no one could work out an answer. I felt that was a bit of a cop out, like she felt that nothing could be done so why try. It was a disappointing, but interesting, result.
Peter was a railway engineer & we chatted consistently for over 3 hours until his stop arrived & he left. I had a bit of a challenging chat with the Israeli woman about the Israel/Palestinian conflict. I wanted to know why the Jewish people didn’t seem to appreciate that the Palestinian people also needed a homeland. That the constant conflict was extremely detrimental to the children who had only ever known conflict & war. She just said it was complicated & that no one could work out an answer. I felt that was a bit of a cop out, like she felt that nothing could be done so why try. It was a disappointing, but interesting, result.
I also located a wonderful warning sign on the train - see photo.
The train arrived at 6:20pm & after consulting with a few locals that could speak a bit of English, I finally found the direction of my hotel. A 25-min walk later, I arrived there.
The train arrived at 6:20pm & after consulting with a few locals that could speak a bit of English, I finally found the direction of my hotel. A 25-min walk later, I arrived there.
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