Nie znam język Polski - I don't know Polish!

Every city has a center. In Warsaw, that center includes cafes, shops, laughing children, and of course, it was bursting with buskers. Fire dancers, guitar players, a guy playing a didgeridoo... All just try to earn a living with some unique talent. They bring life to the area, and attract crowds. MaryAnn and I watched from a distance as we ate lunch in the Old Town of Warsaw. With beautiful buildings surrounding us, we were content to just relax, after being on airplanes or in airports for most of the day. After eating, we were finally ready to explore. 

Old Town, Warsaw Poland

We walked through the Old Town, and into the Church of the Holy Cross. It was gorgeous, and looked very old, but we learned later in the day that it is actually only 60 years old or so. In 1944, Warsaw had an uprising against the Germans who were trying to control them. Instead of sitting still and letting their city be taken, they fought back. This resulted in mass bombing, causing most of the city of Warsaw to be utterly destroyed. It's hard to imagine this city as a pile of rubble!

After leaving the church building, we roamed towards the President's building. We watched as the president's car entered the facility, while soldiers surrounded the car as it entered. Their were soldiers parading outside of the gates as well. Whether they were for security or show, I don't know! In the evening, we went by this building again and saw that the entire thing has been lit up with red lights, and has a symbol on it. When I mentioned the uprising, did I say that tomorrow is the anniversary? Tomorrow, August 1st, is the anniversary of the day Warsaw rose up against Germany. What a perfect time to be here! 

 

We have quickly learned that not many people here speak English. It's a challenge, but it's one that I'll face head on! I have been able to "understand" what someone is trying to say, but I have a hard time getting my point across to them. Telling a taxi driver where you want to go is just impossible, so I think we will stick to the subway and bus system! 

There are many beggars in Warsaw, and they are not shy to interrupt your meal to ask for money. Our hosts showed us around Warsaw a little bit, and we all went to dinner together. During dinner, three different men came up asking for money. That was irritating just because we were in the middle of eating, and conversing. I don't like people stopping me from eating! Either way, the food was delicious. Crepes (or Polish pancakes as MaryAnn calls them) filled with spinach, cheese, and chicken. It was great!

It's hard to believe this was just Day 1 of this adventure.