Wake Up! It's Free!

Trip Start May 22, 2005
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Trip End Jan 22, 2006


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Flag of Poland  ,
Sunday, September 25, 2005

Another day, another train. We had a relatively short ride into Warsaw. During the trip we took the opportunity to nap. Everyone in our cabin was dozing when the cabin steward came along with a snack cart. With a practiced hand, the person closest to the door waved her away with sleeply annoyance, but then with a start he realized that the snacks were complimentary. The annoyance quickly melted away. "Wake up! It's free!", he exclaimed. Full consciousness came instantly and we all happily munched on our unexpected free vittles. Who can turn down free grub?

Warsaw was completely destroyed in World War II. The retreating Nazis systematically dynamited the entire city in front of the advancing Russians who specifically delayed the "liberation" of Warsaw in order to ensure the destruction of the Polish capital. In the ensuing years the Poles painstakingly rebuilt their capital Our Favourite Square
Our Favourite Square
 . The product of their hardwork is a beautiful city full of charm and life.

The Royal Way winds through the heart of Warsaw and all of the most important sights and buildings of the city are lined up along this scenic avenue. Near the end of the Royal Way there is the Old Town Square which in terms of squares was the most beautiful yet. We spent a few hours sitting in the sun and enjoying the moment.

Mel's favorite composer Chopin was a Warsaw native. We tried to visit his museum but sadly it was closed. We settled for visiting where his heart is apparently preserved in the pillar of one of the local churches, the Church of the Holy Cross. To our relief, the pillar is enclosed so no shriveled up heart to gawk at.
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