My Adventures in Warsaw, Part II
Our second day in Warsaw was also a very pleasant one. We took a walking tour of the Old Town and strolled through all the outdoor markets. We discovered fabulous things and found much new inspiration. Come and see what we saw and did in Warsaw!
These boxes of pretty blue lobelia caught my eye.
I love taking photos of architecture and details for my 'visual' library. This swag was beautifully fashioned in stone. 
One of Warsaw's many beautiful churches - so much of Warsaw was destroyed in WWII and had to be completely rebuilt. It is an amazing accomplishment.
A spectacular brass knob 
This is one of many gorgeous chains we saw - hand forged from iron or brass.
Many building facades are painted to look like cut stone - faux stone, I call it! 
Another Escher-like design
Of course I was always thinking of Polish cuisine and I saw many restaurants I would have liked to try. 
window sign
another window sign
I really wanted to try these dishes.
One of the great squares where Poles gather for a drink, a cafe, a smoke.
A self explanatory sign - We started our tour at 8 AM so many of the buildings and restaurants were not yet open.
The Mermaid of Warsaw - a fantastic fountain.
Water gushes every few minutes from underneath the statue.
Agnes Hansdorfer - our guide - and me - Agnes was born in Warsaw and now works in the corporate communications dept. at MSLO. We took her along for her translating skills.
Agnes said this was a great place to eat local food.
I collect intricately painted Easter eggs - These were extraordinary.
An old-time pharmacy - it was so elegant.
Amber beads were for sale everywhere - these were pretty special and so big!
The ribbed ceiling of a neo-Gothic church. 
The buildings are so well-designed and wonderfully painted
Magda Gessler is a well-known restauranteur in Warsaw.
There are large portraits of the late Pope everywhere.
The important library in the old town
There is much restoration going on - the great town squares are being repaved with granite blocks, expertly laid by talented stone masons who work in great teams.
Wonderful iron work - another of Poland's great crafts. My maternal grandfather was trained in Poland to do this type of work.
Many new trees are being planted and protected by grates like these.
another chain 
I stayed in this hotel with my mother years ago - it has been completely refurbished.
One of 4 corbels holding up a balcony - you can see the groans and pain on the sculptures' faces.
What masterful carving - so exquisite!
This is the main gate to the University of Warsaw.
Copernicus - one of Poland's most illustrious historical figures - he was the father of our solar system - he was correct.
Agnes, me, and our new CEO - Robin Marino
the sign for the Polish Academy
A portrait of Copernicus - Polish astronomer from the 16th century.
all kinds of delicious Polish sausages 
Wonderful homemade breads
more healthful breads
Blikle was the only bakery to survive the German occupation - why? - because, the story goes, it made the very best donuts!
wonderful confections - babkas, poppy seed cakes, and filled donuts.
Kevin ordering one of Everything! 
A really good mocha, coffee, whipped cream, and espresso sundae
a creamy Napoleon 
a jelly donut with orange glaze
a powdered sugar raspberry donut
a cream-filled donut
a very handsome Polish customer at Blikle's
Agnes is very happy with her confections.
What we ate and did not eat!
We met the cutest male Frenchie! I miss Sharkey and Francesca. 
Kevin and the Frenchie 
wild strawberries just coming into season
The flower market was unbelievable - lovely sunflowers
I was very drawn to the giant roses. 
roses like velvet
fluffy sweet William
tiny cute rose baskets
snowy cultivated mushrooms
healthy kohlrabi
Thank you for using the art of photography to take us on the journey with you. Just breathtaking!
Posted by: HEATHER | June 25th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Hi Martha, I didn't think your Warsaw blog could get any better, but this second one is absolutely spectacular! The ornate buildings and statues are fabulous. The Polish sausages and the wonderful bakery items are to die for. The beautiful flowers, fruits and vegetables all look fantastic. You all look like you were having a wonderful time. Wow, this was a fantastic tour of Warsaw! Thank you so much for sharing these stunning photos and dialog. Can't wait for the next tour. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | June 25th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Wow, that looks amazing! Those houses are wonderful, pressed together, different shapes. What a great experience.
Posted by: Mary Smith | June 26th, 2008 at 12:48 am
warsaw looks interesting and beautiful. i think your pictures just solved my dilemma of where to take my mom for her birthday later in the year... thank you!
Posted by: liisamarja | June 26th, 2008 at 12:50 am
I had no idea Warsaw was so beautiful, and it looks like a gourmet's (or a gourmand's) paradise!
Great photos!
Posted by: Adam | June 26th, 2008 at 12:51 am
Martha, I love your blog! Have you ever been to West Point @ the military academy to see the great chain that was across the Hudson during the Revolutionary War? My husband was in the Army and we lived in Germany for 3 years, I loved the outdoor markets there, especially the cut flowers!
Posted by: Debbie | June 26th, 2008 at 1:16 am
It looks like you are having a great time. Such a shame you haven't made it to the UK. Thought you would have posted something on your blog...
Pru
Posted by: Pru | June 26th, 2008 at 3:26 am
Gosh... it's 4:11 a.m..... and now I'm hungry looking at all those pictures.
The painted eggs are fantastic.
Dang.. I wish I could reach in to the computer and pull out one of those sausages.
Posted by: Angie D from Ohio | June 26th, 2008 at 4:12 am
What a wonderful and informative blog this time around. Your pictures are just fantastic. I liked the one of the painted eggs the best. They are so beautiful.
It looked like you had a great visit in Poland.
Posted by: Maureen | June 26th, 2008 at 6:47 am
Thanks for sharing your trip to
Warsaw, I'm enjoying it.
Posted by: Vivian Price | June 26th, 2008 at 6:51 am
I have been to the Czech Republic but now I see I MUST go to Poland as well. The markets, the bakery, the architecture, it all looks remarkable! I'm glad you saw that sweet pup, too!
Posted by: Charlotte K | June 26th, 2008 at 7:23 am
was there a cooking supply place? do Poles outfit their kitchens as Americas seem to be gadget oriented or is it more technique and presentation a skill vs a pan?
Posted by: Hardboiledegg | June 26th, 2008 at 7:23 am
I'm having a wonderful time living vicariously through your adventures, Martha! Thank you for sharing your photos!
Posted by: Julie | June 26th, 2008 at 8:01 am
Martha,
For someone like me that hasn't traveled out of the US, I enjoy
looking at and learning about all the places you visit from your blog, it's truly a wonderful experience!
Thank you.
Pauline Mucciaccio
Brooklyn, NY
Posted by: PAULINE | June 26th, 2008 at 8:06 am
WOW Martha What a TERRIFIC trip! My heritage is Polish too and I hope to someday also visit Poland... I am in the mood now to make some pierogi...I am so glad you had a nice trip!
Your Friend,
Jeffrey
Posted by: Jeffrey | June 26th, 2008 at 8:40 am
I just love the pictures and your blog you go to so many places!See and do things I may never have chance thank you for sharing I look forward every day to see where we are going or have been.
NMM
Posted by: Neoma | June 26th, 2008 at 8:45 am
Thanks for the pictures.
The pictures of the old town look very similar to "Old Montreal" or as the french would say "Vieux Montreal"
Posted by: darrell white | June 26th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Thank you for sharing all your wonderful experiences. Your blog is on my morning agenda EVERYDAY.
Posted by: Joanne | June 26th, 2008 at 9:17 am
I've been planning a trip to Poland for years, mostly for the history of the place, and your photos have 'sealed the deal' for me.
Thanks for sharing them!
-Andrew
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | June 26th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Thank you for sharing these incredible photos, Martha. You have certainly made me curious about visiting Warsaw now.
Posted by: Melanie | June 26th, 2008 at 9:41 am
Martha...a spectacular journey and stunning photographs. I loved them all and most especially the flower market photos...i need to add more sweet william to my garden after seeing such fluffy bunches!
Thanks for this wonderful blog...very inspiring as well as educational!
Posted by: Sherey | June 26th, 2008 at 10:52 am
I've been reading this blog for several months and I love it. I am a simple person from Oklahoma and really didn't feel a need to comment until today. After reading about Warsaw yesterday and today, I have to tell you thank you for allowing the world and me to share in your life's adventures.
Posted by: Danetta | June 26th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Wow Martha, what an amazing tour - thank you for sharing! My dad is planning a trip for the two of us to visit Europe and, until now, we hadn't considered adding Poland to the itinerary! It looks amazing in your pictures and I am looking forward to seeing those sites for myself!
Thanks,
Jasmine
Posted by: Jasmine | June 26th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Hi Martha,
Super photos...really enjoyed my trip to Warsaw that you have shared with us.
Love your blog, always something to learn and to see the beautiful photos.
Appreciate your sharing.
Posted by: Joan Fluor Mason, OH | June 26th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Thank you for sharing the pictures. They were wonderful and so interesting. Makes me want to visit Warsaw.
Posted by: Lori Stewart | June 26th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Wow, what's not to like about Warsaw! I really like the square and those buildings so close together and painted different colors; my kind of place. I would go nuts in those food markets with all those fresh sausages, breads and especially the confections at Blikles.
Today I read you are in Ireland so I'm thinking more great pictures on the horizon. Can't wait! Trish
P.S. I am now your MSLO 'fan' on Facebook.
Posted by: Trish | June 26th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
What fantastic geometry in their architecture. I hope you got recipes of your favorite food items. The flowers are beautiful.
Posted by: Kristy Henderson | June 26th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Great Martha, once more!
You are just like a friend, telling me the news about the last trip.
Posted by: Claudia | June 26th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Hi,
The Berlin Wall has fell for some time now, but only recent people started to discover what was beyond it. There's a rich culture worthy of discover. Countries like Hungary, - Budapest is one of my priorities - Slovenia, Croatia and so on, are cribs of artists and interesting architecture.
I need more money !
Kind regards,
José
Posted by: José | June 26th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
All those architectural photos are great inspiration for my art.
Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Sam | June 26th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Thank you for sharing -- and for the link on the type of camera a few weeks back. Your photos just pop -- particularly food photos! Love your blog!
Posted by: Sara | June 26th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Hi Martha,
Thanks for the pics of Warsaw. Now I know somewhat, I have to look forward to this fall on my trip to Eastern Europe.
Were you able to tour very much in Prague? It is one of my favorite places. During WWII it was not bombed and much of the architecture is untouched. The castle on the hill, the monastery, the Jewish cemetery and the most beautiful Charles Bridge.
Thanks again and carry on!
Posted by: Betty Ann Frederick | June 26th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Thank you Martha for letting me take this special journey with you..I listen and learn from you everyday at 5:00am before going to the Whole Food Market in Palm Beach Gardens Florida to work.
Posted by: Deborah Hall | June 26th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Some of these photographs are absolutley stunning.
(especially the one of the handsome patron)
xoxo
Posted by: CHAD360 | June 26th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Martha, I have really enjoyed reading your blog. I just started reading it a few wks ago.
I LOVE your pictures, and that they are ones YOU actually take. I would die for a camera like yours!! LOL. I too do alot of scrapbooking of my daughters, and of life in northern MN. Thanks so much for sharing a part of your very exciting life with us!
CN
Posted by: Cindy | June 26th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
LOL! Straight from the yummy deserts to the very yummy customer - you know just what we need here, don't you Martha? ;D
Posted by: Marie | June 27th, 2008 at 2:02 am
You did a great job documenting your trip to Warsaw. You have inspired me to consider taking a trip to visit my heritage. What time of year did you go and why are there no other tourists pictured?
Posted by: Mary Ann Andree | June 27th, 2008 at 7:37 am
Martha,
Thank you for sharing your photos of your vacation! I must say I have to put Warsaw on my list not only because of my Polish heritage but for the architecture and cuisine!!
Love the eggs, which did you chose? I love the bird ones.
I bet seeing the Frenchie made you miss the babies back home!
I enjy you every step of the way on your tours!
Thanks again...wish I could click my heels and be there in an instant!
Love,
Paula
Posted by: Paula M. :) | June 27th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Oh my gosh, I am drooling. What a wonderful montage of Poland. I will share it will my Polish family and friends. Thank you for sharing! I am teaching my boys to make some of your Mom's recipes this summer as a tribute to their Polish Great-Grandparents...I'll document it on my blog as well. I can't wait.
http://www.snickerdoodles.typepad.com
Posted by: kerry macLeod | June 27th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
what a marvelous place!
i'm extra excited to see you + kevin (because i got to talk to kevin on the phone last week. he's so nice!)
thank you for taking us along vicariously on this photo tour of poland!
Posted by: mod*mom | June 27th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
wonderful pictures!!! just like in your books!! am from the philippines. i have a collection of your books and magazines. a very avid fan. i have learned so much from you martha. saved so much peso coz you taught me how to recycle in style, truly an eye opener to art!!! for all the travels, you never missed the local market. what an idea! coz from there you learn a lot with their culture!!!
Posted by: Elnora Villafana | June 28th, 2008 at 3:37 am
What lovely pictures. That must have been so fun.
Posted by: Kristin | June 28th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
You always encourage us to envelope the beauty. The world is truly a beautiful inheritance!
Posted by: Elizabeth Rose | June 28th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Martha, look like you had a fantastic trip.. Thanks for taking us along.
Posted by: susy | June 30th, 2008 at 11:15 am
This was so wonderful and very educational. I too love looking at architecture. Such a beautiful place,my family is from Lithuania. I may see it some day. Thanks for sharing these beautiful pictures of your trip.
Posted by: Lee | June 30th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Martha, You go to such beatuiful places. Thanks for sharing with us. Virginia
Posted by: Virginia Hamblin | June 30th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
I lived in Poland for 2 years (Peace Corps) and these images bring back so many wonderful memories!
I'm hoping you're getting to travel to some other areas as well.... especially Krakow and you should really try to get to Zakopane (just outside of Krakow). It's incredibly gorgeous with a distinct style of architecture, dress and handicrafts. You'll feel like you're in the Sound of Music.... really... it's that beautiful!
Dowidzenia!
Posted by: Tracy Montarti | June 30th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Very interesting picture of Warsaw and so many. I am really impressed.
Posted by: Warsaw | July 4th, 2008 at 3:24 am
Hi Martha,
I really enjoyed your pictures from Warsaw!! My grandparents were both from Warsaw, then came to the state when they were Seventeen years old to be married.I lived in Michiagan all my life, and now we are living in Germany for 3 years because of my husbands job. When I saw these photo's of Warsaw I now will make sure that we make a trip over there,it is beautiful. I will continue to look at more of your photos, Maureen
Posted by: Maureen Ward | July 12th, 2008 at 4:03 am
What beautiful photos of Warsaw! They remind me of Poznan, where I'm from. Looking at the photos of your trip makes me think it's time to visit home soon. If you travel to Poland again, be sure to stop by Poznan. I think it's even more beautiful than Warsaw, but I'm biased.
Posted by: joanna | July 27th, 2008 at 12:46 am
Dear Martha,I am Warsawian, so It was so nice to see places that I Love and visit every year.Just because that I miss them. I miss my MOM the most,my Friends,my Places and ambiaunce.I am so sorry that you didn't have a chance to visit London my son could show you The Best of IT,but at the same time I am so Glad that you visited Warsaw and share yours pics with Whole World but there is more and more to see and experience in Poland.
A specialy perfect hospitality of beatifull people, you know that the people and places suffered alot and now they glow Just because POLAK POTRAFI just like you Martha.
Posted by: Bea | August 4th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Great fotos of Warsaw. I usually depend on Ian for some great blog from there...20East. (An Englishman married to a Pole with the most beautiful daughter...Zosia she should be a model...maybe for the Polish magazine)My first trip to Poland was in 1998 when I met my family for the first time. We are the only ones here in USA. Warsaw was just a stop over to Kracow but I will hopefully be going back again and make sure to check out Warsaw as I only got to see the inside of a not so nice and friendly airport terminal. I have a "Passport" Steiff and managed to get his passport stamped by customs (of course they thought I was bonkers) LOL Funny but most of the Polish foods we know of here are not eaten in Poland as we think. Not once did I have or see or was served pierogi or golumbki. :+)
I hope I might be able to get a gift subscription to your new magazine for my cousin.
Pozdrawiem
http://scatts.wordpress.com/about/
Posted by: Christiana | September 16th, 2008 at 6:10 am
Hi Martha,
My mother and I just looked at your great photo collection and had a great time reminiscing about our shared past. The only thing that we would have to point out is the distinction between doughnuts and "paczki". All too often I feel like people conflate the two, and don't give proper props to the specifically Polish paczek. We always wind up buying many of these delicious filled treats on Fat Tuesday, a Polish institution. And when thinking about the ones my granmother would prepare - I simply can't think of them in the same light as a traditional American doughnut.
Posted by: Agnes | September 17th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
We're waiting for next trip to Poland,Martha Poles love your cooking programme!You're the BEST xD
Posted by: Mike | September 24th, 2008 at 1:58 am
Dear Martha!
I hope, that you´ve found in America a second homecountry as good as Poland.
I´m from Austria (Vienna), but I like Poland like my homecountry. Not alone because my wife is from Poland. There are many reasons. The friendly people, the delicious food, the nice old Traditions. I´m always happy, when we take a trip to Poland (Zdunska Wola, Woj. Lodzkie) for a week or two, to visit the mother, the sisters and many other nice friends of my wife.
to jest bardzo pieknie dla mnie
sorry, if my polish is not so perfect (english also not) but I will try to learn more of this difficult language.
Many greetings from austria
Pozdrowienia z austrii
alex
Posted by: Alex | January 4th, 2009 at 11:46 am