June 25, 2008

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!

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These boxes of pretty blue lobelia caught my eye.
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I love taking photos of architecture and details for my 'visual' library.  This swag was beautifully fashioned in stone.
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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.
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A spectacular brass knob
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This is one of many gorgeous chains we saw - hand forged from iron or brass.
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Many building facades are painted to look like cut stone - faux stone, I call it!
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Another Escher-like design
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Of course I was always thinking of Polish cuisine and I saw many restaurants I would have liked to try.
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window sign
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another window sign
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I really wanted to try these dishes.
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One of the great squares where Poles gather for a drink, a cafe, a smoke.
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A self explanatory sign - We started our tour at 8 AM so many of the buildings and restaurants were not yet open.
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The Mermaid of Warsaw - a fantastic fountain.
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Water gushes every few minutes from underneath the statue.
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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.
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Agnes said this was a great place to eat local food.
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I collect intricately painted Easter eggs - These were extraordinary.
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An old-time pharmacy - it was so elegant.
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Amber beads were for sale everywhere - these were pretty special and so big!
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The ribbed ceiling of a neo-Gothic church.
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The buildings are so well-designed and wonderfully painted
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Magda Gessler is a well-known restauranteur in Warsaw.
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There are large portraits of the late Pope everywhere.
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The important library in the old town
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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.
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Wonderful iron work - another of Poland's great crafts.  My maternal grandfather was trained in Poland to do this type of work.
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Many new trees are being planted and protected by grates like these.
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another chain
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I stayed in this hotel with my mother years ago - it has been completely refurbished.
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One of 4 corbels holding up a balcony - you can see the groans and pain on the sculptures' faces.
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What masterful carving - so exquisite!
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This is the main gate to the University of Warsaw.
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Copernicus - one of Poland's most illustrious historical figures - he was the father of our solar system - he was correct.
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Agnes, me, and our new CEO - Robin Marino
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the sign for the Polish Academy
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A portrait of Copernicus - Polish astronomer from the 16th century.
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all kinds of delicious Polish sausages
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Wonderful homemade breads
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more healthful breads
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Blikle was the only bakery to survive the German occupation - why? - because, the story goes, it made the very best donuts!
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wonderful confections - babkas, poppy seed cakes, and filled donuts.
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Kevin ordering one of Everything! 
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A really good mocha, coffee, whipped cream, and espresso sundae
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a creamy Napoleon
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a jelly donut with orange glaze
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a powdered sugar raspberry donut
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a cream-filled donut
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a very handsome Polish customer at Blikle's
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Agnes is very happy with her confections.
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What we ate and did not eat!
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We met the cutest male Frenchie!  I miss Sharkey and Francesca.
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Kevin and the Frenchie
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wild strawberries just coming into season
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The flower market was unbelievable - lovely sunflowers
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I was very drawn to the giant roses.
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roses like velvet
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fluffy sweet William
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tiny cute rose baskets
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snowy cultivated mushrooms
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healthy kohlrabi
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