Greetings and welcome to another of my fluffy, little open threads.
This week I'm continuing my series on my recent trip to Warsaw.
In the first installment I shared the tale of my first day and the wonderful hospitality of the main organizer of the conference Mrs the Werelynx was attending.
Last week, I posted about the second day of my trip which I spent making a sketch, exploring a bit of the city and attending a long concert of Chopin's piano music performed by 7 young pianists as part of a competition.
The morning of the third day began with me carefully tearing the previous day's sketch out of my sketchbook and handing it to Mrs the Werelynx to give to our charming host, the wonderful Ewa as thanks for her welcoming me to join in during the events of the first day.
My watercolor sketch of the iconic Soviet era Palace of Culture and Science
After packing a little sandwich and an apple from the food at the hotel's breakfast buffet, I went out into the city to do some more sketching and exploring.
A sculpture installation. Male figure on this end of the balanced beam facing a female figure on the other end.
I revisited the park that Ewa had taken us to the first day.
Wednesday's sketch
This park was once attached to a huge palace ...
The three arches of the remains of an arcade in the background is also seen in the background of the previous fountain picture. Under the arches is the Polish eternal flame monument to their Unknown Soldier, constantly attended by an honor guard. I decided not to impose on the lads on duty and only took photos from a distance. This photo is really washed out because I was trying to have some of the model in the huge glass case be visible.
The model is of the huge palace complex. That lit section in the middle marks the location of the three arches— they seem to be all that remains above ground of the original palace.
Nearly all of downtown Warsaw was destroyed during WW II, and this site has joined the ongoing effort to rebuild Warsaw's heritage. The fantastic aerial photograph on this poster shows the site from above, including the red brick foundations and intricate network of cellars that have been excavated.
Much more on the efforts to rebuild the Saski Palace can be found on the official website noted on the poster.
Part of a monastery back there and the photo that got away happened when I was walking past that dark wooden gate in the wall. A delivery van, also seen in this shot had pulled up to the gate and a robed monk inside the gate was inspecting crates of meat that were being unloaded by the driver. It's an image stuck in my head: tall bearded monk in brown robes bending over a plastic crate of steaks.
I just let the streets decide where to take me.
Some buildings showed little reminders of how few stones were left standing after the war.
I walked quickly through the little square packed with market stalls and tourists.
I hadn't remembered the fortifications from my previous visit to Warsaw
This is actually me taking pictures of people taking pictures. Everyone walked into New Market Square, stood next to the Unicorn Fountain to take photos of the picturesque little domed church opposite. You can find hundreds of photos of this square online— nearly all of them taken from beside the fountain, when I think this is a much more interesting composition.
Statue of Maria Skłodowska-Curie placed where it looks out over ...
… this view of Multimedia Park Fountain and the Vistula River
I made my way down to the river.
Looking north
Looking south. Kilometer after kilometer of paved paths for biking, skating, rollerblading, walking, jogging …
I found a bench along the path and ate the little lunch I'd brought.
A gnome holding a sunflower. Perhaps a cheeky symbol of resistance and mockery under the oppressive Communist regime continues as a reminder of how little has changed with ol' Mother Russia.
Heading across one of the many bridges, looking back at a fantastic public space. Along the left edge you can see the stadium to the south which is my goal.
The view off the other side of the bridge, back toward Warsaw's rebuilt Old Town center and the streets and parks I'd walked through.
The flood protection gate at the end of the Port Prague Canals
All along the road to the stadium, there were glimpses of the canals and islands and surrounding parkland.
The massive National Stadium, site of the conference Mrs the Werelynx was attending.
I perched myself near the entrance to the stadium, took out a book I'd brought along, and waited for Mrs the Werelynx. The conference ended with a lunch and by two o'clock I started to recognize a few faces from our first day in Warsaw as they left the building. Then finally Mrs the Werelynx came out and we set out to spend the rest of the day exploring Warsaw together.
And I think next week we can continue with our little adventure. This has been a lot of photos, even for me.
Thanks for stopping by.
This is an open thread.
