The Temporary Mieszkanie

In two more days we move to our "permanent" furnished apartment. For the last week we've been in a mieszkani; somewhat of an apartment, somewhat hotel (maid service three times a week.)

Here's a picture of the bed in our our temporary apartment. Who made this bed?

a. David

b. An alien

c. Lisa

d. Maid service

If you guessed d, you're right! What you may not notice is that the decorative pillows on top of the pillows that we sleep on are zipper-side out. Maybe it's been a while since I've shopped at Bed, Bath and Beyond and this is just an example of "beyond" my fashion sense!

Yesterday we visited the Uprising Museum. We gained a greater appreciation of the determination of the Varsovians to persist throughout World War II. We learned of many organized efforts to regain their freedom; first as a Union of Armed Struggle, then the Home Army which operated an underground press as well as planned military retaliation against the Nazis. It was a very moving and memorable museum experience. (Only 5 Zoltys - less than 3 dollars)

Chopin in the Park

Our 1st Sunday was spent in our normal fashion going to church. We enjoyed the 3 hour block of meetings at the Warsaw 1st. Branch. We recognised the melodies of the hymns yet all the conversations were totally lost to us. (David did very well singing the different alphabet sounds and blends, impressing one sister missionary who thought he knew Polish!) Were it not for the missionaries and a number of members who readily jumped in as translators our conversations would have been reduced to just polite smiles and simple greetings.

The early afternoon found us sitting on the grass of historic Lasienki Park. Throughout the summer the park host international pianists and other musicians who play the works of Fredrick Chopin, Poland's most famous composer. The musicians perform under a canopy next to the statue of Chopin. It was fabulous. The open air free concert draws people from throughout Europe.

Lazienki Park is very large and contains the two Palaces of former Kings. The only downside of the Park is the restriction on picnics. It would be a great place to retreat and enjoy a home packed meal and a great book. Books are okay but the food is not. It has to do with some anti-littering ordinance.

Touring the Royal Castle

Upon review of the previous photos, we recognize that we haven't captured the beauty and history of Poland that we have seen thus far. Old Town Warsaw is beautiful and rich with history and charm. The cobblestone streets and vintage shops help bring to life the striking history of Warsaw. You can't appreciate the history of Poland without understanding the long history of Polish Royalty and the life of the nobles. Our first museum visit was to the Royal Castle, with some original construction dating back to the 14th Century. The inside of the castle was filled with tapestries, paintings, sculptures and furnishings throughout the centuries.

Evidence of historical figures cited by Mitchener in his book, "Poland" were found throughout the castle. David, who's finished the book, commentated in tour-guide fashion filling in the gaps where our English brochure was lacking. Great tour! Worth the 15 zlotes (5 dollars). Jan Sobieski, the Poland Liberator of Vienna, was our favorite character whose 3 meter high oil painting adorned one of the main halls.

Lisa was particularly impressed by some of the original artwork found in the Castle. During the 2nd World War the Nazis hauled train loads of treasures out of the Polish castles. Many of the paintings in the Louve were once resident here in Poland. Little by little they are making their way back to Poland such as the Rembrandt painting, "The Girl in the Picture Frame." The old aristocracy of Poland were some of Europe's most ambitious art collectors. In the 17th century Poland was flush with works of the Masters.

Old town is just fun to visit. We love wandering though the cobblestone streets while avoiding all of the tempting places to eat . A must see that just doesn't seem to get stale. Well . . . . what do we know with less than two weeks of experience.

Culture Shock -- Nie

A sister missionary asked if we've experienced culture shock yet yesterday. Before I could open my mouth David replied, "Nie, not at all." True, we look similar as we are Caucasian, and with our friendly "Dzien dobry" greeting who would know that we're completely clueless as to what people are talking about! (well actually everybody who continues the conversation:) Just in case you're wondering, there are a few things I've found to be different; some for the better, some well...you decide.

The two shopping malls we've been to have grocery stores on the bottom floor. This explains why at the Arkadia mall they have slanted ramps near Carrefour, a Fred Meyer style multi-purpose grocery store. We bag the groceries using bags we buy or bring. The second shopping trip I pulled a few out of my purse without the cashier noticing. When she tried to swipe them, I said "mine, mine," sounding like a toddler pointing to my purse. Hey, they're one zeloty a piece--I think I'll learn to recycle! Note to self: look up Polish word for mine.

Traffic lights go from red to yellow to green. This is helpful, especially if you're somewhat new to using a clutch--helpful to have that second and a half to get ready to go! Plus why have that nonessential yellow light? In Charlotte it means speed up if you're close enough--within a block--before the light turns red.

In the furnished apartments we looked at, as well as the temporary short-stay one we're in now, they typically have just a washer in either the bathroom, kitchen or a small separate closet. One apartment had a washer and a dryer. Guess which one we're renting! In our temporary flat we wish we could read the Italian instructions as one load washed for about 90 minutes.

First Week in Warsaw

After a 9 hour flight from Charlotte to Munich and 1 1/2 hour commuter plane from Munich to Warsaw, we safely arrived August 16, 2009, for our first oversees adventure in Poland. Within minutes our cab driver hurried us to our temporary stay in a hotel just across from the famous Palace of Culture and Science, commissioned by Stalin 1955 as an expression of Soviet Realism, is viewed by most Poles as a symbol of oppression. Just outside our hotel room we could stare at vaguely visible people from the 33rd floor of the palace. Were any of those standing from what seems a monument tJo communism thinking that we were staring at them from the Intercontinental Hotel, a monument to capitalism? We did enjoy almost a full week of luxury or at least Lisa did while David worked, lounging about reading James Mitchener's "Poland," swimming or on the treadmill with my biggest decision being water from a pitcher with floating lemon, orange or grapefruit (orange my favorite:) We did spend two afternoons looking for a furnished apartment. Why spend more time (after about the 4th of 10 apartments) Lisa wondered, after all we'll only be in Warsaw 8 months.