Like a Phoenix Rising...

July 14

Our city tour of Warsaw today revealed not only the dramatic modern skyline of the business district, beautiful parks and heroic statues (ex:Chopin), but the completely rebuilt Old Town, recreated from an artist's paintings of the 16th century buildings which stood here prior to WWII. Every building looked authentic and is occupied by residents and businesses that want to keep their identity here. In reality, Warsaw is only 70 years old.
Lunch on our own, Claire and I enjoyed stuffed cabbage rolls at a picturesque little bistro.
Farewell reception with our group tonight before packing for home. A most successful and special trip with new-found friends.

Rebuilt Warsaw

July 14

Leaving one of my "new" favorite cities - Krakow, our long drive over hill and dale led us first to the Jaina Gora Monastery, the most holy of the Catholic pilgrimage  sites in Poland, where the Black Madonna icon is displayed. All popes have come to this sight and soon it will be World Youth Day.
Our last destination is Warsaw. Though it was flattened by the Nazis in WWll it has risen to be a beautiful modern city of high rise glass buildings! Our special treat upon arrival was a Chopin piano concert in a classic setting. Beautiful.

A Difficult Day

July 13

Yesterday the rains poured down on us as we walked Aushowitz, the Naxi Consentration and Extermination camp, for two hours. God's tears! Can't put it into words.
Needed the afternoon to take time out back in Krakow. We had visited the old Jewish neighborhood, Kazimierz, the day before, and for our last night in Krakow I chose to return for more uplifting night of dinner and klezmer music at a charming restaurant, once visited by Steven Spielberg. Met a nice couple from San Diego who asked me to share their table. Great evening.

Wieliczka Salt Mines

July 11

This afternoon we escaped the heat by descending 250 ft. underground for a 3 hour tour of the 900 year old UNESCO site, the Wieliczka Salt Mines. Boy, are our "dogs" tired! Dinner of authentic pierogies tonight.

Krakow, Medieval Showcase

July 11

It's difficult for us Americans to wrap our minds around the idea of a city built in the 11th century, yet here we are steeped in a fascinating history lesson of kings, popes, and armies conquering, building, and moving borders for a thousand years to shape what is now Poland and the beautiful city of Krakow. High on royal Wawel Hill sits the palace complex which we explored this morning, after which our city walking tour lead us through Old Town, passing such landmarks as Pope John Paul ll's birthplace, the university attended by Copernicus. I think this is my new favorite city, if it weren't for this crazy language!

Good-bye Prague, Hello Krakow

July 10

It is time to say good-by to our "Women of the River" and begin our post-trip.  A long bus ride today, past rolling farmland into Poland. Watched an excellent BBC series on our way called "WWll, Behind Closed Doors". If you're a history buff this trip is for you!
Arriving at our modern Krakow hotel late this afternoon, we were taken by "golf carts" through the exciting, Sunday night bustle of Old Town to our fine restaurant. This is a very Catholic country and there are churches on every corner, it seems. Fun to see everyone out enjoying the warm summer evening.

Prague, Then and Now

July 9

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, dates back to the 1300's. Our walking tour this morning through the "lesser town" and along the Vltava River,  was guided by a very knowledgeable woman who traced its history as we made our way toward the famous Charles Bridge. Much to absorb!Of course, the astronomical clock in the main huge square is a "must see". Lunch on our own as we were given the rest of the day to explore on our own. My personal quest was to find the modern moving steel structure of Franz Kofka, tucked away near Wensesloaus Square. Navigating the tram system, we returned to our hotel for the farewell dinner with those ending this trip tomorrow.