Larry and I are learning more about the difficult history of Warsaw. We visited The Jewish Historical Institute and learned of heroic efforts by people living in the Jewish Ghetto (1939-1944) to document, preserve, and archive accounts of events taking place at that time. Documents were hidden in various containers, in many places around the city. This milk can, filled with historical accounts, was discovered many years later.
We also visited the Warsaw Uprising Museum which is dedicated to the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. It’s worth visiting but an intense experience.
On a lighter note, we had a fun dinner at Restaurant Honoratka. It is said to have been favored by Chopin. As a bonus, a lovely young pianist played Chopin pieces while we ate dinner.
This display of fruit at the entrance looks real but is actually plastic. It photographs like a still-life painting.
We tried the traditional Polish honey-flavored brandy which is served warm in ceramic mugs like the one below.
Another traditional food is apple cake. It was so delicious that my enthusiasm caused me to flip my paper napkin into the candle. Flames ensued and the wicker bread basket caught on fire as well. A quick waiter came to the rescue the flames were quickly put out.
Chopin, apple cake, brandy, and a flaming breadbasket made for an exciting meal!
Madame Curie was from Warsaw. We missed seeing her Museum but visited her statue overlooking the Vistula River.
Warsaw has grown on us. We are impressed by the strength and resilience of Polish people – especially the citizens of Warsaw. Pre-war Warsaw was sometimes called “The Paris of Central Europe” but it was almost totally destroyed during World War II. Citizens have rebuilt the city to its former glory.
This is the street where we’re staying – Hotel Le Regina is on the left.
Tomorrow we pack again to take the train to our next stop – Toruń!
Note: Thank you to Ela for providing excellent suggestions for foods to eat, restaurants to try, and places to visit in Warsaw! They were invaluable!