Wroclaw – Zakopane Poland Saturday 10-3-2009

10-2-09 Wroclaw (Vrosswaf)

Friday 10-2-09 we visited one painting in a large round building in Wroclaw (pronounced Vrosswaf). At first we thought it odd to worry about getting tickets a head of time and to be sure to have everyone there on time. It was a sight to see. The Panorama of one painting of the battle of Raclawice was amazing. It was so realistic it seemed like you were right in the midst of the battle field as the painting was completed in the round. Be sure to get an English translation personal radio receiver to add to the experience. The horses deep in battle were galloping through the senses and seemed to snort in real time as they carried soldiers to battle, This is a must see if you are ever in Wroclaw.

We stayed at Sofitel Hotel which was a half a block from the main square. Feather beds and down feather comforters were like sleeping on a cloud as soft as marshmallows. Dinner in the square at Restauria Dwar Poliski included tenderloin beef rolled around a tasted filling. My soup was onion with creamy cheese melted on top. I had thin crispy wrappers around delicious vegetables in a stew type sauce. We had layered cake generously filled with whipped cream, caramelized apples then drenched in a tasty liquor they call eggnog flavor.

There is an Olympic stadium that was built, but there were never any Olympic games played in Poland. They were moved to Berlin instead. Now it is used for a speedway.

If you look at one of the districts (communities) from the air, it looks like an eagle.

In 1944 people of other countries felt the pressure to flee to Poland. Wroclaw received over one million people from all over with the Soviets coming first. So many people filled the area that people who couldn’t fight (women, children) were ordered to leave the city. While gone, their valuables were confiscated. Many walked southwest through one of the most severe winters and died from the cold or starved to death. Over seven hundred, fifty thousand or one-fifth of the populations died at that time. The soviets locked the city in siege and took the airport from the Germans. The Germans created their own airport in another part of town by leveling buildings to make way. Only one plane ever landed at this new airport. By May of 1945 over 65% of the city was destroyed. It took a long time to rebuild the city. As an example, in 1951 the city was still covered in rubble.

Wroclaw Sofitel Hotel and visit to Pope John Paul II's home in WWadowice with lunch at a nearby restaurant just setting up for a wedding.


Hank Guzevich from the Polka Family Band playing with musicians setting up for a wedding near Wadowice Poland 10-3-09




Sunday 10-4-09 Zakopane Poland
We drove through beautiful country side that changed from flat lands to rolling hills then mountains. The town is full of charm and any other ski resort on the world. We walked down the cobblestone path passing by trendy stores sporting winter parks and hats just waiting for the winter crowd to come. Youngster eagerly stomped by with mountain climbing gear on their backs as they headed toward tall mountains in the distance. The tetra peaks are right outside our window. In silhouette they look like a man lying down on his back. On top his chin you can just see the outline of a cross.

We walked to the Catholic Church at the end of the street to go to a Polish mass. It was packed with people as we stood quietly in the back. The Polish words went on and on and I understood less and less. I had plenty of time to look around at the rich deep colors in the stained glass in similar patterns as one uses in quilts with stars and triangles. Others depicted scenes of life or of a religious nature. They are all richly beautiful with the sun shinning brightly through the many colors. Panels of frescos were painted along the top of the arches of the cathedral. The characters looked so real is soft colors that complimented the rest of the decorations in the church. The alter was a busy looking place and so far away that I was unable to really take a look. I did notice a statue of Jesus hanging on a cross at the very top of the rafters of the church above the four ornate chandeliers.
The hotel we are saying at is a contrast to others of late. Similarly they have down feather covers that keep you extra warm at night. Ammenities are a bit short in supply here as the rooms look more like a hostel dorm room setting. We all have our own rooms, but I could see this working for several college age students to stay here while visiting the many outdoor activities like hiking, sking and partying.

The grand eating area is filled with porcelain chandiers hanging gallantly from the ceiling. A grand piano was played by a mistro in perfect classical style through the evening. He entertained us and then Hank, our trumpet player, and John, played a few tunes. Then Hank and the Master piano player, Jacek Makowski age 74, had a great play off. Jacek was the master for all of Poland in his 20's. Now he plays for tips at local restaurants in Zakopane. What a treat to hear both Hank and Jacek play throughout the evening.


Hank Guzevich trumpet player from the Polka Family Band


John Gora dancing while Jacek Makowski plays the piano with grand style



Itinerary
Morning departure for Zakopane via Wadowice , the birthplace of John Paul II .
We will have free time for a snack /lunch (not included). Why not try a “kremowka”, John Paul’s favorite dessert . Our next stop will be the Sanctuary at Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, a UNESCO Heritage site.

Continue to Zakopane for dinner and overnight at the Giewont Hotel .