Imagine Poland

Vanilla Apartments, Krakow, Poland

2011-10-19T11:19:00.000-07:00

The beginning of September in Krakow proved to be a truly special time. Weather wise with the unceasing blue sky and lovely sunshine every day from early morning hours and the temperature between 24 and 27 C degrees, we could not fault it.

Rynek with new fountain and St Mary's Church, Krakow

Destination wise – well, we knew Krakow already from our previous visits – so we knew it would not disappoint and it was such a pleasure to see the city getting more and more beautiful with the restoration work going on in the Old Town, the new Underground Museum below the Sukiennice and the refreshing fountain in the Main Market Square.

Finally accommodation wise – spot on!

It was the first time that we had booked a holiday apartment from the ‘ApartmentsApart’ website and it certainly won’t be the last.

Our Vanilla apartment located in the very heart of the Old Town, on the Royal Route proved an ideal little place for staying in Krakow. It ticked all the boxes, a great setting off point being only a nice fifteen minutes stroll away from the Railway Station. Situated on the first floor with several other tasty named apartments (Cinnamon, Ginger etc) just off the Grodzka Street, it was equally close to the busy Rynek Main Square with all its attractions on one side and on the other it was a short walk to to the stunning Wawel Castle and Wisla river with all its pleasure craft.

Lounge Area, Vanilla Apartment

Huge fridge/freezer, washing machine, iron and board for the style slaves (we weren't) – everything was there.

Kitchen, Vanilla Apartment

Main Bedroom, Vanilla Apartment

Within three minutes walk was the ‘ApartmentsApart’ office with courteous staff speaking fluent English and willingly going an extra mile (or should we rather say a kilometre) to help at ANY time.

The combination of Krakow & ApartmentsApart was a brilliant experience.

We will be back!

Cecile and Peter

To see all our photographs of Krakow please visit our website Imagine Poland

Useful Travel Guides and Maps

Imagine Poland, The Solidarity Monument to Fallen Shipyard Workers, Gdansk

2011-08-27T07:20:00.000-07:00

Photographing the Solidarity Monument to Fallen Shipyard Workers was one of our major projects while visiting Gdansk. Our apartment was in the centre of Gdansk and only a twenty minute walk from the monument.

The monument which was unveiled December 16th 1980 honours the people who died when the shipyard workers strike in 1970 was suppressed by the government. Its location is next to gate 2 of the Gdansk Shipyards.

Solidarity Monument to Fallen Shipyard Workers

Plaques in front of the Monument

In front of the monument are five plaques, each in a different language, the one in English reads

Memorial of the Fallen Shipyard Workers 1970 A token of the everlasting remembrance of the slaughter victims. A warning to rulers that no social conflict in our country can be resolved by force a sign of hope for fellow-citizens that evil need not prevail.

Father Jerzy Popieluszco

Around the perimeter can be found further memorials and plaques amongst them one dedicated to Father Jerzy Popieluszco, Roman Catholic Priest, a champion of the banned trade union Solidarity, kidnapped and murdered 1984 and beautified in 2010.

All our photographs of The Solidarity Monument to Shipyard workers can be viewed at

www.imaginepoland.com in the Exhibitions menu

Useful links about Solidarity and Gdansk

http://www.gdansk-life.com/poland/solidarity

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Solidarity

catholicinsight.com/online/features/Fr. Jerzy Popieluszko

http://www.polandyourway.co.uk/gdansk_city_break.php

Imagine Poland now on Facebook

2011-08-06T02:38:00.000-07:00

At last we have a Facebook page, had to read the instructions several times but finally managed to produce it.
We hope it will keep everyone up to date with Imagine Poland plans and progress plus travel news related to Poland.

Please have a look and 'Like' to keep up to date.

'Facebook' Imagine Poland

On our main website have also added three more informative pages, 'Travel Info', 'Image Sales' and 'Travel Guides'

www.imaginepoland.com

Tatra Mountains, Poland

Peter and Cecile, Imagine Poland

Imagine Poland, 'The Frozen Motlawa River' Gdansk

2011-07-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

The unusually cold winter this year provided us with an amazing view of the entirely frozen Motlawa River. Running through the heart of the Gdansk, the Motlawa river is bursting with life during the summer months, yet even in the early March it still managed to draw our attention as we strolled on its banks.

On the Old Motlawa, the all white water trams, the massive ship Soldek – now part of the maritime museum and the smaller colourful boats, they were all there but very still this time, frozen.

The local marina on the New Motlawa bank was somewhat reduced. As if the luxurious yachts that were all summer grounded there, have now emigrated to the warmer countries with the wandering birds. The empty rows filled with thick shiny ice reflected the different moods of the sky above.

Between the marina and the Old Town - full of character lies the Granary Island – reminiscence of Gdansk’s busy trading city of the Hanza Union past. The Old Granaries, partially ruined during the Second World War are not haunting any more. These ruins seems to be a part of the City now though one don’t know for how long they will stay like this.

What proved to be a thrilling attraction to both polish and international tourists wandering on the river bank was watching the old fashioned style of fishing.

On the frozen Motlawa River there were not only clumsy walking ducks and seagulls. Since early morning hours in the middle of the river there were also present a variety of fishermen – of different ages, in different outfits, with different skills and techniques yet all with one aim – to get the fish out from beneath the ice that they were sitting on. They were all looking very cold yet determined to fool their victims with some tasty bait and draw it forth in triumph out of the carefully dug hole in the ice.

It was scary to see these men gathered in little community or as the individuals walking and sitting on the ice covering very deep and oh! – so very cold water! For some of them it might have been a necessity, for majority it looked like a bit of an extreme hobby. Both must have been pushed into it by recollecting the winter fireplace stories by grandfathers: ‘of the old good times, when the winters were proper cold winters and they would catch such a huge fish while hole fishing on the ice.’

Inspiring, foolish maybe, certainly risky in the strong March sun – these scenes caught in pictures will stay in our memory.

Hopefully in yours as well!

Usefull links

Gdansk, Wikipedia information
http://www.gdansk-online.eu/
Polish Cuisine

To view all our photographs see our exhibition at www.imaginepoland.com

Gdansk, Recent Visit

2011-03-17T06:30:00.000-07:00

Recently visited Gdansk, knew it was cold but I was still surprised to find the Motlawa River frozen over, it was quite a spectacle. There were lots of photo opportunities and were busy working on the results from the trip.
Hope to post them to our website Imagine Poland in the near future.

View from Szafarnia

Usefull Links

Things to Do in Gdansk

Photographs of Gdansk

Imagine Poland, Wroclaw, The Panorama Raclawicka

2011-03-11T11:59:00.000-08:00

What an amazing attraction depicting an epic part of Polish history and only a few minutes walk from the centre of Wroclaw. Its location in a small park area next to the River Odra was easy to find.

Wroclaw, The Panorama Raclawicka

The only example of its sort ‘The Panorama of the Battle of Raclawicka’ – the gigantic painting – 114m long and 15m high. It is a unique painting created in such a way that the picture mixes up with the real objects. The composition of the Panorama has such a valour that the spectators cannot distinguish at first glance where the painting ends and the decoration starts.

Wroclaw, The Panorama Raclawicka

This was the aim of its creators – the famous polish painters Jan Styka and Wojciech Kossak who using special artistic techniques alongside the particular lighting, managed to take the viewers into a different world – the battlefield of Raclawicka – the legendary General Tadeusz Kosciuszko’s victory over Russians forces in 1794. The painting was created in the hundreth anniversary of the event - in 1894 to warm the hearts of Poles being still under the Partition. Nowadays still it can be quite rightly described as a polish national pilgrimage centre. It was originally presented in Lwow but after the II World War and the loss of this polish city to the USSR, it was Wroclaw who inherited the painting and struggled with the communists in order to restore it to its former glory and make it public yet again.

Wroclaw, The Panorama Raclawicka

At present, as originally The Panorama of Raclawicka is being displayed in a specially designed rotunda. There are always hordes of visitors there and school groups just like it was many years ago in Lwow. The difference is now multilingual presentation headsets are available at no extra charge for foreign tourists. There are presentations every thirty minutes or so. On our visit the cost was 20zl per adult.

Its another must visit place on your Wroclaw sightseeing map and can be found in the Park Slowackiego by Purkyniego Street.

For more information on the Panorama Raclawicka please visit www.panoramaraclawicka.pl

For more information on Wroclaw visit www.polandtrips.co.uk/historic-wroclaw

Wroclaw, Cafes and Restaurants

2011-02-28T13:43:00.000-08:00

One thing certainly not lacking in Wroclaw is a variety of places to eat, the style of cafe's
and restaurants is certainly diverse, from back street cafe's to plush city square restaurants
all with their own character and style with equally appetizing dishes.

Krawozyk Restaurant, Wroclaw

Chatka Przy Jatkach

While in Wroclaw we had many traditional Polish dishes, Bigos (Hunters Stew),

Pierogi (Stuffed Dumplings),Zurek Soup (Rye Soup with Sausage and Egg) and lets

not forget one of my favourites, Potatoe Pancakes also various delicious Polish Sausages,

just mouth watering thinking about them.

All dishes at the places we visited were well presented and amicably served,

also well priced .

Chatka was one place of note, lots of character, very traditional with smiling happy waitresses

and quick service, also a vast array of dishes and on the plus side a menu in English.

Zurek, soup in bread

Several places we visited specialised in sweets, one in particular Cukiernia in the

Market Square had such a choice of mouth watering cakes and sweets you just knew

any thoughts of a slimming diet were futile, the ones we had were superb. Don't just take

my word for it, get on the next flight go there, try them, dissapointed you will not be.

Cukiernia, Superb Sweets and Confectionery

For a delicious pizza Novocaina in the Market Square is the place to go and if its not to

busy and you can manage the spiral staircase one of the best tables is on the first floor

with a view of the Market square, the food we had was terrific and the view superb.

Look at that sweet , how could you resist it, we did'nt

Our dining experiences in Wroclaw were fantastic, great food and service with helpful friendly advice.

Don't hold back, enjoy.

For an in detail explanation of Polish cuisine have a look at Poland Culinary website,

this will tell you everything you need to know.

Useful Links

www.imaginepoland.com

http://www.polandculinaryvacations.com/index.php

Wroclaw, Wikipedia

Imagine Poland, Wroclaw, City Life and People

2011-01-17T02:21:00.000-08:00

One of the most interesting of our galleries to photograph is City Life and its People, such a range of characters all with their own purpose, travelling to work, on holiday, street entertainers, shoppers or just strolling through the streets and squares.

City Life in Wroclaw is vibrant at all levels. The students bring joy, love and enthusiasm to everyday life and it’s the students that fill the streets of Wroclaw. The busy traffic free Swidnicka and Olawska streets are packed with crowds of real and window shoppers, tourists and businessmen dashing for the next meeting. As to the public transport the omnipresent in Wroclaw are certainly the blue tramways – made famous in the old polish songs.

Wroclaw, Blue Tram

Apart from the usual traffic there are also many cyclists.

Wroclaw, Rynek Cyclist

The City has an abundance of theatres and cultural and artistic institutions but as if it was not enough it’s renowned for its music festivals and the outdoor events.

Wrocklaw, Tumski Bridge

You can have a laugh at the humour of parody of the communist 1^st May Day Parade. On the other hand there is a beautiful and proud celebration of Poland’s recently introduced national Flag Day.

Wroclaw, Flag Day

There is always something happening in the City of Wroclaw – the Meeting Place.

See more of our City Life and People photographs at www.imaginepoland.com

Wroclaw Useful Information

wikipedia

wroclaw-life

airport,wroclaw

polish cuisine

poland activities and locations

wroclaw street map

Imagine Poland, The Churches of Wroclaw

2011-01-04T07:49:00.000-08:00

The number of churches in Wroclaw possibly exceeds the average need but it’s just one example of the diversity of the city. The churches vary enormously in their architectural styles, remarkable features, sizes and location as some of them are on the main land and some on the isles.

The Cathedral of St John the Baptist on Ostrow Tumski, Wroclaw

Although the majority are of Roman Catholic Faith, you will find them all neighbouring one another with the Orthodox and Protestants churches and also a Synagogue. Certainly Wroclaw’s churches are worth visiting for seeing both the beautifully decorated interiors, fascinating history and also climbing or in some cases being taken by a lift to the top of the towers to admire the stunning views of the town.

View from the Cathedral of St John the Baptist on Ostrow Tumski, Wroclaw

For the latter ones – particularly advisable are St Elizabeth’s Church in the immediate vicinity to the Rynek, and on the other side of the Market Square –

St Mary Magdalene Church, Wroclaw

the St Mary Magdalene Church with its curious ‘The Witches’ Bridge’ spread among the 2 twin towers of the church, and finally the grand Saint John the Baptist Cathedral.

Church of St Mary on the Sands, Wroclaw

A completely unique ambiance will embrace you while crossing the river to Ostrow Tumski – the historical cradle of Wroclaw, that later became a royal and religious sanctuary. Originally an island – Ostrow Tumski still conserves this special feeling and is home to five amazing churches including the most important above mentioned cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace – a museum at present – with stunning gardens.

Ornate Water Spouts on the Cathedral of St John the Baptist on Ostrow Tumski, Wroclaw

It’s only here that at night you can still stroll on the cobbled lanes among beautifully cut greenery in the light of original gas lamps.

View all our photographs of the churches of Wroclaw at www.imaginepoland.com

Useful Links

Historic Wroclaw, Poland Trips

Wroclaw Map ( Wroclaw Life )

The Gnomes of Wroclaw

2010-11-18T12:23:00.000-08:00

Wroclaw is the meeting place: meeting of new with old, modern with tradition, trendy with old fashioned, industry with culture and art, city with gardens, islands with rivers. The bridges of real and abstract nature seems to be crossing all over the city. Perhaps one of the most unusual of these meetings is that of the tiny fairy tale gnomes. What differs as well is that although it’s possibly the most exciting thing for children this time also adults can see the little creatures. Dating back to what was originally graffiti of Wroclaw’s Orange Alternative movement of the communist era, the little gnomes started to appear in the city in 2005 being the creation of local artist Tomasz Moczek.

A Very Full Gourmet Gnome

The first 32 were commissioned by the City’s Council, the others by local businesses which more than tripled this number. There is even a map available listing all the 123 gnomes and telling their little stories. Now it’s the major tourist attraction as children are looking forward to sightseeing and gnomes hunting in one. The locals give them affectionate glance on the way to work and the gnomes are just doing all sorts of! There are two Sisyphuses pushing the ball,

A Very Sleepy Gnome

the Sleepy guarding the entrance to the Dwarf’s Village, the Football Fan supporting Silesia, the Gourmet who’s eaten too much, the newly wed Mr&Mrs Dwarf, the Cinema Lover, The Prisoner and the Dumpling Eater, the Postman, the Washer on the bank of Odra river and the ones that are leading their lives on the lamp posts.

Gnome with Ball and Chain in Prison

It’s a real challenge to spot them all and it’s a great fun as well - enjoy it! we did.

A useful overview of the City of Wroclaw by Polish Culinary

More information about Wroclaw from Poland Trips

Wroclaw, Flag Day 2010

2010-09-13T00:54:00.000-07:00

Flag Day – formally a ‘Flag of the Republic of Poland Day’ since 2004 is annually organised on the 2nd May. The date was chosen to coincide with the ‘Polonia Day’ – celebrated as the reunion day for all the Poles, around 20 millions are now living outside their country. The aim was to help polish people identify themselves again with the national symbols after years of communist regime and teach the young generations about polish symbols and history. Although it is not a public holiday itself, in reality it ends up as being a day off and a national holiday for almost everybody as the National Flag Day celebration falls in between the unfortunate, traditional since communist era 1^st May ‘Labour Day’ – with the working class parade and the 3^rd of May, the ‘Constitution Day’ a very important holiday which was banned until 1990.

Wroclaw Flag Day 2010

Nowadays the polish white and red flag will fly out of the windows for the 3 consecutive days. The 1^st of May is a joyful and weather willing – picnic atmosphere day with possibly a few parody like labour style parades in the cities. The 2^nd of May hosts some lovely, happy and colourful celebrations.

Cyclists at Flag Day Wroclaw

This creates a suitable preparation for the national pride – Polish Constitution Day on the 3^rd of May, when Poland celebrates the creation in 1791 of the first modern constitution in Europe.

Flag Wavers at Flag Day Wroclaw

On our trip to Wroclaw we were lucky enough to not only watch but also to participate in the Flag Day celebrations on the Main Market Square under the rays of sunshine.

Young Flag Wavers at Flag Day Wroclaw

Surrounded obviously by lots of flags - the big ones for the adults and the smaller ones for the children we entered the smiling crowd of celebrating Poles.

Flag Day Wroclaw

Here are some photos of the event – we hope you will enjoy them as much as we did taking them on that happy occasion.

Flag Day Wroclaw

Radio Wroclaw interviewing at Flag Day Wroclaw

Flag Day Wroclaw

All the photographs of the event can be viewed at our website Imagine Poland.

www.imaginepoland.com

Usefull Links

The Flag of Poland, Information

Flag Day, Some History

Wroclaw, a brief guide (by Poland Culinary)

Wroclaw, Thanks Jimy Festival 2010

2010-07-31T13:45:00.000-07:00

A Jimy Hendrix Festival in Wroclaw and it was going to be held in the main square the day after we arrived, May 1st.

Poster advertising the event

I did some more investigation on the internet and discovered that this festival was in its eighth year and in 2009 a guinness world record had been achieved with 6,346 guitars playing along to 'Hey Joe' under the direction of Leszek Cichonski one of the best European blues rock guitarists.

Leszek Cichonski

This year saw 4,597 guitarists registered, not quite as many as the previous years record but you have to admit thats a lot of guitarists.

Some of the artists featured on stage were Greg Koch, Marek Piekarczyk, Mieczyslaw, Mark Raduli and former lead singer of Genesis, Ray Wilson.
It was a great event to photograph, so many opportunities.

The atmosphere was fantastic, an event attended by all ages. The afternoons festival ending with everyone raising their guitars at the end of the last song, what a sight !

There was then a procession to the next venue on one of Wroclaws islands for an evening concert.

I have marked the date in my calandar for next years event, this is not to be missed.

Usefull links are

Thanks Jimy
Guitar Instruction, 'you tube
Hey Joe, Wroclaw
Wroclaw and Lower Silesia, Culinary Delights

All the photographs from this event and other images of Poland can be viewed at Imagine Poland

Wroclaw, The University

2010-07-14T05:13:00.000-07:00

One of the special places on our list to visit was Wroclaw University which is located on the banks of the Odra river and only a ten minute walk from the Rynek ( Market Square ).
The main university building is open to the public and houses some spectacular attractions. Entry costs are variable depending on how many areas you wish to visit.

Looking across the River Odra towards Wroclaw University

On the ground floor is the Oratorium Marianum a beautiful and ornate concert hall whose decorations we found quite stunning although not to sure about the modern purple/mauve seating.
Also on the ground floor is a small museum which displays the history of the university since 1702, one of the exhibits which stands out in my mind was a poster photo showing the devastation of the area at the end of WW2.

Staircase leading to Aula Leopoldina

A staircase decorated in a fresco style leads up to the main hall, Aula Leopoldina this room is quite spectacular and well worth the visit. Here you will find a sense of the history, traditions and ceremony of Wroclaw University. On the walls in between the windows are oval portraits of many of the university founders and if you look upwards you will see frescoes by Christoph Handke, also watch out for the sculptures by Franz Joseph Mangoldt.

Wroclaw University,the Aula Leopoldina

Wroclaw University, the Aula Leopoldina

Displayed on the walls of the final staircase which lead to the Mathematicians Tower are paintings and photographs depicting the history of the university.
The final attraction at the top of the staircase is The Mathematicians Tower which gives an amazing panoramic view of Wroclaw and the River Odra from its terrace.

Wroclaw University, the Mathematicians Tower

Views over Wroclaw from the University Mathematicians Tower

At each corner of the tower looking out over the City are symbolic statues depicting four faculties Theology, Philosophy, Medicine and Law.


Wroclaw University, statue at the corner of the Mathematicians Tower

Wroclaw University, statue at the corner of the MathematiciansTower

In the courtyard area to the front of the University can be found the statue of the Naked Swordsman It is rumoured the statue depicts a previous student of the university who after a drunken evening lost all his money and clothes playing cards keeping only his fine sword.The statue was erected as a warning to others.

The Naked Swordsman, Uniwersitecky Square, Wroclaw

Wroclaw Indoor Market, Hala Targowa

2010-06-24T15:39:00.000-07:00

For our one week stay in Wroclaw we needed to stock up on food especially fruit and vegetables. Having done our research we knew there was only one place to go' Hala Targowa', the indoor market. To get there was only a ten minute walk from our city centre apartment just along Plac Nowy Targ to where it joins the road called Andrzeja Modrzewskiego - Frycza, the market building is at this corner right opposite the Sand Bridge which crosses the River Odra.

Wroclaw, Hala Targowa, The Indoor Market

The gloomy building exterior is constructed of red brick and dominates this busy corner but once inside you feel the atmosphere of a busy traditional market.

Wroclaw, Hala Targowa, the interior

Wroclaw, Hala Targowa, produce on sale

The ground floor is full of stalls selling a wide range of produce, you will have to go a long way to find a comparable selection of such quality. Vegetable, fruits, meats, polish sausages, cheeses and flowers on the ground floor then arranged around the first floor balcony cobblers, lingerie, hairdressers, currency exchange booths, clothing etc .

Wroclaw, Hala Targowa, produce on sale

Take a moment to rest at the balcony and watch the market life below. If the sight of all this food has made you feel hungry then stop at the busy little pierogi bar on your way out.
We made our way back to the apartment having bought far more than intended but happy knowing we would eat well the following week.

All our photographs from Hala Targowa can be viewed at www.imaginepoland.com

Useful Links

Polish Cuisine
Poland its Regions
Polands Official Travel Website

All photographs copyright Imagine Poland

Wroclaw, Plac Solny, The Flower Market

2010-06-21T11:28:00.000-07:00

The southwest corner of the Rynek in Wroclaw opens out to another square called Plac Solny which was originally the Salt Market whose last salt stalls were abolished in 1815. Also sold here were leather and honey. Now the square houses a much more colourful Flower Market which is a delight to the eyes.

Plac Solny, The Flower Market

All types of flowers with their many colours and shades are on display either as stunning bouquets or beautiful single stems. The choice is yours and if you follow the Polish tradition buy them in odd no's. as even no's are used at funerals. Also chrysanthemums are for visiting the cemetery/funerals and roses of course are for lovers.

The flower sellers colourful stalls surround a gushing ornate fountain erected in 1997 which is topped with design made from forged iron. More to the centre of the square and to one side of the flower stalls is a tall needle sculpture.
Surrounding the square are the high traditionally styled houses with restaurants and bars at street level. On the south side your eye is drawn to the Old Stock Market (Stara Giełda) designed by a local architect Carl Ferdinand Langhans ( 1782 - 1869 ) this is quite an imposing building with a magnificent entrance.

Entrance to The Stock Exchange

It was not until we arrived back home and were doing some research for our book that we discovered that under the flower market area was a wartime shelter which was capable of housing three hundred people.
Before you leave the Flower Market look high and low and see if you can spot some of the little residents of Wroclaw.

All our photographs of The Flower Market at Wroclaw can be viewed at

www.imaginepoland.com

Useful Links
Historic Wroclaw
www.poland.travel/en/about-poland/

Wroclaw, Rynek Glowny ( Market Square )

2010-06-08T13:04:00.000-07:00

The characteristic landmark of the city, where all the routes begin is traditionally the Rynek . Wroclaw has Poland's second largest . You will see it on the majority of the postcards with its stunning Town Hall dating back to 13th century and quite rightly so as the square is the main gathering point for both social and cultural events.

The Town Hall, Wroclaw

The Astronomical Clock at the Town Hall

The Whipping Pillar in front of the Town Hall

On the eastern facade of the Town Hall - now the museum - your eye catches immediately the famous astronomical clock and in front you will see the old Whipping Pillar - now only a peaceful meeting place. The imposing 5 floor department store 'Feniks' built at the beginning of the twentieth century - in its early years topped by a huge illuminated glass globe shattered by lightning in 1930 is located on the eastern side of the Rynek and will provide you if not with all the shopping required, certainly with fantastic views from the upper floors over the Old Town. Also on Feniks top floor can be found a very useful Internet and IT facility
The southeastern facade of the Town Hall with its stunning embellishments gives a shelter for the artists - drawing and selling their pictures on the pavement.

Artists displaying and selling their paintings in the shadow of the Town Hall

In the town halls medieval cellars next to the Piwnica Swidnicka Beer Cellar you will discover Wroclaw's oldest brewery the Spiz Brewery. At the entrance to the cellars is replica statue of the Breslau Bear, there is a fountain from its mouth which if you want good luck then you must touch it.

A replica of the Breslau Bear near the Spiz Restaurant

A more imposing monument a hundred metres away is to Alexander Fredro one of Poland's most prominent writers and playwright.

Monument to Aleksander Fredro prominent Polish playwright and writer

Also on this side of the Rynek can be found the two main tourist and cultural information centres - one the 'Wroclaw Info' has limited free Internet access for tourists both have very helpful English speaking staff. The Western side is dominated by the lively jetting Wroclaw Fountain giving joyful enjoyment to young and old and illuminated in the evening.

The Rynek Wroclaw Fountain

It's also from here that you will see and be enchanted by two fairy like Baroque houses named 'Hansel and Gretel linked by an archway through which can be found St Elizabeths Church which has one of the tallest towers in Wroclaw with panoramic views of the Rynek and beyond from the top. The opposite corner of the square will take you to Plac Solny which houses the open air colourful flower market open 24/7.
You can spend an entire day on the Market Square as there are many beautiful features to discover. See if you can find any of the numerous little gnomes hiding in the least expected places.

Some of the Ryneks inhabitants, The Gnomes

Three mysterious passage-ways link the Town Hall buildings and all this among the countless number of colourful bars, cafes and restaurants with their outside seating and colourful sun shades, there was certainly no shortage of places to eat, drink, relax and meet people.

Words I would use to sum up Wroclaw Rynek - Vibrant, Historic, Colourful, Traditional.

During our stay in Wroclaw we ate in restaurants around the Rynek, drank in its bars/cafes or just sat under lush green foliage of the trees on one of the many benches and soaked up the scenery.

All our photographs of Wroclaws Rynek can be viewed in the image gallery at www.imaginepoland.com

Please come back to see our next review on Wroclaws Flower Market and Indoor Market

Useful Links
www.imaginepoland.com
Wroclaw Info
Wroclaw Description

Zakopane and The Tatra Mountains, Poland

2010-05-28T14:27:00.000-07:00

Only back from Wroclaw three weeks and were still busy editing the photographs but found time to book the flights for our next trip. Have decided to go to Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains, won't be much snow at the lower levels when we go in September so we are planning several walks, looking forward to some beautiful vistas complimented by some excellent evenings in Zakopane.
We visited Zakopane last year by bus from Krakow just for one day. Unfortunately it was a bit of a rainy, misty day. Still as Cecile is a dedicated fan of the Tatras there was no way she wouldn't jump on the opportunity to show this place to me.
It has completely different climate (in either sense of the word) to any other places in Poland and is the unquestionable winter capital of Poland. In winter and early spring the Tatras offers fantastic slopes for skiing while during summer and autumn Zakopane and surrounding villages welcomes multitudes of hikers and walkers from all over Poland but also increasing number of foreign visitors.
Below a few pictures of what Zakopane and the Tatras are mostly renowned for: the beautiful nature (sometimes quite wild) and everything associated with skiing and hiking.

We booked our flights with Ryanair flying from Leeds Bradford International Airport to Krakow Balice Airport, total cost for both our return flights £202.20 including one checked in bag and two hand luggage.
Still looking for accommodation via the Internet and have bookmarked a couple of apartments to ring in the next few days.

Mountain Resorts, Poland ( Poland Trips )
The Tatra Mountains
Images of Poland

Peter and Cecile

Wroclaw, The Photographs

2010-05-23T03:57:00.000-07:00

Wroclaw Town Hall

There were several reasons for visiting Wroclaw, the main one being a good holiday, but secondary to that and probably of equal importance was to photograph the city and its attractions for our website Imagine Poland .
The aim of Imagine Poland is to give a pictorial view of the country to show its beauty, character and history. I have to admit that I am a recent convert. Previous to my friendship with Cecile, a Polish national if your were to ask me for my top ten holiday destinations Poland may not have appeared on it. It was only after much persuasion by Cecile that we took a trip to Krakow, well that was the start of my great affection and admiration for Poland.
After showing our photographs to friends in England and seeing their enthusiasm to include Poland as one of their holiday destinations we realized that perhaps we should find a way to display our photographs and reviews so as to encourage others to visit Poland. This was the start of our website Imagine Poland.
We now visit Poland as often as possible, searching out new destinations and attractions to photograph. Our latest destination was Wroclaw and we are busy putting the photographs into catagories and editing them. Many reviews are to be written.
Some of our catagories for Wroclaw will include :

The Rynek
Flower Market
Flag Day
Restaurants and Food
Thanks Jimmy Concert
The University
The Gnomes

Plus many more

I do hope you will be patient and come back to read the reviews and view the photographs.
The reviews and sample photographs will be posted to this blog.
All the photographs will be uploaded to our main website Imagine Poland.

Peter and Cecile

Since our visit, Poland has been subject to heavy rain and floods affecting many of the population, our thoughts and feelings go out to them. We follow this news mainly through the Internet and updates from family and friends.

Wroclaw, The Apartment, 'Rzut Beretem'

2010-05-19T12:03:00.000-07:00

Arriving at the dead of night in a foreign city is perhaps not the best time to make an appraisal of the location of a holiday apartment. Our taxi had delivered us to our destination, a dimly lit street with a Gothic cathedral on one side and a large block of concrete 60's style apartments on the other, all very gloomy. Our driver gestured towards a dark alleyway indicating the location of the apartment. We approached with apprehension, rang the doorbell and were given access to a small entrance lobby leading to a bare concrete staircase. Up we went to the first floor our apartment was the first door we came to. Due to our late arrive it had been arranged to meet the owner of the apartment who would give us access and leave us with the keys. Sure enough there he was with a happy welcome and after instructions on the facilities he wished us a good stay and off he went. Now we could look at our home for the next week, glancing round with open eyes and big smiles. What a contrast to the exterior approach! We found ourselves in a very clean, compact, contemporary and stylish apartment, our nervous apprehension evaporated. Sitting down with a cups of coffee we congratulated ourselves on the choice of apartment.


Lounge

Kitchen Area

Bathroom

On the next day in daylight we found that the location of the apartment 'Rzut Beretem' ( As Far as the Beret Falls ) was as the name suggested close to all the attractions and amenities. Seconds away just around the corner and next to the Gothic cathedral which had appeared so forbidding the night before and whose architectural beauty could now be appreciated in the full light of day, was a paved area with seating and in the centre the' Euro Fountain', it was a relaxing setting.

The Euro Fountain and our apartment block just behind the Cathedral

Just beyond this only a minute away was the Rynek or Main Square of Wroclaw. Five minutes away in the opposite direction was the Galeria Dominkanska an extensive modern indoor shopping centre on three floors and five minutes beyond that Wroclaws main indoor market, Hala Targowa where top quality fruit and veg can be purchased at very reasonable prices. Most of the cities attractions were within ten minutes walk from our location. Our apartment was ideally situated for exploration of the city, perfect.

It had taken several evenings trawling the Internet to decide on our choice of accommodation before finally choosing an apartment offered by Inturs.net . We booked for seven nights for two people, the total cost was 1,320zl. Late night or early morning arrivals are accommodated and by prior arrangement we were allowed to leave our luggage there until 4.00pm on the day of departure. The owner promptly responded to all our queries and was extremely helpful.
Our initial doubts on the late night arrival were unfounded, we found the apartment to be beautifully appointed and ideally situated.

NEXT POST Wroclaw, The Rynek ( market square )

Useful Links

Inturs.net ( apartments in Wroclaw )
Tourist Information, Wroclaw
Photographs of Poland

Wroclaw, Ilkley to Wroclaw

2010-05-14T09:42:00.000-07:00

The Rynek, Wroclaw

We were ready, several months of planning were about to come to fruition. Although we had made the journey to Doncasters Robin Hood Airport several times before I clipped the satnav to the car windscreen, there were one or two junctions I was still not sure about. Sure enough the satnav to us to the airport without any problem, it was a distance of sixty seven miles via the A1M, M62 and M18, took us about an hour and three quarters. We had started our journey at six thirty pm and found no hold ups on way. I had booked the long stay car park opposite the airport using BCP , the online booking system had been straightforward and for our seven day stay had cost £33.00. Now though the moment of truth would the entry system recognise my credit card, relief, it did and also displayed a welcome to Robin Hood Airport on the transaction screen using my name, I was impressed. The luggage was quickly taken out of the car boot and we walked across to the terminal, a two minute stroll.Our flights for two booked online with Wizzair was a bargain price £170.00 which included one bag, our two items of handluggage were at no cost. I prefer Robin Hood airport to most others it seems to flow well and the facilities seem more than adaquate, fingers crossed no problems there yet. We had been warned by email from Wizzair that their regulations for baggage weights and hand luggage weights and sizes would be strictly enforced so we had checked them before we left home, sure enough the hand luggage was checked for size but they omitted to weigh them. Our flight departure was on time and full. A note for anyone new to Wizzair there appears to be no seating allocation on the aircraft so its a bit of a free for all when finding a place, also a general tip keep well away from young children and babies if you want a noise free flight. I find the flights relaxing, even more so when I've had my usual gin and tonic. Flying time to Wroclaws Copernicus Airport was two hours and we arrived at one thirty am. Although the airport is quite small all went smoothly. A new terminal is under construction and should be ready 2011. I think we were possibly the last flight in that night so not many people about. After collecting our bag the first thing to do was find one of the free InYour Pocket guides which are usually on display in most European airport terminals, these are a must, an absolute mine of information about your destination area, maps, attractions, restaurants, history, all you need to know. You can also view 'In your Pocket' online, a great aid to pre planning your trip. A bonus this time, not only the guide but a large scale street map of Wroclaw and surrounding area. We had no problem in getting a taxi, we had been warned to be carefull when choosing a taxi as there are many who charge shall we say an excessive amount ( arm and a leg ) so we knew who to pick and there was one right outside the door, perfect. If you require information on Taxis in Wroclaw check out the link. Our journey from the airport to the apartment we had booked in the centre of Wroclaw was a distance of just over 13 km and took us about thirty minutes, total cost was 64.5zl ( exchange rate was 4.6 at the time ) Bear in mind Poland is not a euro currency zone. As we went along the final street to our destination we both looked at each other and I thought oh dear, does'nt look to good, eerily lit gothic cathedral on one side and large concrete built block of gaunt looking apartments on the other, perhaps the taxi driver had got it wrong but oh no, we had arrived, but we were soon pleasantly surprised.

Will be posting reviews and photographs of our stay in Wroclaw over the next few weeks. I do hope you will come back to read and enjoy them, maybe they will give you that incentive to visit and enjoy Poland.

Usefull Link

Travel to Poland ( Poland Trips )
Imagine Poland ( Images of Poland )

Wroclaw, Review Plans

2010-05-11T08:29:00.000-07:00

The Rynek, Wroclaw, scene of the Thanks Jimmy Guitar Festival on May 1st

What a fantastic trip, all went well, the weather was a bit hit and miss but overall we had a brilliant time in Wroclaw. It certainly is a beautifull city with lots to see and do.

Klodzko, with fortress above

While in the area we also visited Klodzko, well known for its gothic bridge and fortress. A fantastic event we photographed in Wroclaw was the 'Thanks Jimmy' Guitar Festival
Its not my intention to go into details now but will be posting reviews and photographs over the next few weeks. I do hope you will come back to read and enjoy them, maybe they will give you that incentive to visit and enjoy Poland.

Usefull Links
Historic-Wroclaw ( Poland Trips )
Klodzko
Thanks Jimmy, Guitar Festival

Wroclaw, preparations

2010-04-30T04:48:00.000-07:00

Our preparations for the trip to Wroclaw are well under way. We have booked a nice little apartment only a hundred metres or so from the main square in the centre so hopefully we are ideally situated for our exploration of the city. Flights have been booked from Doncasters Robin Hood Airport to Wroclaws Copernicus Airport. As we are driving to Robin Hood Airport we have booked the car parking at the airport, hope all goes well with this as they have not got car number plate recognition and we have to insert the credit card used to book the car parking into the ticket machine at the car park and hope it is recognised and returned, I'm sure all will go well.The car parking was booked online, very straightforward, just punched in an internet search for airport car parking and then Doncaster, filled in a few questions, paid by credit card, hey presto it was done. Booking the flights took a little longer as we had several options of airport and flying times. We eventually decided on Doncasters Robin Hood Airport and carrier Wizzair. We have used this combination before and have had no problems, although saying that an email has just arrived from Wizzair to say they will be strictly enforcing their baggage rules so we will have to double check the weights and size of hand baggage before we set off. We arrive at Wroclaw in the early morning about 2 to 3 am so we intend to get a taxi to the apartment. As we arrive at that early hour we had to pay extra for someone to meet us at the apartment with the keys. Not much sleep or time to recover as I believe the next morning is the start of the 8th Thanks Jimi Festival and World Guitar Record attempt, last year there were six thousand three hundred and fourty six guitarists so I dont think an alarm call will be required.

More on this to follow

Krakow, The Vistula River

2010-04-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

River Vistula, Krakow

After visiting Wawel Casle in Krakow the afternoon was still warm and sunny so we wandered down to the river Vistula only minutes away for a walk along the riverbank. Nice easy walking on a tarmac pathway with a cycleway running alongside.

River Vistula riverside walk

It doesn't really get any better, pleasant grassed areas to the side of the river, superb view of the castle, and the river traffic which consisted of small pleasure craft, gondolas, kayaks and river cruisers travelling up and down the river. After a short distance we came across one of the river cruisers tied up, its captain and crew touting for business, we were not sure whether to try a trip until I saw the Tyskie ( Polish Beer ) sign on the top deck, we decided a river cruise it would be, if only for an hour in duration. It turned out that the large cruiser we were ushered onto was just a staging post, a very pleasant one at that, live music, open sun deck with brollies for shade, the river gently running by and of course a litre of cool polish Tyskie beer, the afternoon that could not get any better was now excelling itself. Half an hour of pleasant relaxation later another slightly smaller river cruiser the 'Nimfa' came into view and tied up alongside this it turned out was to be our transport for our trip upriver.

Wawel Castle in the background

After boarding we found comfortable seats at the rear of the boat from which we had a good view of the river and surrounding points of interest. Within ten minutes the crew had cast off and we were on our way in glorious sunshine. Our position on the aft deck gave us a good position for photography and we spent the next fourty five minutes or so happily clicking away, There were so many points of interest, we passed under the Debnicki Bridge with the suberbs of Nowy Swiat on our right and Debnicki on our left. On the cycleways and riverside paths were people also taking advantage of the afternnon sunshine, further along were fishermen, it was very idylic. Soon the boat was making the turn for its return journey and it wasn't long before Wawel Castle came into view, what a sight, the castle with its spires and red brick walls, sat on the hill just beyond the bend in the river it really was the highlight of the cruise.

Wawel Castle, Krakow

Should you visit Krakow take the time to stroll to the river Vistula. If you go via Wawel Castle there is a stunning view of the river from the castle entrance and if you need refreshment after climbing up to the castle there is a bar/cafe in its grounds.

Useful Links

Vistula River Trips
Krakow in Your Pocket Guide
Magnificent Krakow
Tyskie Polish Beer
Photographs Vistula River
Poland Trips

Gdansk 'The Restaurant at Opatow Palace'

2010-04-25T03:28:00.000-07:00

Not far from the centre of Gdansk is a place not to be missed it is called Oliwa Park.

There are several reasons for its popularity, extensive parkland initially constructed in the eighteenth century. Filled with flowered areas and pleasant pathways shaded by the trees,

meandering streams and ornimental ponds, all in all a very relaxing place.

But there is more, sat majesticaly in the grounds is The Archcathedral Basilica.

This is one of the oldest historical sights of Gdansk.

It houses the renown Rococo organ initially built by Jan Wulf and Frederick Rudolph Dalitz.

We were lucky enough to be there during a recital, its range and quality of sound is not to be missed.

Interior of The Archcathedral

Finally we come to a little oasis found under the shelter of some large trees,

in the eastern wing of the Abbots Palace,

it is called

'The Restaurant at the Opatow Palace'

its interior gives the impression of a sumptious and very stylish home.

Its cooking style is international with a hint of Poland.

In summer meals and snacks can be eaten outside on the decking with choice of sunny or shaded area.

As it was summer we ate outside and enjoyed a light snack

saving the best till last, two mouth watering classic polish cakes:

warm szarlotka (apple pie) with ice cream and raspberry coulis

and sernik with chocolate (cheesecake).

Sweet Memories!

Some useful links

Restaurant at Opatow Palace, Gdansk

Oliwa Cathedral, Wikipedia Description

Photographs, Imagine Poland

Gliwice, A Family Visit, Tinged with Sadness

2010-04-13T14:58:00.000-07:00

On Sunday evening Cecile returned from Gliwice via Katowice Airport, her journey to the airport was by bus and she arrived in good time for her flight to the Doncaster Robin Hood Airport. Usually Cecile would visit her parents at Easter but due to work commitments she flew out a few days later and enjoyed a happy reunion with her parents. Cecile was travelling light using only hand baggage and so on this trip was only able to take our small Canon point and shoot camera and managed to find some time to take a few photographs. Which I hope you will enjoy.
Peter


The Neptune Fountain, Gliwice


Arcades, Rynek, Gliwice


Iglo Cafe, Rynek, Gliwice

The Town Hall, Gliwice

After a long busy Wednesday the night flight to Poland was a bit too much but when at 1.30am (yes AM) I saw my father's big smile at seeing me in front of the airport, the tiredness just didn't count anymore.
We had a happy chit chat in the taxi - me, my Dad and the driver. The taxidriver spent 3 years in England, had only good memories and wasn't even a proper taxi driver as he was working at night, sleeping half of the day and completing his degree in IT studies in the afternoons. Impressioning!
After getting to sleep around 3am, we considered it a good achivement being up at 8.00. My cats couldn't help meowing in front of my bedroom and my Mum let them in. What a joy! Purring, hugging, kissing - our cats Rita, Tunia & Ida + me + my Mum!
Both Thursday and Friday passed pleasantly, the fridge and freezer were still full of Easter delicacies kept for me by my Mum. Devastating for my figure, delicious for my palate. We always used to enjoy this period right after the celebrations - when the house is still so fresh and tidy, there is still an abundance of the best food and you can just relax.. As the weather was nice and Peter had been pestring me about taking some photos we went for a walk and took some pictures on the way.


Pigeons, Rynek, Gliwice

Zwyciestwa Street, Gliwice

Old Town Balcony

Doorway in the Old Town


Disused Tram Tracks, Dolne Waly Street


Old Town


The Old Gateway after Excavation

It was the only time to do it as on Saturday morning just when clearing the table after our long polish breakfast we received the phone call from my Auntie Zosia from Wroclaw. She was crying - my Mum thought perhaps one of our relatives had died. It proved not - she was telling us that the Polish President and his wife died in a plane crash while flying to Katyn. It was unbelievable!
We just felt our knees were softening. My heart was beating so fast. It was terrible. We switched the TV on and... so it stayed till midnight. In the beginning we didn't realise how many other great figures were in the crash. As the names appeared we felt more and more devastated. Our family and neighbours kept on calling - not one, not two, all in tears, voices shaking, with great doubts and unbelief - second Gibraltar - they were saying. HOW could it happen? The reports from the place of tragedy were incoherent. If the fog was so dense WHY the airport wasn't simply closed for the planes???!!! This is such a common procedure. The time, the place, and THE PEOPLE involved so significant..
My Mum put the flag with the black ribbon out of the balcony to show our respect and feelings.
And on Sunday as well we still were living like in a bad dream. I was leaving home and the last pictures on the TV were the ones of the plane carrying President's body landing in Warsaw. Devastating. Great sorrow and sadness. All warm feeling were with Jaroslaw Kaczynski (the twin brother and his family) and all the other families who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. For the first time in my life I felt like actually wearing a mourning ribbon. I still feel like it very much.
Cecile

Adam Mickiewicz Statue, Gliwice