Warsaw, the city that refused to die

I was unfair to Warsaw in a previous post (the beauty of the train journey part1)

I focused on two buildings; the communist era train station and I posted up a picture of a building known as “The wedding cake”, a gift from Stalin to the people of Warsaw.

I want to do the city justice now, and speak of its beauty, its pulse, its heartbeat and its soul.

Warsaw is a giant awakening from a communist slumber. Give it a few years and it may well become one of the economic powerhouses of Europe The people are warm, friendly and vibrant and beautifully dressed.
There is excitement, hope and optimism that envelopes one as you walk the streets. It is impossible to ignore, just as it is impossible not to be moved by the plight of the Polish people; for centuries they have suffered invasions and occupations, war and much bloodshed. Yet Warsaw has a pride and a beauty, a spirit that refused to die.

There are elegant café’s and bookstores where intellectuals meet to debate politics and philosophy and ponder on the ways of the world. The coffee is strong and fragrant and the Paczki are mouthwatering. (Pronounced Pontski and calling it a jam doughnut does it no justice)

Warsaw has one of the most beautiful historic old towns in the World, the centerpiece being the beautiful Warsaw Mermaid, her sword and shield aloft, ready to defend the city.

There is the monument to Warsaw’s favourite son, the stirring statue of Federic Chopin. It is whimsical, poetic and dramatic.
It is impossible not to hear Prelude Op.28 No 4 as you stand in the rose garden to admire it.

The most stirring thing of all however has to be the Monument to the 1944 Uprising. Honoring the brave and noble resistance fighters that took a nationwide stand against the Nazi’s on 1st August 1944, it is a symbol of the Polish pride and courage. It ended tragically and as many as 16 000 Polish insurgents perished and thousands more injured.
One can only fight back tears and stand in silence, reflecting on the brave that were determined to try and rescue Poland, restore some pride and reclaim their country.

Warsaw is a city that grabs you by your heart and soul. It is both poignant and merry, elegant yet slightly run down. It makes you love it, passionately, but with a hint of melancholy as it inflicts you with tales of sadness and tragedy. It inspires one to be courageous and fight to the end for whatever you believe is right; as you stand under the monument to the 44 uprising you would be ashamed to ever turn a blind eye to injustice again. And of course, there is Chopin… I can’t wait to return; I am longing for the Paczki now…..
t-cat x