My recent activity on Hive over the past month might seem unusual to you. Most likely, this won’t last long. No, there’s no pessimism in these words; it’s pure, one hundred percent realism. I write while my memories are vivid, and while I have inspiration and electricity, and before I hit the bottom of yet another emotional pit. Recently, someone I deeply trust said, 'The darkest night is just before dawn. And that night is still ahead of us.' So, I write, you could say, while that night hasn’t arrived yet.
Today, I’ll continue telling you about Warsaw, my city of discovery over the past three years. Apart from Warsaw, I’ve been to Amsterdam, Split, and Krakow, but those cities merely lived up to their reputation and fame. Warsaw, on the other hand, was a pleasant surprise for me.
So, this post is a continuation of the previous one, at least because I didn’t want to make it too long.
Such different water
From the Old Town, we descended down to the Vistula River. I wanted to rest on a bench, to feel the open space. The sight of the slow, calm flow is soothing, helping you relax. Plus, I was curious to see what the Vistula looked like amidst the alarming news of flooding. To my surprise, there were no visible signs of a flood, perhaps the water level had risen slightly. So, you won’t see any river photos — I didn’t take any. It's just a river, and that's good. It's better to be a boring old river than a furious rushing stream.
Along the river, across the avenue, is the Multimedia Fountain Park. Why not? The water jets shot up, then disappeared, twisted, and danced. I wouldn’t call it a masterpiece, but it was nice. Plus, there was an ice cream shop nearby and restrooms.
There was also a baby fountain with colored lights next to the big one.
Mary and Mary
Where to next? Since we were down by the river, the only way to go was up. That's right, with a backpack on my back, a suitcase in one hand, and a camera in the other. My daughter and husband had the same kit, except for the camera.
Up the stairs to the Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary.
Do you recognize one of these ladies?
How about now?
And now? Come on! I’m sure you’ve recognized her - she is Maria Skłodowska-Curie. The first woman to become a Nobel Prize laureate. She introduced the world to the existence of the radioactive chemical elements polonium (Po) and radium (Ra).
Near the church, there was a tall chestnut tree. In September (it was September 16), chestnuts shed their leaves, and shortly after, their shiny fruits in spiky shells start to fall. To my surprise, on the same tree, some branches, almost bare of leaves, had lonely fruits hanging, while on others, there were white blooming 'candles'! Unfortunately, I don’t have a photo—it was too high for my camera.
Rynek Nowego Miasta (New Town Market Square)
We were just strolling aimlessly, without a plan, choosing whichever direction we liked more. After walking a few meters towards the city, we turned left, and a small alley led us to the New Town Market Square. Let’s see what’s here.
It's almost lunchtime!
And then my attention was drawn to an interesting door, or more precisely, what was above it. It was a Rooster. Above the next door, there was a Fox.
This was getting very intriguing. I must admit that Warsaw has an extraordinary number of awesome images on buildings, and for me, it’s like a quest—to spot as many of them as possible. So, I went on to gather the rest of the puzzle.
In front of the main entrance was a gallery, and on the wall hung this unusual lantern.
It must look charming in the evening.
Just look at this! The next animal is a Bear.
Encouraged by my little discovery, I left my Samsonite spinner (which kept losing its balance and falling on the pavement) with my husband and daughter under the shade of the trees and went to explore the square.
Across from the building with the animals, on the other side of the square, there was an equally interesting house hidden behind the trees. A gallery stood before the main entrance, and above the first row of windows and doors were theatrical scenes! They are so fun and lovely and depicted very skillfully.
Just look at this! Those doors again! Although, at first glance, these buildings don’t look very similar.
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This time it is a Swan, a Pelican and a Boar.
In front of this building, on both sides, stood two guards—large polar bears, each holding a shield in their paws.
On one shield was the Gorgon Medusa. This is a symbol of protection. On the second shield was the head of an Egyptian pharaoh (I’m not very familiar with Ancient Egyptian art, so it might not be a pharaoh). And what this means, I don’t know.
So what was this all about? A Rooster, a Fox, a Bear, a Swawn, a Pelican and a Boar. What connects these animals? They all live in this area, except for the pelican. Although pelicans live in the wild in Ukraine in spring and summer, perhaps they do in Poland as well?
What were these buildings built for? Some kind of Order? Symbols of crafts? Hunters? Wealthy families?
After returning home, I tried to find some information, but I didn’t find anything, even though I googled in three languages—Ukrainian, Polish, and English. So, this mystery remains unsolved for now.
I'm glad you have these memories and gorgeous photographs to take your mind off of the present. You are correct, I've experienced this many times in my life...It always seems darkest just before the dawn. Try not to give up the hope of seeing that glorious sunrise. Take care @zirochka. P.S. I've added Warsaw to my bucket list because of this post! : )
Thank you so much for your heartwarming words, dear @ericvancewalton.
This is an honor for me!
You're welcome! I hope you and the family enjoy your weekend!
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Wow... that is statue of Maria Curie, that is a nice place many historic thing around that environment. Nice!
Thanks. There was a Maria Curie Museum nearby, but we didn't visit it as we had too much luggage )
the water fountain must be prettier and livelier at night.. I bet it has light effects given that it is a multi media one..
the architecture it is truly impressive. quite a relaxing place, not too much crowd.. I dislike over-tourism.
!LADY
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Most likely. But we have only a few hours of daylight. Maybe I'll see in at night one day :)
This area is a little bit aside from the most visited tourist spots. And I agree that overtourism is another modern problem. But I didn't mind it after spending years and months working from home and not being able to travel.😊
I guess I'll feel the same, especially if I am new to the place..hehe..I'll take the opportunity to explore it despite the crowd..
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Warsaw really looks pretty and picturesque. You really did get good shots of the city. I'm sure it was a pleasant surprise. Cheers!!!
Thank you so much, @fredaa.
What a delightful post! I haven't been in Europe since 1979, and I love being reminded how beautiful the old buildings are, and to see the detailed craftsmanship like the animal figures you spotted. I'm glad you got to go visit that lovely city; I haven't been there. Thanks for sharing the photos.
I am glad you enjoyed my photos. This was a happy chance for me and my family, and now we have these wonderful memories.