A Weekend with the Varsovians

Plac Zamkowy - the start of Old Town. This area has been completely rebuilt since WWII when it was destroyed by the Nazis.

A look at Rynek Starego Miasta or the Old Town Market Square. These "houses" are are interconnected and form the Warsaw History Museum. The street artists gather here to exhibit their art. This area also houses many shops selling amber stones, rugs, painted eggs, and other crafts.

Monument to the Ghetto Heroes - Built in 1948 with the stone the Nazis intended for their victory monuments, this relief carving pays tribute to the Jewish people who fought for their honor in the Ghetto Uprising of 1943.

Located in the same park as the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes, the plans for The Museum of the History of Polish Jews have been erected. This space will be developed over the next 2 years with the opening planned for 2009.

The architectural designs are exhibited for the public to stay informed on the project plans.

The changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The only remains of the Saxon Palace colonnade are these 3 arches. On both sides of this colonnade, major excavacations are underway. We assume to restore some the Saxon Palace remains.

The painted eggs of Poland - a couple of our tourist momentos. Of course, we bought some vodka too! When in Poland, do as the Polish do - right?

(This pic is actually from a Trip Advisor user...I didn't take my camera with me to the pool.)
Part of our weekend included taking a hot tub on the top floor of the Intercontinental Hotel where we stayed. Our view overlooked the Palace of Culture, it was stunning. This hotel was amazing - you have to love Priceline. We got a steal at only $65 a night.

With only a 1 hour 40 minute plane ride from Zürich, you can find yourself in Warsaw, Poland. Matt and I took advantage of a Swiss/Coop City airfare voucher sale to explore this city.
We didn't have many expectations for Warsaw. We had purchased an Eyewitness Travel Guide book which was skimmed before our arrival. But there was nothing in the book that prepared me for how the majority of Warsaw appeared - which was a thriving metropolitan city.
By and large, this town was leveled after the bombings of the Nazis during WWII. It is clear they are doing their best to reconstruct or hold onto their historical past. However, they have also built in the downtown area skyscrapers, a fantastic shopping mall, and well organized pubic transportation system of busses, trams, subs, and trains.
It's an up and coming city. While I wouldn't put it in my top ten list if visiting from the States, it was a refreshing break for us coming from Zürich.