Warsaw: July 31-August 2, 2016 (off off Tokyo)

I visited Warsaw for the first time in about 20 years. My last visit was just after the end of the Cold War. I found many changes which took place in the last quarter of the century. I was also struck with Poland’s complicated history and culture.

Poland was practically ruled by other countries most of the time after the late 18^th century. It was divided into three parts and ruled by Russia, Prussia and Austria from late 18^th century to the end of the World War 1 (1918). The country was invaded by Nazi Germany in 1939. It was controlled by the Soviet Union after the World War 2 under the Communist regime.

It is famous that Warsaw’s old town was completely destroyed by Nazi Germany in 1944 after the Warsaw Uprising and reconstructed as it had been after the World War 2.

The Old Town Market Place locates in the center of the area. Medieval-style buildings are built around the square. There stands a mermaid sculpture in the center of the stone-covered square. 

I saw there were many tourists enjoying their days in the place. Kids were bathing in the fountain around the mermaid. (see also the top photo)

The Castle Square in front of the Royal Castle also attracted tourists.

Some enjoyed cycling there.

I saw many shopping stores and coffee shops from western Europe countries. H&M and Zara were crowded with shoppers. Costa Coffee, Café Nero and Starbucks Coffee are in many places in the city.

They use ATM machines which have same functions with those in Western European countries. The prices were written in both Zloty and Euro in many shops. These examples tell the reality of economic integration with the EU. 

Anxiety for the national security seemed to be strong.

August 1 is the 72th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising in 1944. People prayed for the victims of the events and put flowers for them.

There was a demonstration.

At the President Office, I found the NATO flag flying with the EU's at the sides of Poland's flag. (see the second photo from the top)

Special exhibitions were held at the Krakowskie Przedmiescie (Krakow Suburb) Street, near the Castle Square.

There is a statue of Nicolaus Copernicus at the side of the Nowy Swiat (New Street) in the center of the city.

The Holy Cross Church locates about a hundred meters from Copernicus statue. Frederic Chopin’s heart is placed in the church. 

The influence of the Catholic church looked strong. The pictures of Pope John Paul 2, who serves from 1978 to 2005, were found in many places. He was born in a city of Wadowice, near Krakow, in 1920.

Nearly 400 thousands Jewish people lived in Warsaw before the World War 2.　It was the second largest Jewish town after New York. The Jewish people were forced to move by the Nazi Germany to a narrow space, known later as the “Warsaw ghetto”. Most of them were then sent to the concentration camp (including Auschwitz) and were killed.

I joined a free walking tour in the old city. The guide told us various aspects of history, culture and life of Poland. It was so good.