Posted on 03/08/2006 8:50:13 AM PST by lizol
Warsaw looks back, ahead
Polish city proves vibrant, affordable
By Beth D'Addono, Globe Correspondent | March 8, 2006
WARSAW -- When Danuta Mieloch wants an upscale, energetic getaway from her busy Rescue Rittenhouse spa business in Philadelphia, she doesn't jet off to London or Paris. She heads to Warsaw, the capital of her native Poland. ''It's the most happening place in Eastern Europe, and Americans don't really know about it," said Mieloch, who came to America 15 years ago. ''The bars and restaurants are fabulous, the shopping is great, and the city is very young and vibrant. And best of all, for Americans, it's still very affordable."
At first glance, there's nothing particularly picturesque about Warsaw, a city of 1.6 million residents located near the center of Poland. But the fact that Warsaw is growing and changing quickly, as evidenced by a gaggle of cranes dominating the downtown skyline, is evidence of the indomitable Polish spirit. The country's most modern city bears a tragic past. The city's darkest days came during the World War II Nazi occupation, when its Jewish and Polish citizens were slaughtered, an estimated 800,000 residents in all, almost two out of every three Varsovians. The final indignity was the city's razing by the Germans and the Russians, leaving it virtually uninhabitable, as depicted in the chilling final scene of the movie ''The Pianist." Put another way, 70 years ago, Warsaw was a thriving European capital. Sixty years ago, it was a pile of rubble. What stands today, and what the city promises to become, is worth seeing.
(Excerpt) Read more at boston.com ...
Is that a photo of you on the steps? Anyone you know?
This is a wonderful post, Thx.
No, it's definitely not me - as I'm a man :-)))
And I wish I knew that girl.
Too bad. Still looking for that village, for your information. I'll let you know when I find something out.
Great pics...thx!
OK
I noticed that you didn't show any pictures of said building. Gee, I wonder why? :)
Great pics!! I've been there and can vouch for the beauty of Warsaw. They also have Dunkin Donuts and the best Pizza Hut pizzas you've ever eaten! These are located at more than one location, as well. We used to pass through Warsaw on our way to Russia to do humanitarian projects. Now we do our aid in SE Poland, a region that is still struggling.
Do you really want me to? :-)))
BTW. Do you know, why the best view of Warsaw is from the Palace of Culture and Science?
Looks like modern-day Detroit. :)
Because you don't have to see the Palace of Culture and Science. :) BTW nice touch with the picture of "Goodbye Lenin!" how appropriate (and it's a great movie to boot)
Excatly :-)))
Yeah, I haven't even noticed it at the first sight (the "Good bye Lenin" poster).
Very appropriate indeed.
The palace that Uncle Joe built!
My overwhelming memory of a visit to Warsaw was so many buildings having plaques commemorating that here so-many-people were murdered by the Germans in 194X.....
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