Warsaw

Warsaw, spelled Warszawa in Poland, is the capital of Poland.

Warsaw lies on the eastern side of Poland on the Vistula River. It is situated in the middle of the Warsaw Plain, a glacier-formed basin that ranges from 250 to 380 feet above sea level. Its population exceeds 1.8 million residents. Warsaw is currently the 7th most-populous city in the European Union.

I found the old town of Warsaw to be scenic, despite being largely rebuilt after the massive destruction that occurred during World War II. My visit to the Warsaw Rising museum, a facility dedicated to describing the events related to the 1944 uprising that occurred against Nazi rule, was moving to say the least.

Warsaw, The Capital of Poland
Warsaw, The Capital of PolandHeavily bombed during the advent of WWII, Warsaw has been rebuilt in a mix of modern structures coupled with restoration of the original buildings - some dating to the 19th century.
The Golden Arches of Starego Miasta
The Golden Arches of Starego Miasta5/7 Ryek Starego Miasta, Warsaw; note the bright yellow building in the left center of the frame and the "golden arches" over the solid wood door on the right.
Castle Square, Warsaw
Castle Square, WarsawThe Warsaw Castle is to the right; Sigismund's Column to the left center. It was a picture- perfect day to say the least. The Royal Castle is the former royal residence and seat of the government. The Royal Castle of Warsaw is situated between the Vistula escarpment and the Old Town, Warsaw.
Bednarska Graffiti
Bednarska Graffiti"Bednarska Graffiti". This is a photo of the former restaurant Pierogarnia na Bednarskiej located @ Bednarska 28/30, 00-321 Warszawa, Poland - once upon a time serving fresh pierogi! It is an interesting tableau of graffiti, plain architecture and weathered walls sporting 4 colors; note the wooden doors on the left at waist height where pierogi were likely served to customers in its better days. Note the uneven paint job above the restaurant name and the many styles of graffiti on the central door. An open window on the upper floor states that the building is still occupied - but by whom?
Monument to the Victims of the Smolensk Tragedy in 2010
Monument to the Victims of the Smolensk Tragedy in 2010The memorial is for the victims of an airliner crash; Among those lost were Poland's President Lech Kaczyński and his wife Maria.
Castle Square, Warsaw
Castle Square, WarsawCastle Square, Warsaw. Poland - Warsaw Castle on the right. Note the colorful buildings on the left which have all been beautifully restored after being severely damaged during WW II.
Carmelite Church
Carmelite ChurchAn example of the liberal use of gold in a Warsaw church. This ornate altar belongs to the Carmelite Church (aka Seminary) located at Krakowskie Przedmieście 52/54, 00-322 Warszawa, Poland - close to the Presidential Palace. Note the dancing angels with gold wings.
Museum Techniki (Technical Museum)
Museum Techniki (Technical Museum)According to the museum's website: "The collection of the Museum includes over 15,000 exhibits from many fields, including astronomy and physics, mining and metallurgy, computer science, radio engineering, transport and energy."
Hard Rock Cafe - Warsaw
Hard Rock Cafe - WarsawHard Rock Cafe @ Złote Tarasy Shopping Mall, Emilii Plater, Warsaw, Poland. The mall was as modern as any found in the USA.
Memorial Statue of Jan Zachwatowicz
Memorial Statue of Jan ZachwatowiczMemorial Statue of Jan Zachwatowicz (1900-1983), Architect of the Rebuilt Warsaw and creator of the Blue Shield cultural heritage symbol, It is located in the Old Town area of Warsaw, Poland. Polish architect and architectural historian, a graduate of the School of Architecture, Warsaw (1930). In 1939 he became Director of the Department of Architecture, teaching students clandestinely throughout the Nazi occupation and terror, always in great personal danger. (Citation from Encyclopedia.com)