Warsaw Poland, a city reborn

Hi We had to forsake our journey to Tallin in Estonia (15th century medieval town) and catch a plane direct to Warsaw.

As it turns out our decision was opportune as Polish railway had cancelled

the train from Vilnius Lithuania to Warsaw. We would have been stranded and had to take a bus. Oh No!!

Warsaw, a town completely rebuilt into its original form. After Adolf peronally supervised the dynamiting the whole of the city after the unsuccessful uprisinging in 1944 by the citizens of Warsaw. It is stated that Warsaw was the biggest brick pile in Europe.

The human figures are staggering. 350,000 Jews lived here prior to WW2. Today there are 2000. Auschwitz, Treblinka are all close by.

We are told the bricks to rebuild the city came from Wroclaw. So they demolished one city to build another. The result is astounding. The city is vibrant, full of art, coffee shops and hope.

They also completely recreated the Hotel Bristol (6 stars). Queen Elizabeth opened it and stayed in the penthouse. Beautiful building.

Building work is still going on as there is scaffolding everywhere. Here comes the Poles into the 21st century.

Flowers everywhere. Malcolm got carried away. Even taken on a personal tour of one of the shops.

Modern trams offer an quick and efficient way to get around to all parts of the city. Pity help you if you are not hanging on when they take off.

The Science Museum was a gift from Stalin to the city but he did not live to see it finished. The locals do not like it. What do you reckon?

It is 20 years since the fall of the Communist government. The Government are working to

make the city the Shanghai of Europe. We hope they do.

We had 3 days in the city walking and discovering wonderful places.

Off to Krakow on 16.05 Express. Krakow

only town in Poland not to suffer major damage during WW2. "On the road again!!"

Image 1 Stalin's gift The Science Museum

Image 2 Warsaw station

Image 3 Flowers everywhere

Image 4 Hotel Bristol

Image 5 Warsaw tram