Warsaw, Poland
Sunday, September 8 – Forgot to mention yesterday that this hotel did a turn down service while we were at dinner last night. Bed turned down, slippers left on the side of the bed, candy on the pillow. You know, just like I do at home 
. That Mrs. Truesdell never did show up, so I ate her candy–you snooze, you lose!
Sunday is rest day, so no early morning workout. I know you are bummed, but the body needs its rest 
Actually slept in a bit, didn’t head out until after 8AM!!! We decided we didn’t need to add the $35 per person hotel breakfast to our tab (there is absolutely no way I can eat enough to justify that!) so we wandered in search of a cafe.
Of course, this being Europe, it wasn’t much of a challenge. Found a place in Old Town in the shadow of the Royal Palace. Was able to get a very large mug of excellent coffee, as well as OJ for Dan and a couple of blueberry muffins for about the price of a napkin at the hotel. While we were eating, we chatted with a couple of women from Australia who were our age and had been to the UK before they got to Poland. Made for a delightful breakfast.
Headed off to the Museum of the History of the Polish Jews. It walked us through the Jewish experience here in Poland over more than 1,000 years. Very informative and, of course, troubling, particularly as we got into the 20th century. Once again, I exited knowing much more than when we entered.
Took a short break for lunch, then decided to brave the 80+ degree heat and stroll down to Lazienki Park a couple of miles away. It’s a lovely green space filled with trees, statues, and Neoclassical buildings. It was bustling with Sunday strollers and a lovely respite from the sun.
Took advantage of the fact that this hotel has a concierge and let him suggest and reserve a restaurant for us for dinner. Spent some time relaxing and showering before heading out for the evening.
Nice dinner overlooking the square, then we strolled around before heading back to hotel (where, yes, we did just check Pats’ score, can they hold on????–UPDATE, they did!!!) It was quite lively for a Sunday, lots of young people and street musicians, very fun. A fine close to our time in the capital city.
Tomorrow–Krakow!
25,417 steps; 12 miles
Hotel:
- Hotel Bristol: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/wawlc-hotel-bristol-a-luxury-collection-hotel-warsaw/
- Museum of the History of the Polish Jews (POLIN) – https://polin.pl/en
- Timed tickets can be purchased on line (includes audio guide). We purchased on site as it was a game day decision to visit.
- Check website for days and hours
- Lazienki Park – always open
Museum of the History of the Polish Jews (POLIN). Almost overwhelming as the history dates back 1,000 years. Expansive and educational (and very sobering when you reach the 20th century), it is probably too much to absorb in one visit, but well worth visiting as this history is unique to Poland.
Lazienki Park – a beautiful green respite from the city and a good change of pace from the somber atmosphere of the museum. Longish walk but it felt good. Filled with people on a sunny Sunday.
Breakfast:
Hotel breakfast was an additional fee, definitely not worth it. Stopped a a Green Caffe Nero (they are all over the place) — delicious large coffee/OJ for Dan and a couple of muffins for about half the price of one hotel breakfast. Sat outside in the sun, chatted with a couple of women from Australia
Lunch:
Didn’t get the name of the place, a typical outdoor cafe along the main street in Warsaw. Lots of water (we were parched), and some simple salads gave us the energy we needed to walk to the park.
Dinner:
Again utilized the concierge who made reservations for us at Trattoria Rucola:
https://www.trattoriarucola.pl/
There are several locations in Warsaw, this one was 10 minutes’ walk from the hotel. Simple, but good, Italian food, inexpensive wine, nice table overlooking the Old Town.
POLIN was comprehensive, fascinating and, in some ways, drinking from a firehose. So much information, so much history and, once again, so much sadness. Definitely worth visiting, but probably can’t do it justice in in a one time visit.
Lazienki Park was a lovely break — lots of green space, water, statues and cool old buildings. On a warm sunny Sunday, it provided a lovely change of pace.
Loved walking around the Old Town area after dinner — quite a bit going on after dark on a “school night”
Finally, once again realized the benefit of using local resources — as this hotel had a concierge, haave him suggest and make the dinner reservations. Was it the finest restaurant in the city? No. Was it well located, easy to walk to and just fine for food — yep!