Poland’s
landscape is one of endless greenery.
The
waterside region is the Great Mazurian Lake District, also known as the
Land of a Thousand Lakes. Surrounded by dense forest, this region boasts
a network of rivers and canals which are interconnected to form one huge
waterway system, one that is unique in Europe.
Despite
the centuries of foreign rulers, the Poles have held on to their
identity and remained patriotic throughout, as has been shown by their
famous sons and daughters.
Polish-born Frederic Chopin spent his adult
years away from his native land, but the composer never forgot his home
in his work and every year is honoured in music festivals across the
country. Madame Curie spent her
first 24 years in Warsaw before leaving for Paris at the end of the 19th
century.
The
population of Poland is, like South Africa, ± 40 million with 25%
younger than 15 years. Almost a quarter of the Polish people were killed
in the Second World War.
Poland
is also a land who’s past and present is very much intertwined with
her location in the very heart of Europe.
Poland
is a bridge between two great cultural spheres and visitors will
experience a mixture of the unusual and the familiar.
Warsaw,
capital of Poland with a population of 2 million, is one of the youngest
European capitals. Despite its relatively short history, its fortunes
were often changing. In September 1939 the entire world watched
Warsaw’s heroic resistance at the beginning of World War II. Warsaw
became a symbol of the fight for freedom.
Although
almost completely in ruins by the end of the war, Warsaw has
dramatically risen from its ashes. Today, these traces of history may be
found nearly everywhere - in the walls of historic buildings rebuilt
after 1945.
Warsaw’s
location makes it an ideal base for visiting other interesting and
important Polish cities such as Krakow, Gdansk, Wroclaw and Poznau, as
well as the Czech Republic, Lithliania and Latvia.
Pedestrianized
rebuilt Old Town with its numerous small shops and special restaurants
is worthwhile visiting and market Square (Starego Miasta) with local
artists, the Royal Way linking Castle Square with the beautiful Lazienki
Park with its palace on the water, houses Chopin’s monument and
concert venue. One will also find Wilanow Palace, smaller replica of
Versailles that was built by King John III Sobieski for his
French wife, an interesting attraction of a less known culture.
Accommodation
The
number of hotels in Warsaw has increased considerably over the past few
years. New luxury hotels have been built. While many older
establishments have also been refurbished and modernized.
Eating Out
The
restaurant scene has flourished in Warsaw ever since the return of
private ownership, following the 1989 democratic elections.
Warsaw
already has a surprisingly international choice of cuisines. This ranges
from French, Italian, Spanish, British and Greek, to Japanese, Chinese,
Vietnamese and Mexican. Naturally, there are many restaurants serving
traditional Polish food, while Modern Polish cuisine, featuring
imaginative updates of traditional dishes, is also emerging in the city.
The
U Dekerta restaurant is located in the heart of Warsaw’s Old Town in
the stylish old cellars of the Warsaw Historical Museum on Rynek Starego
Miasta, which remind visitors of old Polish nobility houses. The
restaurant offers a rare opportunity to forget the worries of the day
and enjoy a quiet, relaxing meal of traditional Polish delicatesse.
Public Transport
It
is very convenient to get around in Warsaw. Public transport is an
economic means of travelling in the city. Daily or weekly travel passes
are valid on trams, buses or metros and enables one to reach every area
within Warsaw.
Currency
The
local currency is the Zloty (which
literally means “golden”) and ± one Zloty equals R2.60.
Airport
The
Okecie International Airport is conveniently situated some 6 km south of
the city and was recently rebuilt.
CONSULT
US ON THE BEST FARES TO WARSAW, BUT MOST PROBABLY IT WOULD BE VIA
FRANKFURT.
