But before I go any further describing my lovely stay in Warsaw, I must describe the voyage from Amsterdam because it wasn't nearly getting to Warsaw wasn't so lovely. My time with the Orloski family was hard-earned.
The journey
Here is a break-down of my expedition to Warsaw:
- I boarded the train to find that I was placed in a sleeper cabin that was smaller than what I paid for. When I tried to explained my problem to the Polish attendant, he told me in broken English, "There is nothing else." The car was empty all for except one man.
- That one man, the only other person in the entire car, was seated in my cabin.
- When I started to walk into the cabin, the man gave me a wide, impish smile.
- I turned right back around and snuck into third-class.
- I sat next to guy my age. He started to tell my about Polish trains and how his mother was recently on a train and gassed by thieves. The passengers were left unconscious, susceptible to theft. Being locked in a sleeper cabin with a strange man started to sound safer.
- The conductor announced that there was no food service for the 14-hour trip.
- An hour later, a German attendant woke me up, asking for my ticket. When he saw I was supposed to be in a sleeper car, he told me I had to move, despite the numerous empty seats around me. I explained to him how I felt uncomfortable as a single-woman traveler.
- He sympathized with me for a third of a second, escorted me to my cabin, and locked me in with the strange man.
- I fell asleep with my heavy purse by my side and ready to swing.
- About two hours later I realized I had to use the toilet. Unfortunately the door was locked from the inside, and my new cabin mate was fast asleep and couldn't help me.
- My mind tried to convince my body that it could sleep with a full bladder.
- It failed.
- The next two hours were followed by me periodically getting up and attempting to unlock to door, each time determined to find a hidden lock of some sort.
- Suddenly there was a loud crashing sound. The train violently shook and came to a stop.
- I was elated as my cabin mate woke up in a panic and then showed me how to open the door.
- I ran to the toilet, saved by the death of some poor creature that the train had hit.
- I came back to the cabin and talked to the man. It turned out he was just British and awkward but friendly.
- The train resumed its slow pace and I peacefully fell asleep in my cabin.
- A short hour later the awkward cabin mate and I woke up to a strange smell. Then an alarm started to ring. The Polish attendant began pounding at the door yelling, "Fire! Fire!" Despite his orders not to gather my things, I packed my suitcase and started making my way to the next car in the direction that he pointed me.
- As I rushed down the corridor with the alarm screaming on every side, I was wondering how I was going to evacuate the fire while the train was still moving.
- Frantically I barged through the door to the next car only to find sleeping passengers who seemed annoyed that I had woken them. No screeching alarms or funny smells.
- I sat down in third class, where I had wanted to remain all along. Another attendant came over to explain that her colleague lacked the English vocabulary to tell me, "There is a problem with the heater." So naturally, he resorted to "fire."
- The train docked and I kissed the Polish land beneath my feet.
The visit
But as I mentioned, the train ride was worth every uncomfortable moment. As always, I had a wonderful stay with the Orloski family. They are some of the best hosts and tour guides have to offer. Here are photos of Stephen, the Orloski family representative, and I touring the city...and lounging around in PJs.
 |
| One of my two nuggle buddies |
Yoga with Stephen
(Unfortunately my other little tour guide, Kate, seemed to be at school during the times I had my camera out. But check out Steph's blog in order to see both of her darling children.)
The typical travel blogger's comment about how wondering a city is
I never thought Poland would be a country I would want to visit, but it turned out to be one of my favorites. Don't let my horror train story sway you--only positive Polish experiences followed. I would highly recommend Poland to any traveler in Europe, especially any history lovers. Warsaw has an amazing history. It was one of the few cities under Nazi regime to revolt. As a result, the Nazis annihilated the city. (Click around this site to see how it Warsaw in complete rubble.) With literally 80% of its buildings destroyed, Warsaw rebuilt itself after World War II in less than 60 years. Poland seems to embrace its dismal past yet a hopeful future with a sense of pride.
I've never been one to carry around a tour book when I travel to a new city, but I didn't leave the house without it Warsaw. I wanted to learn as much about the city as possible, surveying buildings for remaining bullet holes, commemorative plaques, and patriotic architectural features.
I won't go all Travel Channel on you, but here are some cultural and educational recommendations related to Warsaw:
1. Watching movie The Pianist.
2. Reading Rising '44 by Norman Davies
3. Listening to some Chopin
4. Visiting Poland--but arriving by plane
The conclusion
Despite the obstacles on the train (and hit by the train), I had a memorable trip to Warsaw and with the Orloski family.
Oh, and go visit Poland.
1 comment:
I can't believe I will miss you by 3 days.I read and enjoy all of your blogs, but have a really hard time signing in to post. So may not comment each time. Love and miss you.
Post a Comment