Tuesday/Wednesday April 12 and 13

Czestochowa to Wroclaw

or

"Chen-sto-ho-vah" to "Vrots-wahf"

We left Czestochowa Tuesday after visiting the basilica complex where the Black Madonna painting resides. I couldn't take a picture with everyone praying and down on their knees in devotion to this icon visiting by over 4 million annually.

There are 2 guidebooks for Poland - DK Eyewitness and recently released Lonely Planet.

Internet research found information (added via print and tape to my books).

That's how we found a site on the way to Wroclaw.... There was an English tour of Niemodlin Castle at 1PM and we were there - we were ready.

Suffice to say, no one has toured Niemodlin Castle for years. The 3-4 workmen "renovating" this structure didn't mind us wandering inside and out.

Arrived in Wroclaw, found the apartment the second time around. Don't know how Sandy avoided one-ways, do-not-enters and pedestrian only.




Spent Wednesday touring the town "by feet." Started poorly as several sites were closed. Determined April 13th is Katlyn Massacre Remembrance Day (when Polish officers and reservists were killed by Russian troops in 1940).

The pint-sized tour groups weren't a hinderance

It's a huge Old Town Square (Rynek) lined with colorful buildings - old in foundation and appearance. This town was crushed by WW2 bombings.

Wroclaw has over 250 small gnome statues scattered around town - originally placed as passive resistance against Communist rule in the 1980s.

Our apartment (3rd floor - there's a lift) is across the cobbled street from the 14th century jail - where I found a gnome.

Saw another tour group looking for gnomes - dressed for the purpose too.

Saw commotion in a plaza area and investigated. A "Pop-Up-Pavillion" for a cake-making contest. The blow-up chairs were comfortable. They were there and then they were gone.

We've learned if a city has an architectural museum it's a safe bet it will be exceptional. Architects use the greatest and finest detail ensuring all surroundings add grace and elegance to whatever is exhibited. Poland's National Museum of Architecture is in Wroclaw - a renovated Benedictine Monastery with a cloister garden.

Tomorrow we go west to Boleslawiec - no information in "the books"

We have an apartment for two days 

This is where Polish ceramics are made 

Does anyone need a small sauce bowl?