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@Warsaw: Old Map of the Continent

Welcome to Warsaw—also known as the New Berlin!

Warsaw, or Warszawa in Polish, is the capital of Poland and is its largest city. It stands on the River Vistula in east-central Poland. It is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city.

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@At the Airport

The grand finale of their trip was Warsaw, a city that had risen from the ashes of the past, wearing its history proudly alongside its modernity.

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@Warsaw Old Town

Their tour began at the Royal Castle, the former residence of the Polish monarchy. This monumental building is situated at the entrance to the Old Town, with its grand facade overlooking the Vistula River. A guided tour through the castle's opulent chambers and galleries gave them all a glimpse into the lives of the royal families who once lived here, as well as the tumultuous history of Poland.

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@Architectural Steps, Warsaw

They arrived at the heart of the Old Town, the market square of which dated back to the 13th century. They admired the pastel-colored merchant houses, the iconic Sukiennice (Cloth Hall), and the impressive Renaissance-style town hall, which now served as a museum. They wandered the cobblestone streets, browsing through the numerous souvenir shops, and savoured the aromas of traditional Polish cuisine at the outdoor cafés and restaurants.

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@Podlaskie at Sunset

Their tour guide led them on a short walk from the market square to St. John's Cathedral, which she tod them was an awe-inspiring example of Gothic architecture. The cathedral had been the site of numerous royal coronations and burials. They all went inside and marvelled at the stunning stained glass windows.

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@Baked Goods for High Days

They had a break for elevenses, or Drugie śniadanie -- "second breakfast", as it's known in Poland! The baked goods in the café were judged a resounding success, and set them up for another instalment of sightseeing.

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@Café Nightlife, Old Warsaw

Next was a long walk down the Royal Route: a scenic 3 km boulevard connecting the Royal Castle to the Royal Łazienki Park. Along the way, they passed numerous palaces, churches, and mansions reflecting the grandeur of Poland's past. The group particularly enjoyed the Presidential Palace, the University of Warsaw and the Church of the Holy Cross, which (perhaps somewhat gruesomely) holds the heart of Poland's most famous pianist, Frédéric Chopin.

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@Vistula at Sunrise, Warsaw

Their evenings in Warsaw were spent exploring the café nightlife of Old Town. The air was filled with the sweet scent of waffles and the laughter of locals and tourists alike. They tried the city's famous zapiekanka, a toasty baguette topped with mushrooms and cheese, and sipped on velvety hot chocolate.

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@Poppy Field

The coach took them to the outskirts of the city, where they stepped out into the embrace of a field of poppies. The bright red flowers stretched as far as the eye could see, a breathtaking carpet of colour that seemed to pulse with the heartbeat of Poland. The animals frolicked among the blooms, their laughter mingling with the gentle rustle of the swaying stalks. It was a moment of pure, unfiltered joy, a memory they would cherish long after their return home.

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@Mandarin Ducks

The next stop was Royal Łazienki Park, a sprawling green space which was is a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike. The pets admired the Palace on the Water, a stunning 18th-century royal residence that appears to float on an artificial lake. They also stopped to listen to some cheerful music coming from the bandstand, which their guide informed them was Polonaise music, and this particular one had been written by Chopin. Some peacocks came up to greet them, and some other wildlife.

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@Raw Amber

Their guide promised them next a glimpse into the future! She took them to a state-of-the-art science centre, the Copernicus Science Centre, located on the banks of the Vistula. It had hundreds of interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and exhibits showcasing the latest scientific breakthroughs. It was hard to tear themselves away!

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@Old Cobbled Street, Warsaw

As they approached the Mosaic House in Warsaw, they were greeted by a riot of colour and whimsy. The intricate patterns of the building's facade told a story of the city's rebirth, its vibrant tiles a stark contrast to the more solemn tones of the Old Town. They took photos, marvelled at the artistry, and felt the city's spirit reflected in every shard of glass. It was a place where past and present danced together in a harmony of imagination and resilience.

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@Mosaic House, Warsaw

The Mosaic House was a whimsical delight, its facade a mosaic of vivid colours and shapes that brought smiles to their faces. They took selfies, with the turtle and fish mosaics behind them, feeling like they had stepped into a children's book illustration come to life. The animals were fascinated by the way art had been woven into the very fabric of the city, creating a tapestry of history and creativity.

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@Traditional Polish Pierogi

The next stop was the Warsaw Mermaid!
The mermaid is the symbol of Warsaw and can be found in various locations throughout the city. Their guide led them to most famous mermaid statue, located in the Old Town, near the waterfront. According to legend, she represents the city's spirit and protects its inhabitants.

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@Christmas Light Show, Warsaw

To end that day's tour, the tour guide led them to the Vistula River and encouraged the pets to enjoy a stroll, or hire bicycles, or even take a boat trip to enjoy the views of the Old Town, the National Stadium, and the Warsaw skyline.

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@Vistula, with Warsaw in Silhouette

Over podwieczorek (evening snack) back at the hotel, the pets agreed that whether you're a history buff, an art lover or just looking to soak up the atmosphere of a vibrant Central European capital, Warsaw's Old Town and its environs have something to offer every traveller. They agreed that its blend of resilience and rebirth, tradition and innovation, made Warsaw a truly unforgettable destination.

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@Skaryszewski Park, Warsaw

The next day they visited Skaryszewski Park, a green oasis amidst the urban sprawl, where the laughter of youngsters and the rustling of leaves provided a respite from the city's pulse.

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@Warsaw Skyscrapers

They spent the day quietly, wandering the cobblestone streets, buying souvenirs for those at home who had been unable to come. When evening fell, the streets were lit by the warm glow of gas lamps, casting a soft, romantic light. They stumbled upon a hidden jazz club, where the soulful melodies spilled out into the night, beckoning them inside.

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@Warsaw Illuminations

As dawn approached, the club emptied, leaving the animals feeling both exhilarated and weary. They stepped outside into the early morning light, the cobblestone streets now bathed in a soft, golden glow.

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@Flag of the Republic of Poland

The scent of the city at night had shifted to that of freshly baked bread and the faint aroma of the nearby Vistula River. They stumbled upon a small, 24-hour bakery, where they bought warm, crusty rolls filled with cheese and ham, savouring the comforting flavours as they made their way back to the hotel.

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@Polish Currency -- the Zloty

The next morning, the animals gathered their luggage and boarded the coach one last time. The drive to the airport was bittersweet, the scenery passing by in a blur of green and grey. As they approached the airport, the reality of their departure grew stronger. They exchanged contact details, promising to stay in touch and maybe even plan another adventure together.

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@River Vistula, Warsaw

At the airport, the chaos of last-minute goodbyes filled the air. The animals hugged, their eyes misty with unshed tears. Zosia, their tour guide, gave each of them a final embrace, her voice thick with emotion as she whispered, "Dobranoc, my friends. Poland will always be here waiting for you." With heavy hearts, they checked in and made their way through security, each step taking them further from the country they had grown to love.

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@Song Thrush

As they boarded the plane, they couldn't help but look back at the land that had become their temporary home. The patchwork of fields and forests grew smaller and smaller, until Poland was just a memory imprinted on their hearts. The aircraft soared into the sky, and they were enveloped by clouds that seemed to whisper the secrets of the world below.

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@Fountain Lights, Warsaw

During the flight, they shared their newfound knowledge with each other, comparing notes on the history they'd learned and the foods they'd tasted. They swiped through their phones, showing off photos of the majestic castles, bustling markets, and the friends they'd made along the way. Buzzward and Maria, sitting side by side, held onto their souvenirs—tiny wooden marmots and squirrels, carved by a master craftsman in the Tatra Mountains.

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@Warsaw Skyline

Upon landing, they were greeted by the familiar sights and sounds of home. The air was filled with the scents of their own country, a stark contrast to the rich bouquet of Poland. Yet, as they hugged and parted ways, the animals couldn't help but feel a piece of themselves was left behind in the land of the polonaise, pierogies and poppy fields.

Maria has enjoyed visiting Poland, but it is time to go home. This Event is over now, but there will be more events in PnF soon!