Time for part 2 of my trip.

One of the Chinese dinners. The fare was pretty standard, and quite simple honestly. Well I guess that's what you get for a all-meals-inclusive tour!


Arrival in Warsaw! It was a 3-4h drive from Poznan, which is a 3-4h drive from Berlin (in day 5).


From Wikipedia:

Constructed in 1955, the Palace of Culture and Science is a notable high-rise building in Warsaw, Poland. It is the center for various companies, public institutions and cultural activities such as concerts, cinemas, theaters, libraries, sports clubs, universities, scientific institutions and authorities of the Polish Academy of Sciences. Motivated by Polish historicism and American art deco high-rise buildings, the PKiN was designed by Soviet architect Lev Rudnev in "Seven Sisters"style and is informally referred to as the Eighth Sister.

The Palace of Culture and Science is the tallest building in Poland, the eighth tallest building in the European Union and one of the tallest on the European continent.

Next, we arrive at the Chopin Memorial. The statue is meant to be of Chopin playing music beautifully under a willow tree, and gives off a kinaesthetic feeling. The attraction provides free Chopin concerts every Sunday.

The Chopin Statue is a large bronze statue of Frédéric Chopin that now stands in the upper part of Warsaw's Royal Baths Park aka Łazienki Park, adjacent to Aleje Ujazdowskie (Ujazdów Avenue).

It was designed in 1907 by Wacław Szymanowski for its planned erection on the centenary of Chopin's birth in 1810 but its execution was delayed by controversy about the design, then by the outbreak of World War I. 

The statue was finally cast and erected in 1926.
During World War II, the statue was blown up on May 31, 1940. It was the first monument that was destroyed by the occupying Germans in Warsaw. According to local legend, the next day a handwritten sign was found at the site which read: "I don’t know who destroyed me, but I know why: so that I won’t play the funeral march for your leader."   

At the Lazienki Park, we look to the summer palace of the last Polish King, Stanislaw II Augustus.

The Łazienki Palace ([waˈʑɛŋki], Polish: pałac Łazienkowski — in English the Baths Palace, also called the Palace on the Water and the Palace on the Isle) is a Baroque palace in Warsaw's Royal Baths Park.

From 1674 the property and the nearby Ujazdów Castle belonged to Count Stanisław Herakliusz Lubomirski, who built a Baroque Bath House named "Łazienka". In 1766 King Stanisław II Augustus purchased the estate and decided to convert the pavilion into his small, private summer residence.

At the bridge looking to the Lazienki Palace, there is a statue dedicated to one of the last Polish Kings.

John III Sobieski (Polish: Jan III Sobieski; Lithuanian: Jonas III Sobieskis; Latin: Ioannes III Sobiscius; 17 August 1629 – 17 June 1696), from 1674 until his death King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, was one of the most notable monarchs of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth.

Sobieski's military skill, demonstrated in wars against the Ottoman Empire, contributed to his prowess as King of Poland. Popular among his subjects, he was an able military commander, most famous for his victory over the Turks at the 1683 Battle of Vienna. After his victories over them, the Ottomans called him the "Lion of Lechistan"; and the Pope hailed him as the savior of Christendom.

Next, we hop on the bus and make a quick stop at the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Warsaw, where we encountered this Monument to Ghetto Heroes.

The Ghetto Heroes Monument is a monument in Warsaw, Poland, commemorating the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943 during the Second World War. It is located in the area which was formerly a part of the Warsaw Ghetto, at the spot where the first armed clash of the uprising took place.

#smartmom got excited and told me this little tidbhit. The monument is famous for the German Chancellor kneeling in front of it during a visit in the 70s. Honestly le mom and dad (2 big history buffs especially of WWII) were chock full on information on all the monuments! I was so amazed.

On December 7, 1970 images were flashed across the world of German Chancellor Willy Brandt knelt in pensive apology in front of Warsaw’s Monument to the Ghetto Heroes. Popularly known as the ‘kniefall’ the spontaneous gesture was to become a symbol of reconciliation between east and west, with Brandt later confessing, “Under the weight of German history, and carrying the burden of the millions who were murdered, I did what people do when words fail them.”

Made a stop at the Maria Gora (Black Madonna) church.

The Monastery of Jasna Góra in Częstochowa, Poland, is the third-largest Catholic pilgrimage site in the world. Home to the beloved miraculous icon of Our Lady of Częstochowa, the monastery is also the national shrine of Poland and the center of Polish Catholicism.

Headed to the Warsaw Old Town!








Dinner that night was, I think, in the fanciest restaurant of the whole trip. Couldn't really say much about the food, which was fried fish cutlets (ain't a big fan of fried seafood). But it was alright I guess.


In the morning, after the cursory 2-3h drive, we arrive at Wawel Hill in Krakow! Love these two shots and this beautiful wall of leaves. I set this as my wechat photo and someone saw, and asked me if it was my house. LMFAO. I'm like, dear sir, this is wintertime and in Europe. *laughing cry smiley*


Wawel Cathedral (which is in the larger courtyard and structure of Wawel Castle) is very interesting because of its mismatched roofs. It is the burial place of much of the Polish monarchy, who would add chapels and sacrophagi after the death of each monarch.

The Wawel Castle is a castle residency built at the behest of King Casimir III the Great, who reigned from 1333 to 1370, and consists of a number of structures situated around the central courtyard. 

About Wawel Cathedral:

The Royal Archcathedral Basilica of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslaus on the Wawel Hill also known as the Wawel Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic church located on Wawel Hill in Kraków, Poland. More than 900 years old, it is the Polish national sanctuary and traditionally has served as coronation site of the Polish monarchs.

The current, Gothic cathedral, is the third edifice on this site: the first was constructed and destroyed in the 11th century; the second one, constructed in the 12th century, was destroyed by a fire in 1305. The construction of the current one began in the 14th century on the orders of bishop Nanker.

Bell with those beautiful autumn leaf covered-walls.


Another look of Wawel Cathedral.


One of the courtyards in Wawel Castle. A cool thing about these "castles" in Europe is that, the castle doesn't only refer to the building that looks like a castle, but also the surrounding areas, such as the courtyards or sometimes even encompassing the whole town, which is technically in the "castle" grounds.



This picture is really funny. I wish I had expressed more emotion like the busker next to me, but knowing me, I'm just sitting stick straight. #pokerface #RBF


Another one of these fancy horse carriages. I have to say they are really really pretty.


Us taking a walk through the Old Town of Krakow.


(I think) this is the birthplace of Pope John Paul the 2nd.


In the morning, the mood was sombre as we arrived at Auschwitz Camp.


These were the housing that the Jewish prisoners stayed in. They look alright from the outside, like you couldn't even tell that they were prisoners' lodging here, but inside, the prisoners slept on straw, and beds were only added later.


The story goes that for the people that arrived at the concentration camp, they were told that they would be sent to other parts of Europe to start a new life. So with only 20kg of their belongings, they came to Auschwitz. When they arrived, they were told to memorise where their luggage was on the platform, and the refugees were sorted into lines of women and children, and men, and inspected by doctors. The old and infirm stood no chance. Next the prisoners (who did not know they were prisoners at that point, they thought they were passing through the camp onto their new life) were told to undress and tie their shoes and clothes together, and were given soaps and towel for a "disinfecting bath". This was of course a lie and was just so that there wouldn't be resistance from the refugees. They were sent to the gas chambers, which had fake showerheads, naked, whereby cans of Zyklon B (a cyanide-laced pesticide) was dropped through the roof and the Jewish refugees were gassed. :( A very sad and haunting episode in the fabric of modern history.



A mini-memorial around the execution wall at the camp.


We walked down like 10 stories of steps to the mine? The whole thing is really an architectural marvel, with many statues and chapels carved out of the granite-looking salt, with several cavernous areas as well.

The Wieliczka Salt Mine, located in the town of Wieliczka in southern Poland, lies within the Kraków metropolitan area. Opened in the 13th century, the mine produced table salt continuously until 2007, as one of the world's oldest salt mines in operation.

The mine's attractions include dozens of statues and four chapels carved out of the rock salt by the miners. 

Salt on the ceiling. The guide told us these salt crystals were due to precipitation though.


A scene where the princess threw her ring into the mine for the miners to find?

Casimir III the Great......who reigned in 1333–1370, was the last King of Poland from the Piast dynasty, the son of King Wladyslaw I the Elbow-high and Duchess Hedwig of Kalisz. 

When Casimir, the last Piast king of Poland, died in 1370 from an injury received while hunting, his nephew King Louis I of Hungary succeeded him to become king of Poland in personal union with Hungary

Even the lights were made out of salt crystals. A side note: It is not possible to explore this place on your own because you could easily get lost. You need to join one of the guided tours with the staff who will explain all the attractions to you.


In the largest chapel of the mine, called St. Kinga's Chapel.


An amazing picture of The Last Supper carved out of the salt on the wall of the chapel.



Check out the difference in the floor! Both of these are salt floors.


An underwater lake in the mine. My friend told me this looked like Atlantis. Funniest description ever.

Banská Bystrica is a city in central Slovakia located on the Hron River in a long and wide valley encircled by the mountain chains of the Low Tatras, the Veľká Fatra, and the Kremnica Mountains. With 78 327 inhabitants, Banská Bystrica is the sixth most populous municipality in Slovakia. (OK Slovakia is just plain tiny...)

The present town was founded by German settlers, however it was built upon a former Slavic settlement. The copper mining town acquired its present picturesque look in the Late Middle Ages when the prosperous burghers built its central churches, mansions, and fortifications. Banská Bystrica is a popular winter and summer tourist destination.

Had some free time to explore the town after lunch.


Dad and his infamous "Scissor Hands". LOL


Chanced upon this small museum showcasing Slovak marriage customs:


It's in a historical building with frescos (painting on the wall).




Did you know? Slovaks used to have the custom of bride-kidnapping!


Me with a coronet. This is what the virgin bride would wear before she married. Afterwards, she would wear a bonnet to symbolise that she is a married woman. The husband then keeps the coronet away for life, treating is as a precious symbol and memory.


Cool hat. I think the little groomsmen wears this.


I left a note! Requesting for more English explanations because everything was in Slovak. :(


Here you can see some of the examples of the flower coronets the brides would wear.


Bonnets which the bride transitions into.



Very pretty Bohemian-styled wedding dresses.


Originally, what the bridge and groom would wear in winter - clothes made out of poplin.

The Great Market Hall or Central Market Hall (Hungarian "Nagyvásárcsarnok") is the largest and oldest indoor market in Budapest, Hungary. The idea of building such large market hall arose from the first mayor of Budapest, Károly Kamermayer, and it was his largest investment. He retired in 1896 so when the building was completed, he participated in the opening ceremony as a citizen. 

It is located at the end of the famous pedestrian shopping street Váci utca and on the Pest side of the Liberty bridge at Fővám square.

On the second floor there are also mini-eateries/restaurants where you can choose from a variety of cooked food. I really wanted to try the cabbage rolls in tomato sauce, but one dish was something like 10 Euro? Gave up after seeing the price.


The supermarket (not pictured here), was very affordable though. The Rittersport packets of tiny chocolate pieces were something like 3 Euro each... I must've bought 6.

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the River Danube between Buda and Pest, the western and eastern sides of Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Designed by the English Engineer William Tierney Clark, it was the first permanent bridge across the Danube in Hungary, and was opened in 1849.

At Hero's Square in Budapest:

Hősök tere (Hungarian pronunciation: [ˈhøːʃøk ˈtɛrɛ]; English: Heroes' Square) is one of the major squares in Budapest, Hungary, noted for its iconic statue complex featuring the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars and other important national leaders, as well as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The square has played an important part in contemporary Hungarian history and has been a host to many political events, such as the reburial of Imre Nagy in 1989. The sculptures were made by sculptor Zala György from Lendava.

Group pic with all the people from our tour!


Next we journey onto St Stephen's Basilisca.

St. Stephen's Basilica is a Roman Catholic basilica in Budapest, Hungary. It is named in honour of Stephen, the first King of Hungary (c 975–1038), whose supposed right hand is housed in the reliquary. It was the sixth largest church building in Hungary before 1920. Since the renaming of the primatial see, it's the co-cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Esztergom-Budapest. Today, it is the third largest church building in present-day Hungary. 

Very very awesome interior with scenes from the Bible painted on the ceilings.



The basilisca also had 5 church organs scattered around.



A scene from the Bible including Mary, baby Jesus and angels.

Had some free time after. This part of Europe is famous for their lace:


Next stop was Gellert Hill. Weather was kind of foggy at this point.


Here you can see the city of Budapest from the top of the hill.


Onward to Matthais Church, which is next to the Fisherman's Bastion.

Matthias Church (Hungarian: Mátyás-templom) is a Roman Catholic church located in Budapest, Hungary, in front of the Fisherman's Bastion at the heart of Buda's Castle District. According to church tradition, it was originally built in Romanesque style in 1015. The current building was constructed in the florid late Gothic style in the second half of the 14th century and was extensively restored in the late 19th century. It was the second largest church of medieval Buda and the seventh largest church of the medieval Hungarian Kingdom.  

This is an equestrian statue of Stephen I, the first king of Hungary.

Stephen I, also known as King Saint Stephen (Hungarian: Szent István király; Latin: Sanctus Stephanus; Slovak: Štefan I. or Štefan Veľký; c. 975 – 15 August 1038 AD), was the last Grand Prince of the Hungarians between 997 and 1000 or 1001, and the first King of Hungary from 1000 or 1001 until his death in 1038. 

That is one of the government buildings of Budapest, as seen from Fisherman's Bastion.


A miniature version of the Matthais Church.



A really cute thing was all these warm wine and fruit sellers scattered around Europe. I mean the idea of warm wine is kind of foreign to me but I guess it must be nice to warm your belly in winter, and get drunk at the same time.







It was very very cute and entertaining. Also with a bit of audience interaction.