I have been to Poland one other time in my life - when I was 18, visiting during my half year in Israel between January - June of 2004. We went at the beginning of my trip so you can imagine how cold it was. The day we landed it was snowing. The next day it was snowing. In fact, it didn't really let up.

So you can imagine my slight agitation when I landed in Warsaw on Monday morning and it was RAINING. I had hoped that coming during the summer months would lead to some nice days, which apparently it does often. Just not when I am here.

The silver lining, though, is that I have started my trek to visit five of the seven Moishe Houses in Eastern Europe. I arrived at Moishe House Warsaw and put my stuff down so I could walk around town for a bit with a visitor named Tomek.

The first few days of travel have bee a mix of relaxing/getting to know people/getting over jetlag/stressing. Jenna arrived about 7 hours later than she should have due to plane issues in Philly. And her bag did not. Suffice it to say that the first day I was here (July 4) I did not feel very independent to walk around - instead, I tried to find Jenna and help her get her bag. I walked around a bit Tomek who is also staying at Moishe House Warsaw.

After many trials and tribulations, Jenna arrived and we had a chance to rest and eat dinner with some other Polish friends - Matilda and Clementina. Wonderful.

July 5th was much better as we retrieved Jenna's bag from the airport and explored what is called "Old Town." Since everythnig in Warsaw was pretty much destroyed during World War II, it is sort of a misnomber. The buildings were reconstructed to how they WOULD have looked at the beginnings of Warsaw's history. They are beautiful, however, and very European. We even got a chance to visit the Royal Castle and eat a late lunch on a wonderful square listening to two gentlemen play baroque music no their accordians.

So, I am doing well. Jenna is doing well. Moishe House Warsaw is a wonderful headquarters to have. And we are leaving for Lithuania tomorrow. More adventures to come!
 


Comments

Bobbi Cohen
07/06/2011 09:23

Brian, it's great to hear from you like this. Have a wonderful experience everywhere you go! We're holding down the Limmud for here.

Travel safely, best regards,
Bobbi

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Jenny
07/07/2011 07:16

Hi Brian,

I'm excited to hear about the first leg of your trip. I can't wait to join you soon and hear about your adventures while exploring together:)

Jenny

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Inbal
07/15/2011 07:41

hi!

your blog reminded of that first time you were in Poland.... glad to hear you're traveling again- are you getting around to Israel any time soon?

take care,
inbal netzer

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