Our second day in Warsaw was also a very pleasant one. We took a walking tour of the Old Town and strolled through all the outdoor markets. We discovered fabulous things and found much new inspiration. Come and see what we saw and did in Warsaw!
These boxes of pretty blue lobelia caught my eye.
I love taking photos of architecture and details for my 'visual' library. This swag was beautifully fashioned in stone. 
One of Warsaw's many beautiful churches - so much of Warsaw was destroyed in WWII and had to be completely rebuilt. It is an amazing accomplishment.
A spectacular brass knob 
This is one of many gorgeous chains we saw - hand forged from iron or brass.
Many building facades are painted to look like cut stone - faux stone, I call it! 
Another Escher-like design
Of course I was always thinking of Polish cuisine and I saw many restaurants I would have liked to try. 
window sign
another window sign
I really wanted to try these dishes.
One of the great squares where Poles gather for a drink, a cafe, a smoke.
A self explanatory sign - We started our tour at 8 AM so many of the buildings and restaurants were not yet open.
The Mermaid of Warsaw - a fantastic fountain.
Water gushes every few minutes from underneath the statue.
Agnes Hansdorfer - our guide - and me - Agnes was born in Warsaw and now works in the corporate communications dept. at MSLO. We took her along for her translating skills.
Agnes said this was a great place to eat local food.
I collect intricately painted Easter eggs - These were extraordinary.
An old-time pharmacy - it was so elegant.
Amber beads were for sale everywhere - these were pretty special and so big!
The ribbed ceiling of a neo-Gothic church. 
The buildings are so well-designed and wonderfully painted
Magda Gessler is a well-known restauranteur in Warsaw.
There are large portraits of the late Pope everywhere.
The important library in the old town
There is much restoration going on - the great town squares are being repaved with granite blocks, expertly laid by talented stone masons who work in great teams.
Wonderful iron work - another of Poland's great crafts. My maternal grandfather was trained in Poland to do this type of work.
Many new trees are being planted and protected by grates like these.
another chain 
I stayed in this hotel with my mother years ago - it has been completely refurbished.
One of 4 corbels holding up a balcony - you can see the groans and pain on the sculptures' faces.
What masterful carving - so exquisite!
This is the main gate to the University of Warsaw.
Copernicus - one of Poland's most illustrious historical figures - he was the father of our solar system - he was correct.
Agnes, me, and our new CEO - Robin Marino
the sign for the Polish Academy
A portrait of Copernicus - Polish astronomer from the 16th century.
all kinds of delicious Polish sausages 
Wonderful homemade breads
more healthful breads
Blikle was the only bakery to survive the German occupation - why? - because, the story goes, it made the very best donuts!
wonderful confections - babkas, poppy seed cakes, and filled donuts.
Kevin ordering one of Everything! 
A really good mocha, coffee, whipped cream, and espresso sundae
a creamy Napoleon 
a jelly donut with orange glaze
a powdered sugar raspberry donut
a cream-filled donut
a very handsome Polish customer at Blikle's
Agnes is very happy with her confections.
What we ate and did not eat!
We met the cutest male Frenchie! I miss Sharkey and Francesca. 
Kevin and the Frenchie 
wild strawberries just coming into season
The flower market was unbelievable - lovely sunflowers
I was very drawn to the giant roses. 
roses like velvet
fluffy sweet William
tiny cute rose baskets
snowy cultivated mushrooms
healthy kohlrabi
Thank you for using the art of photography to take us on the journey with you. Just breathtaking!
Posted by: HEATHER | June 25, 2008 at 10:39 PM
Hi Martha, I didn't think your Warsaw blog could get any better, but this second one is absolutely spectacular! The ornate buildings and statues are fabulous. The Polish sausages and the wonderful bakery items are to die for. The beautiful flowers, fruits and vegetables all look fantastic. You all look like you were having a wonderful time. Wow, this was a fantastic tour of Warsaw! Thank you so much for sharing these stunning photos and dialog. Can't wait for the next tour. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | June 25, 2008 at 11:12 PM
Wow, that looks amazing! Those houses are wonderful, pressed together, different shapes. What a great experience.
Posted by: Mary Smith | June 26, 2008 at 12:48 AM
warsaw looks interesting and beautiful. i think your pictures just solved my dilemma of where to take my mom for her birthday later in the year... thank you!
Posted by: liisamarja | June 26, 2008 at 12:50 AM
I had no idea Warsaw was so beautiful, and it looks like a gourmet's (or a gourmand's) paradise!
Great photos!
Posted by: Adam | June 26, 2008 at 12:51 AM
Martha, I love your blog! Have you ever been to West Point @ the military academy to see the great chain that was across the Hudson during the Revolutionary War? My husband was in the Army and we lived in Germany for 3 years, I loved the outdoor markets there, especially the cut flowers!
Posted by: Debbie | June 26, 2008 at 01:16 AM
It looks like you are having a great time. Such a shame you haven't made it to the UK. Thought you would have posted something on your blog...
Pru
Posted by: Pru | June 26, 2008 at 03:26 AM
Gosh... it's 4:11 a.m..... and now I'm hungry looking at all those pictures.
The painted eggs are fantastic.
Dang.. I wish I could reach in to the computer and pull out one of those sausages.
Posted by: Angie D from Ohio | June 26, 2008 at 04:12 AM
What a wonderful and informative blog this time around. Your pictures are just fantastic. I liked the one of the painted eggs the best. They are so beautiful.
It looked like you had a great visit in Poland.
Posted by: Maureen | June 26, 2008 at 06:47 AM
Thanks for sharing your trip to
Warsaw, I'm enjoying it.
Posted by: Vivian Price | June 26, 2008 at 06:51 AM
I have been to the Czech Republic but now I see I MUST go to Poland as well. The markets, the bakery, the architecture, it all looks remarkable! I'm glad you saw that sweet pup, too!
Posted by: Charlotte K | June 26, 2008 at 07:23 AM
was there a cooking supply place? do Poles outfit their kitchens as Americas seem to be gadget oriented or is it more technique and presentation a skill vs a pan?
Posted by: Hardboiledegg | June 26, 2008 at 07:23 AM
I'm having a wonderful time living vicariously through your adventures, Martha! Thank you for sharing your photos!
Posted by: Julie | June 26, 2008 at 08:01 AM
Martha,
For someone like me that hasn't traveled out of the US, I enjoy
looking at and learning about all the places you visit from your blog, it's truly a wonderful experience!
Thank you.
Pauline Mucciaccio
Brooklyn, NY
Posted by: PAULINE | June 26, 2008 at 08:06 AM
WOW Martha What a TERRIFIC trip! My heritage is Polish too and I hope to someday also visit Poland... I am in the mood now to make some pierogi...I am so glad you had a nice trip!
Your Friend,
Jeffrey
Posted by: Jeffrey | June 26, 2008 at 08:40 AM
I just love the pictures and your blog you go to so many places!See and do things I may never have chance thank you for sharing I look forward every day to see where we are going or have been.
NMM
Posted by: Neoma | June 26, 2008 at 08:45 AM
Thanks for the pictures.
The pictures of the old town look very similar to "Old Montreal" or as the french would say "Vieux Montreal"
Posted by: darrell white | June 26, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Thank you for sharing all your wonderful experiences. Your blog is on my morning agenda EVERYDAY.
Posted by: Joanne | June 26, 2008 at 09:17 AM
I've been planning a trip to Poland for years, mostly for the history of the place, and your photos have 'sealed the deal' for me.
Thanks for sharing them!
-Andrew
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | June 26, 2008 at 09:38 AM
Thank you for sharing these incredible photos, Martha. You have certainly made me curious about visiting Warsaw now.
Posted by: Melanie | June 26, 2008 at 09:41 AM
Martha...a spectacular journey and stunning photographs. I loved them all and most especially the flower market photos...i need to add more sweet william to my garden after seeing such fluffy bunches!
Thanks for this wonderful blog...very inspiring as well as educational!
Posted by: Sherey | June 26, 2008 at 10:52 AM
I've been reading this blog for several months and I love it. I am a simple person from Oklahoma and really didn't feel a need to comment until today. After reading about Warsaw yesterday and today, I have to tell you thank you for allowing the world and me to share in your life's adventures.
Posted by: Danetta | June 26, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Wow Martha, what an amazing tour - thank you for sharing! My dad is planning a trip for the two of us to visit Europe and, until now, we hadn't considered adding Poland to the itinerary! It looks amazing in your pictures and I am looking forward to seeing those sites for myself!
Thanks,
Jasmine
Posted by: Jasmine | June 26, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Hi Martha,
Super photos...really enjoyed my trip to Warsaw that you have shared with us.
Love your blog, always something to learn and to see the beautiful photos.
Appreciate your sharing.
Posted by: Joan Fluor Mason, OH | June 26, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Thank you for sharing the pictures. They were wonderful and so interesting. Makes me want to visit Warsaw.
Posted by: Lori Stewart | June 26, 2008 at 02:09 PM