After getting up early in the morning, after breakfast, we headed for Warsaw, the capital of Poland, the last stop on the tour. Poland is one of the most unfortunate countries, having been annexed and occupied many times. From the occupation of Hitler in world war II, Auschwitz concentration camp and the Katyn incident. The country is so miserable, Auschwitz is one of the typical representatives. On the schedule of our tour group, there is a self-funded project to visit this concentration camp. When it comes to concentration camps, everyone feels extremely unwell. No, none of us in this regiment have signed up. Travel should be pleasant and relaxed, of course, do not rule out another kind of tourism, that is, to get an education, to find a certain complex. For example, on victory anniversary, Jewish survivors or their descendants from Auschwitz around the world choose to pay their respects.
Warsaw is the political, economic, cultural center and largest city of Poland. Located on both sides of the Vistula River in central Poland, the metropolitan area has a population of 3.78 million and an urban area of 510 square kilometers, which was devastated and almost razed to the ground in World War II. More than 85% of the city's ancient buildings are almost gone. After escaping the war in 1945, the Polish people rebuilt the city as it was, not only maintaining the style of the medieval old city, but also building a new urban area, which exceeded the scale and level of the pre-war period. There is also a monument written in English at the entrance of the town hall, and the purpose is not to forget history!
After passing through the entrance of the town hall, we came to Copernicus Square. The square is not large, with an area of no more than 50 square meters. In the center of the square stands a tall monument topped by a statue of the great scientist and at the bottom with a brief biography of him. This giant of the European Renaissance devoted himself to the study of astronomy, excluding secular views and devoting himself to it, leaving a valuable legacy for future generations and laying the foundation for human astronomy.
Warsaw is also one of the most green cities in the world, with a total green area of 12,600 hectares, accounting for about 27% of the total urban area, with a per capita occupancy of 77.7 square meters, ranking first among the world's major cities. There are 65 large and small parks, and the streets are green, and the whole city is hidden in the shade. We visited the Copernicus Monument, Chopin Park, warsaw palace of science and culture and other buildings. On a plain road in the old town of Warsaw, we also saw Marie Curie's former home. Compared to the great and two-time Nobel Prize-winning scientist who is admired by the world, her former home seems so civilian that there is a huge gap in people's hearts.
Chopin Park, as the name suggests, is a park built specifically for the great composer. Chopin sat under a large tree that had been bent by a hurricane, its branches hanging down, and its hair and cloak fluttering in the wind. The master's expression was resolute, his brows were furrowed, and he revealed a faint sadness. History has turned a few pages, and the master's "Polish Dance" seems to be ringing in the ears again. The moon blooms around the sculptures, and the raindrops on the flowers sparkle in the sunlight, as if to applaud the masters who are playing. There are many seats in the park, and it is said that piano concerts are held here every weekend in the summer, so visitors can spend a leisurely afternoon just by finding a seat and sitting down. Unfortunately, today is not the weekend, and we can't enjoy this kind of "leisure".
In addition to his 200 works, Chopin's greatness is his love for his country. He once said: Love the motherland above all else, bring my heart back to the motherland. After his death, his heart was brought back to Poland and placed in the Church of the Holy Cross.
The land of Poland has produced so many world celebrities and scientists. Their contribution was so great that it still benefits mankind today, and people can't help but feel awe for the grass and trees here.
The Palace of Science and Culture in Warsaw is a relatively spectacular building, which is said to have been the tallest building in Poland and a landmark building in Warsaw. People call it "Stalin's syringe" and "Russian wedding cake," and after reading it, I felt more like a syringe. The building was a gift from Stalin to Poland in the 1950s, and we walked around the building for almost half an hour.
Visiting Warsaw meant that our trip to Eastern Europe was over! It was a very unforgettable journey. After the trip, the travel agency gave us acceptable financial compensation for the passport accident.
Farewell! Beautiful and unforgettable, different European cities, may all cities and people always be beautiful, peaceful and happy!
The next issue will launch "Exploring Egypt", like friends please continue to pay attention, thank you!
Street view of Warsaw
Monument to Copernicus
Sculptures in Chopin's Park
Interior view of the Church of Santa Croce (where Chopin's heart is placed)
Exterior of the Church of the Holy Cross
The old Royal Palace of Poland
Palace of Science and Culture in Warsaw