WARSAW

Warsaw is the first stop on this whirlwind European Itinerary.  Upon arrival we were treated to some excitement as the Bristol Hotel where we are staying is next to the seat of government.  An important meeting between the Qatar head of state and the leader of Poland was just about to take place.  All the dignitaries had their entourages with them and they were leaving the hotel to sounds of police sirens, photographers' flashes and honking horns of all of the vehicles.

Surely this hotel has housed many dignitaries and their visits are commemorated with brass wall ornaments.

We will have a chance to explore the city more but the glimpse of Old Town we had today highlights a labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets, ornate tenement facades and picturesque plazas.

Everything is very colorful and there are many people strolling and amateur musicians playing.  It all contributes to a very festive atmosphere. It is hard to believe that at the end of 1944, 85% of Warsaw's structures had been razed to the ground. Everything has been rebuilt using pre-war sketches, paintings and photographs of Old Town.  The process took until 1962.