snaptra on August 18, 2011

town , where the lovely coloured superstructures, medieval houses, with flowers in the windows, Warsaw june 2011 657  narrow street lanes, present a wonderful history lesson. Admiring beauty of this town , visitors discover the latent wealth of historical past and a multi-age influences of Denmark, Sweden, Poland , Lithuania , Russia on this region of the former Livonia , today Estonia . The first experience of the beautiful capital of independent Estonia, looking at the church towers, defensive walls, merchants homes and store houses , guests connect instantly with distant times of the history pages of Estonia. Country where on its patch of the Baltic Sea region, Denmark, Sweden,  Tsarist Russia and Poland fought for supremacy . Big influence into this region was brought by German culture represented by the Union of Hanseatic towns . Currently, Estonia enjoys a peaceful independence of the status of a member of the European Community, which should be mentioned, is handling well the problems of the GFC – Global Financial Crisis .In Tallinn in a great atmosphere providing a rich history of Estonia, the tourists also come into contact with the dynamism of a modern country, a country with strong economy and a prosperous finances. One of the earliest historical records,  where name AESTII , from which Estonia derives the name , can be found in records of Tacitus , dating to the first century AD . This region, as written in the 5th century by Roman historian Cassiodorus was known to be domiciled by Estonians. ForWarsaw june 2011 758

 

a long period of European history,   this was the area of influence of fights and wars of Vikings, Scandinavians, Russian tribes, Finns and the Polish Crown. Strolling among the retreats of Old Town, surrounded by huge walls, with soaring defending towers of the town and the guarded gates ,one can easily get lost in fantasies about distant times of European history. Beautifully restored , thanks to financial support of UNESCO, 13-th century houses and places bring travellers within the world of unprecedented experiences. One of the central places of the old town, situated at the foot of Toompea Hill, is Raekoja plats. At this attractive square, there is plentiful of interesting, full of history buildings. City Council Building RAEKODA boldly determined by a diamond’s Gothic architecture was founded in 1404 .The building presents enormous wealth of exterior stonework as well as sculptural artistry seen on the fifteenth – century interiors, rooms and chambers of the unique design and architecture. On the square there is also Raekoja ,where one experiences wonderfully unique architecture as well as pharmacists craftsmanship, dated since at least 1422 years, is town pharmacy-

RAEAPTEEK. Pharmacy with display of, unprecedented medieval examples of medicaments like dried frogs, herbs , leaches , roots , attracts attention of many tourists .On the Raekoja Square in many restaurants one can enjoy the specialties of Estonian cuisine . Fish dishes like eel, famous “ sprats” of the Baltic Sea or meat dish specialties where “game” of the Estonian forests , like bear cutlets or “Soljanka” hot soup for main course with beer during the summer whims of the region aura, when cold wind blows from the northern Baltic Sea, are welcome experiences while exploring the city. Near the square Raekoja, there is attractive Marzipan Museum Warsaw june 2011 663 presenting jewels of great craftsmanship. One can visit the place and buy something sweet for dessert after a delicious lunch . Estonians claim the right to call their marzipan best in the World . After a tasty meal ended with dessert, strolling the streets of Tallinn’s beautiful , at every step surprising town , lanes and alleys where history in form of attractive and stylish buildings is true delight . Churches like the thirteenth – century “Puha Vaimu Kirki” Church of the Holy Spirit, or ” Niguliste “church dating from the fifteenth century and also “ Dominikklaste Klooster “Dominican Monastery founded in 1246 one of the oldest buildings in the city, in which Interestingly there is a museum where you can view the room in which monks lived, can bring feelings of fascination with remote history of Tallinn. “Katarina Kaike” St. Catherine’s Marketplace, this narrow passage among the stone walls, hoods, bows supporting adjacent buildings, where you can boldly say, while absorbing air from the distant times of Tallinn, one feels like in Medieval times .  Not far from

this passage, on Vene Street 18, there is a nicely preserved the Catholic Church of St. Peter and Paul, who is very closely related to Polish history. This is one of the two churches of the Roman – Catholic faith in Tallinn. Strolling the streets, roam the various corners of the tiny Old Town Talinn , one always reaches cube stones road of entry into the Toompea Hill where wonderful views of the Lower Old Town with its great building and structures , spreads . The “Pikk JALG” charming approach to the hill crowned by the Castle Square where a beautiful Palace is placed .  Today it is

the seat of Parliament, where tri-colored flag of free Estonia flows. Through seven centuries, in various art and architectural styles now Palace represents eighteenth century Baroque style of its outer elevation . Palace stands on the place of amazing multi-age stories of Estonia , where always it was the seat of power. It is a place where old fortress, around year 1219, once upon proudly stood and provided defence for the city against the invasion of Danish troops. Denmark one can state gave the foundation for the statehood and all administrative concepts for Estonia . Unfortunately for many centuries , despite its rich national traditions , Estonia was under the influence of neighbouring countries . Sweden, Russia, Prussia, the “Hansa ” culture which gave town its other name of REVAL , as well as Poland, while exercising their military powers ,played a dominant role on development of Estonian history. One of the examples of influence on Estonia is Eastern Rite Christianity example of , the dominant architectural structure of , “Alexander Nevski” Cathedral .  It was raised in 1894 by

Tsar Alexander III decision , who named it by the name of the thirteenth century hero of Russia, who then conquered south-eastern Estonia and Pskov. Construction of the Cathedral designed by famous architect of St. Petersburg Michail Preobrazhensky ,was completed in 1900. As legend has it this Cathedral being on the place , where the tomb of the hero of Estonia Kalev supposed to be resting ,is cursed and has serious design flaws . This Cathedral being great architectural example of old orthodox style and is called Russian Revival style . Toomkirik, also known as St. Mary’s Church, being the oldest church in Estonia was build during the first wave of Danish invasions in 1219 and for the visitors is worth of attention .  Slender, with a fourteenth century Gothic interior brings visitors into interesting atmosphere, especially where the grave of Thuve Johann OTTO, called Don Juan of Estonia is located . He was well known owner of Edis Vääna and Koonu towns and is also famous for his cheerful personality, as it was shown by his presence in large festivities with singing,  great quantities of wine and women as well. In 1696 he was buried according to wishes on the threshold of entrance into the Church allowing as he wanted all kneeling to prayer, helping his soul with its salvation . Interesting part of the period of the sixteenth century the history of Estonia was the “Livonian War” in which the offensive by the famous King Stefan Batory took place . Traces of these military struggles, of years 1558 – 1583 ,with Tsarist Russia in which beside Poland and Lithuania were also engaged coalition troops of Denmark, Norway and the Kingdom of Sweden, are visible on the defence walls of tower, called “Kiek in de Kok” which means “Looking into the kitchen.” The walls of this tower, dating its existence from 1481 hold in its body bedded 9 cannon balls fired from the cannons of Tsar Ivan IV. Not far from the Old Town of Tallinn, a short trip by tram, there is a Kadriorg. This is a beautiful recreation complex. The Baroque palace surrounded by manicured garden was built by Peter the Great, Tsar of Russia. This is where the open space in the park, after discovering the attractions of old , narrow streets of Tallinn’s Old Town, provides while strolling among the green grass and flowery gardens flowerbeds of the palace , great reward of pleasing relaxation moments .  Taking into accountWarsaw june 2011 639 the geographical location of Tallinn in relation to the Poland , only 1 ½ hour flight from Warsaw, one should look at a plan for a small trip to this friendly city while using LOT Polish Airlines offers of frequent connections at the same time also enjoying attractive price offers for flights from Warsaw to Tallinn.

WMIG

snaptra on July 23, 2011

also central place in European politics in this special year . It is  Warsaw,   the geographical center of Europe, where  major political decisions will be discussed as , Poland holds in the second half of 2011 ,Presidency in the European Community.

From Warsaw,  positive decisions  about  current state of the economy, security and financing  in the EU,  will flow  to people  of “old “  but still young Continent of Europe
 Warsaw this  summer,  is also a city of entertainment,  relaxation and great experiences of historical and cultural wealth .  Warsaw and the whole world celebrate  the great anniversaries  of great Poles , Nobel Prize  holders.. 100 years birthday of poet Czeslaw Milosz, and a special year, the brilliant Madame Curie, who  was  born in Warsaw’s  beautiful Old Town . These special facts  attract and bring to Warsaw  many foreign visitors. City of Warsaw is a true poetry .Not many may remember that in the beautiful capital of Polish, on August 14, 1867  Arthur Francis Michael Oppman, poet Warsaw, was born . He also died in Warsaw, November 4, 1931. OR-OT, as he was known under this pseudonym name, of “ positivist era of “ Young Poland” secession period ,  poet, wrote one of his beautiful poem, legend about  the “Golden Duck”. In Warsaw one can see the pleasing  monument to the ducks, with  golden crown, seating on the surface of the fountain . The fountain with statue  is  beautifully situated at the foot of the Gninskich-Ostrogski Palace , where Museum of Frederic Chopin is placed .  Tamka Street just by the University of Chopin Chopin, adds many nice touches to the vibrant life of Warsaw . The poem about the “Golden Duck”  recalls the legend, presenting a beautiful duck floating on the panes of the underground lake,  which was supposedly located under the Gninski -Ostrogski Palace .  While navigating  the charming Warsaw on  OR-OT trail,  one  can learn many interesting  facts about places and alleys of the city. Warsaw’s Old Town was and is one of the  busy places and here also  lived OR-OT. This great place of Warsaw  allowed  him to  learn  about  many legends and aspects of the city’s history. On the  Kanonia street,  where OR- OT lived , many great artists  of Warsaw like  Boleslaw Prus, Stefan Zeromski, Felicjan Falenski, Wladyslaw Reymont, Kazimierz Break-Tetmajer, Boleslaw Le?mian, Antoni Lange, Wojciech Kossak, Jan Lechon and many others of  ” Young Poland ” in  atmosphere of artistic fervor met  OR-OT. At the end of his life o OR-OT  moved from the Old Town to Zoliborz , where he died . He is buried in the Alley of the Meritorious at Warsaw’s Powazki Cemetery , which should be visited  while in  Warsaw  as this place  of memory  provides  interesting  lesson of  Poland’s history . Historical “Filters” of Warsaw  this  unprecedented complex treatment of Vistula water for city residents to  obtain potable water is truly interesting evenement of history of Poland capital. In 1876 the President of Warsaw Socrates Starynkiewicz with his signature, has entered into an agreement with William Lindley,  for the construction of waterworks and sewerage system. The complex at that time was quite revolutionary modern enterprise. Year 1886, July 3 is the date when  for the first time  water flown  to the  houses  of Warsaw citizens . water. Filters of Warsaw, despite the destruction of the city during the  WWII , have been secured by the Nazis and  with liberation of Warsaw could survived to this day. They  use  for  water supply continues to Warsaw and are also an interesting tourist attraction. The same water from “ Filters”  is  used  along with lasers, lights and  music, during the show where  fountains at the foot of the Old Town at  summer  “weekends ”  of Warsaw provide  incredible visual and acoustic entertainment. The show attracts a mass of visitors and inhabitants of Warsaw. This aesthetic, artistic presentation of performances in a unique way of  legends of  Warsaw also related to the history of Polish Capital with  music and the creative  concepts  of artistic  nature , where the twenty-first century technologies are  used  ,presents original spectacle. In  the park where the show takes place there is an attractive monument  of William Lindley, giving respect to creator  of this  nineteenth – century Warsaw “ Filters”  marvel . Warsaw Citadel,  where during the nineteenth century Tsarist Russia imprisoned and sent to death of  many  heroic freedom fighters of Poland  is an important aspect of the history of Warsaw . The physical aspects of the fortification, interesting museum should  be part of Warsaw sightseeing during the visit to Warsaw .
June 15 of this year, when the cosmos was in  eclipse of the moon, as a result of the position of Earth in relation to its satellite, Warsaw celebrated  historical event. The interesting , symbol  of period, of the 1950- th era , a great globe of Planet Earth, on the roof of a house at Jerozolimskie  Avenue  shone for the first time, in the summer night of  Warsaw. The Globe  sent a great light energy into  the hearts  of  “Varsovians”  and also  to the  world inhabitants, signalling  the greatness and attractiveness of the beautiful Polish capital Warsaw.
The summer in Warsaw  vibrates to  the  wonderful rhythm of jazz and popular music. Ringo Starr, Joe Cocker, Césaire Evoira these wonderful , not astronomical , but stars of world entertainment ,add  extra excitement  to a sensational atmosphere of Warsaw.  July 1 with the , culture, music, entertainment  inaugurated in Warsaw  the  big and complex event  of Polish  EU PRESIDENCY  . The group “Manhattan Transfer” and many others  by the  fireworks on the Parade Square “ Plac Defilad”  allowed “Varsovians “, despite the rainy weather,  great entertainment to celebrate this important day of Polish and European history. Warsaw vibrant mood is reflected in  construction of the National Stadium  and preparations for the EURO 2012 European football championship . The construction of the second  line of underground has also  began . Due to work on this project  many streets  are closed to allow the builder  carry on with  executions for this wonderful form of urban transport like METRO . The new  underground line of  Warsaw  METRO will lead from the east to the west of the city. It will join  interesting part of Warsaw ,  PRAGA district  placed on eastern side of Wisla River ,going through the center of Warsaw  to Wola District  and in the future  to other areas  west of the city. Soon the city transport in Warsaw will be enriched by a new connection. A special ,  dedicated railway line from the  Frederic Chopin International Airport at Okecie  ,  will carry passengers to the city center, to  the “Central” station. Once this line will be opened  attractive Warsaw airport  will truly become  stylish  “hub.”  Airport  on the map of world air routes. Warsaw is also the focal point for wonderful excursions outside the city.  One of the interesting routes  is the region of Lowicz.  With  its  famous folklore with beautiful colour “ runners” , costumes and the nearby museum, the palace in Nieborów, charming Park in Arcadia, a manor in Zelazowa Wola, and many great wealth of culture in  Mazovia , allows visitor ,even deeper penetration into the  wealth of  legacy of Polish and Warsaw  history . In the spirit and atmosphere of Polish EU Presidency ,the world looks at  Warsaw.  The  vibrant  and dynamic cultural life is  enriched  by  Musical Theatre “Roma”, which currently presents the incredible artistic voices and high class of music  in   world-class  production and performances  in  “Les Miserables”. However cabaret of  Malgorzata  Potocka “Sabbath” with taste  presented  wonderful spectacle  the ” Kisses from the World “. Graceful dancers on stage, great singers , present guests who beside the show also enjoy  delicious foods  with  truly worldly spectacle , of  Parisian cabaret atmosphere and style . Warsaw sends kisses  to the world too .   Visitors in Warsaw are presented on a global scale with  metropolitan  mood of Metropolis . In Warsaw many aspects of Polish  history, are presenting visitor  with true scale of Poland input into  European history .  In Warsaw  to experience the wonderful  Polish traditions and hospitality one can  plunge straight into the  delicious  typical Polish cuisine dishes . Maybe not always easy on one figure , but excellent in taste  . The culinary delights and specialities of Poland  can be enjoyed at many restaurants . One of them is on the  Theatre Square Restaurant “Chlopskie Jadlo”.  They serve wide range of soups , where on the warm day  “ Chlodnik “ – cold soup is very popular . Main courses where polish dumplings  are favoured or “ bigos “  which is meat , cabbage, sausages  , mushrooms  and spices  stew  . Of course, in summery wonderful atmosphere of Warsaw with great meal  a pint of Polish beer is required. As history tells,  Polish King Boleslaw I the Brave, called “beer drinker” enjoyed taste  of this great drink 1000 years ago, and ?? Leszek the First  liked beer so much  that the lack of appropriate quantities of beer for the participants of the  “ Crusading expeditions “  made him  decide not to participate in this , so important  in his reign . Warsaw more beautiful from year to year. New great edifices, buildings and  architectual structures  are constructed . Building of  Science Centre “Copernicus” in Warsaw Powisle District  with full of courage architectural statements , white and red   exterior of  National Stadium, they add enormous charm to the city. However  plan to build Karas  Palace  in a prestigious part of the  Krakowskie Przedmiescie , near the  Staszic Palace , in the  so called “lounge”  of Royal Route of Warsaw edifices , will   enrich attractive presentation of the Warsaw “BOULRVARD”,   which is the trail stretching from Old Town along the Krakowskie Przedmiescie ,  Nowy Swiat , Ujazdowskie  Avenue  , to the  LAZIENKI Palace and Park .  And from there? To  Wilanowski Palace . This Palace  as always, with  the  magnetic appearance  fascinates imagination of visitors. It is  from  this Palace  King Jan III Sobieski with his hussars went to the aid of the Habsburg Monarchy and their contemporary Europe. This fact, called  “the Vienna relief” allows for spinning  of some comparisons with the contemporary  XXI century  Europe where  Poland being an important member of the European family, is involved  in building  united  continent. After visiting and sensations in Wilanow Palace,  one  can also  eat well in this delightful corner of Wilanow. Stylish Restaurant “Nowa  Kuznia,” presents a delicious and sophisticated Polish culinary specialties. Let chicken livers with apples or duck with  special pastries called “ racuchy “ vouch about the truly special culinary delights awaiting the guests at this restaurant placed at he historical building of the King Sobieski blacksmith . In June this year ,  heralding  new era of travel to Poland ,  on the  Warsaw sky appeared, on trial  flight , the newest , sophisticated in its engineering passenger airplane . On June 24 2011 , at  Warsaw’s Okecie  airport, Boeing 787, called the “Dreamliner.” has landed  .  Soon, in the colours of the  LOT Polish Airlines National Carrier of Poland , this marvel of aviation  will operate in LOT fleet . This aircraft will allow for unprecedented comfort  of travel to , so romantically described in songs by famous composers  as Hemar, Szpilman and Neman, beautiful Warsaw .
Currently LOT Polish Airlines with  many partners within STAR ALIANCE like  Singapore Airlines offer attractive   fares to Poland from many regions of he World .

June / July 2011  WMIG