skyscraper -

Auckland – a metropolis on a volcanic minefield

Gosia — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:49:40 +0000

Auckland isn’t actually the capital of New Zealand, though it tries very hard to look like it is. Historically, it did hold that title between 1841 and 1865. Today, its modern business district, with towering skyscrapers and cosmopolitan cafés, still feels like the country’s command centre. The city regularly ranks high in quality-of-life surveys, because life here is simply good. Sure, it’s more expensive than other parts of New Zealand, but that clearly doesn’t put anyone off, least of all tourists. Auckland can boast a pretty unique setting. It sits on the Auckland Volcanic Field, a volcanic area made up of roughly 50–53 volcanoes. They’re all dormant now, but the field as a whole is still considered active. What could have been a drawback, the city has turned into a feature. Many of these volcanoes have been converted into parks and viewpoints. The locals have a wonderfully pragmatic approach, if you’re going to live on a volcanic minefield, at least make sure it comes with a nice view. I started my day at Mt Eden, or Maungawhau – the highest point in the city and one of the most photogenic spots in Auckland. It’s a dormant volcano, 196 metres tall, whose last eruption was around 28,000 years ago. At the top sits a massive bowl-shaped crater, about 50 metres deep. A short walk up is rewarded with panoramic views of the entire city, its ports, bays, and other volcanoes. It’s worth remembering that the crater is a sacred site for Māori, so you shouldn’t stray from the marked paths. Mt Eden’s history has another, rather unexpected twist. The stone viewing platform at the summit was built in the 19th century with the help of… an elephant. At the time, the volcano’s slopes were heavily quarried, and the basalt extracted was used to build houses, Mt Eden Prison, and the platform itself. Māori workers and prisoners laboured here but one of the workers was also an elephant called Tom. Tom came to New Zealand as a gift for Prince Alfred, Queen Victoria’s son because, back in the 19th century, if you couldn’t think of a present for an aristocrat, you just gave them an elephant (and this one wasn’t a white elephant). During the sea voyage, he carried tonnes of coal, and upon arriving in Auckland, his strength was put to work hauling heavy blocks of stone up the slopes of Mt Eden. For his efforts, he was paid in sweets and beer, because health and safety, animal welfare, and common sense were treated rather loosely back then. Tom didn’t stay in New Zealand permanently; he ended up in Europe, and his remains can now be seen at Trinity College Museum in Dublin. The platform, meanwhile, still stands and continues to offer one of the best views in the city. From Mt Eden, I headed towards Karangahape Road, known to everyone as K’ Road. It’s one of those streets that doesn’t pretend to be all metropolitan chic. It’s packed with cafés that definitely don’t shut when the bedtime story ends. K’ Road is famous for simply being alive loud, diverse, and without pretence. It’s a bit arty, a bit rebellious, but never boring. Next up was Albert Park, one of the oldest parks in Auckland, established in the 19th century. It sits on a volcanic hill right in the heart of the city, and you can still see the massive trees that remember the park’s early days. The grounds include gardens and the Auckland Art Gallery, but what you can’t see at first glance lies underground. Beneath the park is a network of World War II-era tunnels, built as air-raid shelters. They’re closed today, but knowing they exist gives a whole new perspective on the place. From there, I walked to High Street. It’s the sort of place where you can shop, grab a good coffee, have dinner, or just sit with a glass of wine. Vulcan Lane, a narrow alley between the main streets lined with cafés, is particularly charming. While in the area, it’s worth popping into Giapo – the cult ice cream shop. They serve a Kiwi classic: Hokey Pokey, vanilla ice cream studded with chunks of toffee. Just nearby is Viaduct Harbour, a waterfront district full of restaurants, bars, and cafés overlooking the marina. Auckland is often called the “City of Sails”, with over 135,000 registered yachts and boats, and the Waitematā Harbour and Hauraki Gulf sometimes look like a giant parking lot for people who don’t entirely trust life on land. From almost anywhere in the city, you can spot Auckland’s icon – the Sky Tower. At 328 metres, it dominates the skyline and is the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere. If you prefer something a bit quieter, head to Parnell, Auckland’s oldest and one of its most stylish suburbs. Charming architecture and plenty of restaurants and cafés make it a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Auckland was the last place I visited in New Zealand. And I’m glad I saved it for last — it perfectly summed up the country’s diversity. Ending a trip in a place like this is a bit like closing an adventure book, knowing full well you’ll want to open it again sometime.

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Dubai – MegaStructures

Gosia — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 16:07:54 +0000

Dubai had been on my mind for quite some time. I still remember watching an episode of “Mega Structures” about 10 years ago, fascinated by the extreme project of building this city. Today, when observing this ultra-modern metropolis, it’s hard to believe that not so long ago, Dubai’s land was a desert inhabited by nomadic Bedouin tribes. The city’s rapid development followed the discovery of oil deposits in the 1960s. Dubai’s futuristic vision slowly started to materialise. The skyscrapers reaching the clouds like Burj Khalifa leave an incredible impression. However, the scale of this project becomes even more astonishing when you consider the challenging conditions in which the city was built. The Emirates’ land is mostly covered in sand. The desert ground posed a significant challenge to maintaining the stability of high buildings. To ensure balance, the buildings’ foundations were constructed using piles dug deep into the ground. For instance, the 163-floor Burj Khalifa, standing at 828 metres, rests on a foundation made of 192 piles rammed 50 metres deep. Today, from the observation decks on the 124th, 125th, and 148th floors, you can admire a spectacular panorama of the city, the desert, and the Persian Gulf. The city looks particularly stunning at sunrise. If you plan to visit Burj Khalifa early in the morning, allocate enough time to get there. The route from the metro station leads through a long corridor, which can take up to 30 minutes. It’s also worth arriving shortly before sunrise because when the sun is slightly above the horizon, its rays can make visibility through the glass more challenging. The area around Burj Khalifa is also worth visiting in the evening. On the artificial lake, there’s a performance of dancing fountains. The show starts daily at 6:00 PM and is reapeated every half hour until 11:00 PM. The most imaginative architectural creations in Dubai include artificial islands. One such island hosts Burj Al Arab, one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, standing at 321 meteres. The hotel’s construction cost $650 million. The greatest challenge during construction was ensuring the stability of the high structure. This was achieved by a base made of 230 piles rammed 40 metres deep. There’s a helipad at the top, which has also served as a stage for David Guetta. You can watch this spectacular concert here. Inside Burj Al Arab, you’ll find the largest ceiling adorned with over 21,000 Swarovski crystals symbolising the Milky Way. Additionally, the interior décor includes 1,790 square metres of 24-carat gold. The hotel houses over 200 suites, with the smallest measuring 169 square metres and the largest 780. Guests can choose from 17 types of pillows and dine at nine restaurants, one of which is underwater. The hotel employs three chefs with seven Michelin stars. A beautiful view of Burj Al Arab can be seen from Madinat Jumeirah, a replica of an Arabic town that features hotels, a local souk, and numerous restaurants. A relatively new attraction is the Dubai Frame, located in Zabeel Park. The frame offers incredible views of Dubai. Its construction cost $44 million, and the structure rises to 150 metres. It’s the largest frame in the world, and I doubt anyone else would think of building something similar. The Dubai Frame is open to visitors, with a museum on the ground floor showcasing Dubai’s transformation from a small fishing village to a futuristic city. At the top, you’ll enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of Dubai. The Museum of the Future also stands out with its surprising design. Its unique shape, silver colour, and Arabic calligraphy make it one of a kind. The inscriptions on the building reportedly form a poem by Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed, describing his vision for the city’s future. Next to the Museum of the Future are two iconic towers, the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, and a striking building that serves as the gateway to the Dubai International Financial Centre. Before visiting the Mall of the Emirates, I thought Ski Dubai—a ski center—was a small attraction. However, the complex includes five artificially snow-covered slopes, the longest of which is 400 meters. The slopes are served by two drag lifts and one chairlift. What’s more, despite Dubai’s scorching heat, Ski Dubai maintains a constant temperature between -1 and 2°C (30 to 36 °F). Besides the slopes, there’s also a snow park, sledding track, ice rink, and ice cave. Remarkably, Ski Dubai is home to penguins. Ticket prices include equipment and outfit. If skiing isn’t enough, you can head to the Dubai Mall, which features a massive ice rink. In the evening, visit Dubai Marina in the southern part of the city. Along the 7-kilometer boulevard, you’ll find many cozy cafes and restaurants. Luxury yachts and boats are docked along the artificial waterway. However, Dubai isn’t all glass and concrete. Just outside the city centre you can visit the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s an incredible place where you can see large populations of flamingos posing for photos with skyscrapers in the background. It’s hard to believe that hundreds of birds choose this spot near a busy road so close to the centre of a giant metropolis. The sanctuary is home to around 180 bird species, including herons, ospreys, cranes, cormorants, and mallards. Entry is free, and three observation points are available for visitors. Ras Al Khor is open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM in winter and from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM from April to September.

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Kuwait – space towers and Operation Desert Tire

Gosia — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 15:40:21 +0000

I visited Kuwait quite accidentally and spontaneously. Accidentally, I found cheap tickets there, and I spontaneously visited it regardless that from a logistical point of view, this trip was completely pointless. However, let me start from the beginning. One day in August, I started browsing flight offers and noticed that a well-known budget airline had opened new connections from Rome and Vienna to Kuwait. Return tickets were for €40, including weekend flights. I didn’t have to think long, I quickly looked at the map and estimated that 2-3 days would be enough to see the entire country. I didn’t consider a longer trip, as visiting Kuwait’s neighbours was out of the question. For obvious reasons, I didn’t consider Iraq, the second option was Saudi Arabia but visa there is quite expensive. I was also afraid of high prices Kuwait, which is known as one of the richest countries in the world. Finally, I decided to fly from Rome and return to Vienna, and paid an additional PLN 300 for flights between these cities and Warsaw. The idea was completely crazy, the whole-day flight from Warsaw via Rome to Kuwait, a 2-day stay in Kuwait and then a return to Vienna, with an overnight stay at the airport and a morning flight to Warsaw. However, I needed some change, something new, and above all, I wanted to feel that I was on the way. What did I find there? Well, complete surprise, which I like the most ? Hot and even hotter… Of course, another example of my stupidity was the decision to go there in the middle of summer. I realized that it would be hot, even very hot… like 47℃. I also knew that I would have to wear long pants and blouses that cover my shoulders. However, I didn’t perceive it as an obstacle, because I was sure that the high temperature in a dry climate wouldn’t be so bothersome. However, the reality exceeded my wildest expectations, I finally learned the limit of my tolerance for heat. In the end, I decided to follow the example of the Kuwaitis and travel everywhere by car, and limit my time in the “fresh” air to a minimum. I must admit that this way of sightseeing was an interesting experience. Kuwait is perfectly suited to this type of tourism. It has a very well-developed road infrastructure and plenty of parking spaces. As a result, I travelled 600 km in less than 2 days and I still wonder how it was possible, while Kuwait is only 200 km from north to south. Training of Patience The real highlight is a ride on The Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Causeway. The entire causeway construction cost only $3 billion. After all, who can forbid a rich person? The construction of the road was one of the largest construction projects in the Middle East. It consists of two bridges with a total length of almost 50 km. The main goal of this project was to shorten the road between Kuwait City and Silk City. In the effect the route between these cities has been reduced from 104 km to 36 km. The ride takes 30 minutes, but personally I must admit that it was the longest 30 minutes of my life. Firstly, because nothing, absolutely nothing, happens on this road. The most surprising thing is that there are practically no cars here. Secondly, driving there is more like a training of patience. It might seem that three empty lanes in each direction are the perfect place to check what the factory has given the car, but the speed limit there is 100 km/h and the speed cameras are located in such a way that you can’t even speed up. Ultimately, I decided that it would be safer not to learn the Kuwaiti fines tariff. A similar situation occurs on most roads in Kuwait, three lanes highways, no signs of any life and the speed limit of maximum 120 km/h. Finally, after an hour of singing and talking to myself, I decided to do something useful. The landscape around me was so beautiful that I decided to take photos 😀 There is no water in the desert… Kuwait has no natural sources of drinking water. It’s obtained from seawater desalination. Although I don’t know much about this process, I suspect that it requires a lot of energy. I must admit that the biggest surprise for me was the large amount of greenery. It’s hard for me to imagine how much it costs to maintain green lawns and parks in Kuwait at temperatures reaching almost 50℃. While driving around the city you can see numerous squares and parks. The most popular park is Al Shaheed Park, which also serves as an entertainment space. Various exhibitions, concerts and other shows are organized there. Space towers The city center of Kuwait is incredibly impressive, especially considering that until the 1960s it was a small fishing village. Modernly planned urban space, numerous skyscrapers, clean streets and carefully manicured lawns and parks show that Kuwait doesn’t have cash shortages. The tallest skyscraper in Kuwait is Al Hamra Tower, reaching almost 413 m. Another landmark is Liberation Tower reaching almost 400 m high. As the name suggests, the tower is a symbol of Kuwait’s liberation from Iraqi occupation. It can be recognized by its characteristic ring resembling a UFO plate. An interesting sight in Kuwait are the water towers, which look more like an artistic installation straight from a science fiction movie. There are 6 characteristic clusters of water towers around the city of Kuwait. The five clusters look like huge mushrooms painted with white and blue stripes. The towers were built to distribute water from desalination. According to Sheikh of Kuwait- Jaber Al-Ahmed’s idea, they were to be a work of art and at the same time a symbol of Kuwait’s modernity and technological advancement. The towers look amazing, but the real icing on the cake is the last cluster of three Kuwaiti Towers, which look like huge balls covered with blue sequins. Past times However, it’s not like that Kuwait completely cuts itself off from tradition. In the city center there’s the Souq Al-Mubarakiya, which is a reminder of the times when Kuwait was a trade center. It’s one of the oldest bazaars in Kuwait. You can buy numerous local products, carpets, perfumes, spices and sweets here. The second interesting place is the Kuwaiti Fish Bazaar, located near the Grand Mosque. This bazaar is not like the bazaars I know from the other Arab countries, above all it was immaculately clean, the goods were carefully arranged, and what is most surprising, there was so silent that I didn’t even think about haggling? Operation “Desert Tire” This may seem a bit strange, but before my departure when reading about Kuwait, I became interested in an unusual place, more precisely, a waste tire dump near the town of Sulaibiya. To dispel any doubts, I have no idea about this type of attractions, but the Kuwaiti landfill interested me because of its scale. Apparently over 50 million tires in storage would make it the largest in the world. I wanted to see with my own eyes the desert covered to the horizon with tires. There were numerous fires in the area, which resulted in the emission of harmful substances into the air. The Kuwaiti government has been trying for years to eliminate its harmful effects on the environment, and apparently they had succeeded by the time I arrived. Unfortunately, when I got there I didn’t see many tires, but wild camels grazing in the desert made my day 😀 Burning oil fields Kuwait ranks sixth in the world in terms of oil resources. What’s more interesting, the costs of oil extraction here are the cheapest in the world, because the oil is located almost below the surface of the earth. No wonder that this country is almost completely dependent on it. Therefore, it’s worth visiting the KOC Oil Display Center, where you can learn about the technology of oil extraction. Part of the exhibition is devoted to the disaster of 1991, when Iraqi soldiers retreating from Kuwait set fire to oil wells. This posed a huge threat to the environment and population. It was estimated that 4 million barrels per day would be burnt. Moreover, according to initial estimates, the operation of extinguishing the shafts was supposed to take from 5 to 7 years, but thanks to the huge support of other countries, the situation was brought under control in only 9 months. Another place of remembrance of the war with Iraq is the Al-Qurain Martyrs Museum. The museum looks more like an urbex. The collapsed parts of the building and the walls with bullet holes were left on purpose by the Kuwaiti government. This place is intended to remind us of the bloody 10-hour raid by Iraqi forces on the hideout of Kuwaiti guerrillas. Opposite the museum you can see one of the Iraqi tanks used in the battle.

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Brooklyn Bridge-21 elephants and 17 camels…

Gosia — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 17:32:58 +0000

The Brooklyn Bridge – an icon of New York and one of the most recognisable symbols of the Big Apple. I admit I didn’t expect that it would make such a big impression on me. By the way, just knowing that this is one of the oldest span bridges in the world it’s a sufficient reason to be under big impression. Actually, when it was built in 1883 was also the longest suspended bridge in the world. Less than a week after its opening ceremony, the bridge became a place of tragedy, 12 people died on it. During Memorial Day celebrations false alarm about the alleged risk of bridge collapse caused panic among the people participating in the march. This accident and lack of trust for innovative construction caused the residents of NYC to stop using the bridge. It was only the ingenious move of the city authorities who decided to lead 21 elephants and 17 circus camels across the bridge that restored the confidence of NYC residents in the Brooklyn Bridge. To this day, its elaborate construction consisting of powerful stone towers, as well as a large number of steel wires makes it awesome. I won’t even mention marvelous views of Manhattan. In addition to its basic transport function, the Brooklyn Bridge was also the place where wine was stored. Massive granite pillars created isolation and guaranteed perfect conditions for storing wine in the cellars inside. One of these rooms also served as an anti-bomb shelter during the Cold War. It was discovered only in 2006 during bridge construction inspection. Inside the room were medical supplies, water and a supply of high – calorie crackers. Currently you can visit here a photography gallery, located inside metal containers. Being around, it’s also worth visiting the so-called DUMBO. DUMBO is nothing more than an acronym used to determine the NYC area – Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries DUMBO was a warehouse and industrial center, also today you can see old warehouses, made of characteristic red brick. Currently, many of these buildings are transformed into iconic boutiques and small art galleries. However, DUMBO’s most important point is the corner of Front and Washington streets. You can recognize it by a large number of tourists, trying to capture a perfect snap 😉 It’s worth going here both day and night. The view of two bridges – Brooklyn and Manhattan is terrific! Moving further towards the Brooklyn Bridge, you can see the iconic Jane’s Carousel from 1922. It creates the amazing, old-fashioned atmosphere of this place. It’s also worth taking a look at Brooklyn Bridge Park, where you can find an amazing view of Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridge . Visit this place both day and night.

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Girl on a Trail, New York for a song!

Gosia — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 19:35:44 +0000

New York is considered one of the most expensive cities in the world. After a week’s holidays in the “Capital of the world”, I admit it’s so damn expensive. However, it doesn’t mean that you have to lose your shirt to see this city. On the contrary, a large number of attractions is available there for a few dollars or even free of charge. Drink on the roof Entrance to the terraces of New York skyscrapers can be pricey, on average it costs 40 $. You need around spare 120$ to visit viewing platforms in Empire State Building, Top of the Rock in Rockefeller Center and One World Observatory. However, the wonderful panorama of the city both day and night can be seen from the many roof bars. For the price of a drink or beer, you can admire a wonderful view of the city for free! The most popular and the biggest one is the 230 Fifth Rooftop in which additionally offers happy hour, so you can even lower the total cost of your drink 😉 More details you can find here. Other popular spots include: Spyglass Rooftop Bar, or Skyline Rooftop Bar & Lounge. Cable car with a view of Manhattan The panorama of New York can be seen even cheaper, in the price of a ticket for public transport. For less than $ 3 you can hop on the a cable car to Roosevelt Island. The station is located at Tramway Plaza. The route leads just above the Queensboro Bridge and offers a great view of the eastern part of Manhattan. Cruise with Lady Liberty New York public transport also offers a free ferry cruise to Staten Island. Ferries leave from Whitehall Terminal located in the southern part of Manhattan and pass right next to Lady Liberty. This option allows you to save 25$, because that’s how much the trip to explore monument with the nearby Ellis Island costs. An additional attraction is the amazing view of the southern part of Manhattan along with the One World Trade Center. World Trade Center on Tuesday… In the current World Trade Center complex, you can visit a museum dedicated to the tragedy of 11th September 2001. Admission to the museum costs 26$, however, few tourists realise that it’s possible to visit it free of charge every Tuesday between 5pm and 7pm. To visit the museum you need to grab a free ticket from the ticket booth before 5pm. I honestly admit that I expected a huge queue on the spot, meanwhile most people had tickets purchased online or New York Pass card. I didn’t even stand in queue for a free ticket. In the Vault Free tours are also offered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The interior of the vault can only be seen during organised trip booked via the website. Trips are carried out from Monday to Friday from 1pm to 2 pm due to great interest, is better to book it earlier. Inside the great library While being in Bryant Park, it’s worth taking a look of the New York Public Library. It’s said that this is one of the largest public libraries in the world. The interior of the library delights with design and greatness. Many famous films were made here like: Ghostbusters, Breakfast at Tiffany’s or Spiderman. Admission is free of course 😉 Bookstore under the stars On the eastern side of Central Park you can visit an interesting bookstore called Albertine, which offers a huge collection of French books. However, the greatest impression is the interior of the bookstore, a room that’s actually one big mirror and especially the ceiling, on the second floor, which looks like the sky with a hundred stars. An interesting option, especially for beer connoisseurs, is a trip to Brooklyn Brewery. The admission on weekdays costs 18 $, however, it’s free of charge on Saturdays and Sundays, tours are carried out at every half hour and start from 12 pm and ends at 18 pm. For those who are planning to visit numerous museums in New York, the best deal is New York pass. The card offers access to more than 100 attractions including points of view on towers. Detailed information can be found here.

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Moscow – seven sisters

Gosia — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 14:53:39 +0000

Reportedly, after the war, Stalin was going to say the following words: ” we won the war… foreigners will come to Moscow, go for a walk, and there’re no skyscrapers.” I don’t know if this quote is true, but the fact is that just after WWII, USSR set the wheels of great rebuilding machine in the motion, including the realisation of the great Stalin’s vision – project called Seven Sisters. Seven Sisters are in fact seven skyscrapers which were designed to be higher, prettier and more modern than these in the United States during that time. However, the name of seven sisters is not popular in Moscow, Muscovites have their own term, they call them ” Stalin’s skyscrapers”. The architecture of Seven Sisters is simple as a socialist ideology. They’re characterised by monumentalism, symmetry and mandatory the Soviet star at the top. This style was meant to express not so much “elegance” as the power and strength of the working people! In short – modern Soviet design 😉 How do sisters look like nowadays? You don’t need to visit Moscow, just a trip to the centre of Warsaw will do the trick, however it’s worth reaching the source of this ” architectural mainstream” Moscow University Building Moscow University Building was built in 1953. It’s 240 meter high which makes it the highest of the seven sisters. It’s said that it was the highest skyscraper in Europe until the 90’s. It was designed by the same architect, who designed the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw. The University of Moscow lies at the top of the Sparrow Hills, form which you can admire panorama the city. Ukraine Hotel and Leningrad Hotel In the competition for the most beautiful surroundings the winner is the former Ukraine Hotel (206 meters) built in 1957, located right on the banks of the Moscow river. Until the mid-70’s it was the highest hotel in the world. The 5-star luxury Radisson hotel is now located here. A slightly different look has the lowest of the sisters – former Leningrad hotel (136 meters), now Hilton. Its architecture was inspired by the American skyscrapers like Tower Terminal in Cleveland. Kotelnicheskaya building If someone likes “Stalin design”, it’s always possible to move into Kotelnicheskaya building. It was presented many times in the Moscow films, and it was once occupied by many cinema and theatre stars. It’s a 32-storey condo reaching 176 meters, on the Kotelnicheskaya embankment. The building has about 700 -800 apartments, there’re also: post office, shops, restaurants and even the cinema. From the higher storeys you can admire the beautiful view of Moscow and the estuary of the nearby river. Anyone interested? 😉 Building on Kudrinskaya Just a little further from the centre of Moscow, there’s a second residential block of flats, reaching 160 meters. It’s occupied mainly by state officials. Red Gate building The two last sisters are government buildings. The first skyscraper is the seat of the Ministry of Agriculture. It’s 133 meters high and located on the Red Gate Square. It’s a little bit crooked, due to the unstable ground on which it was built. Ministry of Foreign Affairs The last skyscraper is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, built in 1952 r. and reaching 172 meters. It can be recognised by the characteristic Soviet Union emblem on the facade. The plans were to build the 8th sister, which was supposed to be one of the tallest buildings in the world. Although the project of this building was done, it has never been built. The main reason was that such a huge construction would dominate the Kremlin. However, the project was used to build the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw. Warsaw Palace is basically the continuation of the great Stalin’s vision and the “gift of Soviet nations to Polish people”. However, such gifts were lavishly given in other former USSR countries for instance: The House of the Free Press in Bucharest, Družba Hotel in Prague, or the Palace of Culture and Science in Riga, which I visited a few years ago.

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