Warsaw -

Warsaw’s bazaars – the capital lives here

Gosia — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 19:40:24 +0000

What comes to your mind when thinking about Warsaw? For sure not bazaars… Most people would say that the Palace of Culture and Science, skyscrapers and fancy boutiques in the city centre. There’s no doubt the center of Warsaw is completely different from the rest of the city. As a matter of fact each capital’s district represents its own ” homey ” climate. In Warsaw’s life, for years, bazaars have played a major role. Not only have they been a place of trade but also an important meeting spot. It’s true that I’m a little late with this post, as it lacks the “pearl” of Warsaw markets – the European Market, also called the 10th Anniversary Stadium However, there are still a few places saved from being seized by developers, where you can feel the local vibe. In addition to visiting old places, you can also visit new interesting spots, located in the old trade halls or even on the platform of the former railway station. Wolumen Bazaar The bazaar on Wolumen street was built in the 60’s. Then mainly bric-a-brac goods were sold there. In the late 70’s and 80’s, the Persian fair was moved here from the Old Town. However, sellers from the Old Town changed their place of sale to the Kolo bazaar, while the Wolumen Bazaar specialized in electronics. In the 90’s, the bazaar was infamous for selling pirate records and “hot” goods such as car radios and mobile phones. Despite the enormous competition from the famous Europa fair, Wolumen has always been an important shopping centre and even a social gathering spot. Besides, it’s still a place close to the heart of many residents. Wolumen is not only a bazaar, but also a meeting place. Personally, I remember when I was in elementary school, I used to play truant from school and go for famous hamburgers with crispy onion, served at the local bar. At the time, the bazaar consisted of two parts, which were divided by Kasprowicza street. Nowadays local vegetable and fruit suppliers sell their goods on Tuesdays and Fridays, while an electronic fair with flea market is organised on weekends. Kolo Bazaar The bazaar, also called Collectors’ Exchange, has become almost an institution on the map of Warsaw. It is a unique place that moves into the times of old Warsaw. You don’t have to be an expert in antiques to fall in love with Kolo at first sight. In the bazaar you can find literally everything, like: porcelain, sculptures, clothes, military objects, to furniture, books or toys. The ability to “dive” into the boxes is necessary in order to fish out gems such as militia helmets, badges, uniforms or Lenin’s bust. There are many interesting items in the form of sculptures and paintings. Koło Bazaar is a unique place. You can feel here a specific atmosphere of old Warsaw markets. Both sellers and customers are people who shares the same passion and who have known this place for years. Koło Bazaar is a piece of history of Warsaw, hidden in the offered goods and the memory of people who have been connected with it for a long time The Bazaar is open on weekends from 6 to 15, located on Obozowa street (corner of Ciołka street). In the 90’s, the popularity of Kolo Bazaaar was so high that at times the traffic on nearby streets was really heavy. For this reason, it was decided to open an additional bazaar at nearby Olimpia stadium. Early morning on Sundays, the silence of Moczydlo Park, is disrupted by the noise of dragged suitcases. The suitcases are filled with various goods for sale. Here everyone can sell everything. Professional sellers have stalls, while rookies present their assortment on fence or on plastic foils on the ground. Many Warsaw markets have a wide choice of goods, however, on Olympia there’s literally everything. You can find old cassette tapes, old newspapers, tableware, bikes, household appliances, tools, food products, not to mention countless clothes. Folksy atmosphere is also on the right side of the Vistula at the Namysłowska bazaar. The range of goods is similar here as in the western part of Warsaw. It’s the perfect place for hunters of the unique, old things. To find something interesting, you must have a lot of patience to dig through a pile of clothes, shoes or cartons full of different things. However, for buyers, this hunting is an inseparable and important part of the entire buying process. Two halls on Jana Pawla street Two halls on Jana Pawla st. is a place where history meets modernity. They’re more than 100 years old and still an important trading point. The halls were built to improve hygiene conditions for the food sold in Warsaw bazaars. It was the first venture of this kind in Warsaw. The first hall, called Mirowska used to be the barracks for the army which were replaced at the beginning of the 19th and 20th century. Then typical red brick buildings were built. The second hall – Hala Gwardii is named after the sports club. It was the popular venue of boxing fights. The two halls are essentially different, and that’s the whole charm of the place. The first hall is decorated accordingly to socialistic design, with the famous old supermarket in the centre. The memory of childhood also brings back a toy helicopter, with distinctive information in the background. I can bet that it haven’t been replaced since 90’s 😉 Right at the entrance to the hall there’s an atmospheric Market Bar. Both halls are separated by a bazar. In addition to local vegetables, fruit and regional goods, exotic products can also be purchased here. The goods are beautifully arranged here, even eggs look like the best chocolates in Belgian stores 😀 The Gwardia Hall has a modern interior where you can taste international specialities. Numerous events are also organized here, and regional products can be found on stands. Koszyki Hall Koszyki Hall was founded shortly after the construction of the previous two halls, in the years 1906-1909. In translation Koszyki menas baskets in Polish. Its name as if it could indicate, isn’t derived from baskets sales. According to historians, it was named after the special trenches which were built on this site in 1770. The trenches were intended to protect Warsaw from cholera epidemic, although the real reason was money that was sent to the city’s vault as a result of strengthened control over the movement of people to Warsaw. These trenches were reinforced by the wicker basktes, hence the name of the hall and the street attached to it. There are numerous shops and restaurants in the modern interior which resembles the old design. Metal construction, ceramic tiles in corridors, characteristic green color and old store signs create a unique atmosphere. You can purchase here regional products such as jam, homemade pastries or local sausages and cheeses. Those who are bored with Polish cuisine can try Mexican, Italian or Indian disihes. Excellent craft beer is served in the bar at the centre point of the hall. On cold days, it’s best to warm yourself with dense hot chocolate in Karmello. Night market Speaking of hipster places, Night market is another important point on the map of Warsaw. It’s located on the old Main Railway Station near Zawisza roundabout. The market is located in a place which is not eagerly frequented by most tourists. A trip to a place deep down a dark street along old railway warehouses decorated with graffiti does not seem to be a good idea for many visitors. Meanwhile appearances can be deceptive. Night Market is the culinary capital of the world. Those who have enough dumplings or granny’s meatballs, come here to taste unique international cuisine. Latecomers, prefer this spot after the party. Chinese, Thai, Korean, French, Italian, American, Thai, Mexican cuisine, to name but a few, the choice of dishes is mindboggling. Food is more expensive than in ordinary food trucks, but it is worth to pay a liitle more to feel the unique atmosphere of the place. The night market is located at Kolejowa 3 st. and is open from spring to autumn on Fridays and Saturdays from 17.00 to 01.00 and on Sundays from 16.00 to 23.00. Not only dinner, but also breakfast! Breakfast Market is an excellent option not only for those who party a little longer. Every weekend, those who have engough scrambled eggs for breakfast or healthy food lovers meet here. There’s no shortage of delicious international food. In a moment you can find yourself in Asia, Africa, America – best way to start the day. In addition to breakfast, you can purchase healthy food including regional products. Additionally, there are also numerous events and culinary workshops. This outdoor food market has won the hearts of many Warsaw residents.

Artykuł Warsaw’s bazaars – the capital lives here pochodzi z serwisu .

Warsaw – 1,2,3… bungee

Gosia — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 15:33:42 +0000

Have yoy ever tried bungee jamping? I guess everyone has had a falling dream even once. I’m not superstitious and I don’t believe in dream interpretations but reportedly it connects with an anxiety of losing control over a particular aspect of life. Fortunately I’m unfamiliar with such dilemmas but on the other hand lack of control of situation makes our life diversified and fascinating. Once in a while I realize that I need something new, unusual which will stick in my mind forever. Although I don’t like such dreams I’ve decided to try it in practice. The main difference between bungee jumping and falling dream is that the anxiety transforms into devouring fear and a lack of control regards not just one but all aspects of life. But maybe I will start from beginning. This memorable “escapade” wasn’t my first adventure with air acrobatics. It started harmlessly from several abseils from bridges in Stanczyki near Goldap in Poland. It was really nice and relaxing experience. I had full control of the abseiling speed and I could stop every time when I wanted. Levitating several dozen meters above ground I was able to feel THIS space. The situation wasn’t strictly comforting as it was organized by my friend whose acquaintance with this “discipline” was restricted to the fact that his father was a roofer. This activity was also forbidden there in view of a poor condition of the bridges. Later, during my studies I was working at a company which organized integration parties. During one of our trip to Jura Krakowsko – Czestochowska we organized bungee jumping as a one of activities. During assembling equipment, I told my boss that I would like to try it. Unfortunately I didn’t expected that I would have a honor to test that equipment as a first person! Well the word was said so I only had to pay the price for it. Another lesson to remember that firstly I should think, next say and in the end do. But bungee jumping requires an absolute reversal of this order. You should put your common sense aside and just jump. My clinical case was special as I stopped thinking, jumped from 60 meter high crane and lost my tongue. By the way, I learnt the hard way the accuracy of the saying “to be weak at the knees”. This experience was compartmentalized to the category: “done and ticked”. Unfortunately, some years after, emptiness of my head was overcome by THIS thought. I decided “to raise the bar” and jump form 90 m in Warsaw. You may think that second jump is a piece of cake but regrettably it isn’t. I had to encounter with my biggest opponent – full awareness how it looks like! After fast formalities, like signing declaration about my health condition and so on, I stood on the edge of swinging cage and I did something which I shouldn’t have done… I started analyzing my situation. My brain started encompassing all mysteries of physics and every meter from the top to the ground. I realized that attempt of a rational thinking was a little bit ridiculous when I was standing almost 100 meters above the ground and pinning all my faith on the rope attached to my legs. I stopped thing about the jump and focused on horizon and beautiful panorama of Warsaw. I didn’t feel the height then. If not for this harness which was mercilessly pulling me down, I could admire this view for hours on end. I gathered myself, inhaled some fresh air, tipped forward and winged my way down. The ground started approaching really fast, scream was futile, speed and the rush of the air led to apnea and unfortunately my stomach wasn’t my ally. Full lack of control over the body and situation triggered off more adrenaline explosion than adrenaline rush. My mind tried to find a way to escape, but it was all in vain. Finally I could hear the rustle of stretching rope, the situation seemed to be in hand but then I felt a strong jolt and went up very fast. I had one thing in my mind, if the rope was falling with me or next to me. That falling was a little bit shorter. But why did I do it? I don’t have suicidal thoughts but I have progressive fear of heights. Moreover the longer I live in this beautiful world the more I realize that day by day I have more to lose. It sounds a little bit ridiculous in context of the article on bungee jumping but this experience is something extraordinary which prompts me to live and feel. THIS feel of a space which I cannot describe, listening the heartbeat, fear connected with fascination are beyond compare to any other feelings which can be imagined. Finally the satisfaction that I managed to do it. I know that I will do it once again, all in all I must improve my technique 😉 ” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]

Artykuł Warsaw – 1,2,3… bungee pochodzi z serwisu .

Artistic Warsaw – murals

Gosia — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 21:18:54 +0000

Warsaw keeps surprising me everyday. It’s nice to see how it transforms into modern metropolis which in my humble opininion can compete with other famous European capitals. This modernity relies not only on urban infrastructure development but also on public space diversification. Street art is one of these components which create city atmosphere. Interesting murals can be found in various places in Warsaw such as gates or walls. What’s more, they aren’t only art for art’s sake but also they present an alternative and interesting way of depicting Warsaw history and people who lived here. The best way to see this uniqe pices of art is a bike tour, just take a look! Stop 1: Kasprowicza 59 On the wall of the building one can see a mural presenting bear and rooster/cock. This sweet picture has covered previous controversial image of a red creature in a crown, strolling along the buildings roofs with the inscription: “Zbyniu don’t go this way”. The archetype of this figure was a mayor of Bielany (District of Warsaw) – Zbigniew Dubiel who decided to build here an apartment complex regardless of residents’ protests. As you can see, mural which had been made by residents turned out to be a perfect argument in discussion. Current work is somewhat a symbol of reconciliation. Stop 2: Aleja Zjednoczenia 15 The bear is not the only one fabulous character in Old Bielany. Passageway at the Aleja Zjednczenia 15 carries to a fairy – tale world. Depressing and ugly corridor was decorated with fabulous characters: Little Red Riding Hood and the wolf. Stop 3: Koźmiana 6 You can spot such a picture in the picturesque Kępa Potocka: Stop: 4 Andersa 27 The gate of the building is decorated with a mural presenting colorful crayons. Nothing indicates here, that this work was in fact made in memory of Janusz Korczak. When you go inside you can see this famous educationalist’s quotes: “Tell a child that he is good, that he can” and “When a child smiles, all world smiles” Stop 5: Nowlipki 2a A little bit farther from “the pencil box gate” is one of my favorite murals, so called “international gate”. This work presents women representing various cultures. This is a symbol of the Warsaw cosmopolitan character. Stop 6: Nowolipki 9B At Nowolipki 2B street you can see a group of musicians. Stop 7: Aleja Solidarności 78 The mural located in the gate of the building, presents the history of Solidarności avenue, former Leszno street. Here you can find famous “Moving Church” (located nearby) or defunct Femina Theatre/Cinema. Mural shows famous people connected with Warsaw ghetto: Marek Edelman and Stefania Grodzieńska. Stop 8: Aleja Jana Pawła 44 Another mural presenting famous residents of the Leszno but in a fancy way. One can spot here famous Polish writers: Cyprian Kamil Norwid or Bolesław Prus sitting on birds which are flying among trees. Stop 9: Chłodna 34 The wall of the Epidemiology Institute it’s an ideal place for the mural presenting lungs. In my opinion this image could be used on the cigarettes labels as well. Stop 10: Waliców 14 This is my favorite mural. I walk here at least once a week but every time it impresses me greatly. It’s located on the wall of the house ruined during WWII. There’s an inscription “Stone and what”. It’s a kind of Polish word – play because by joining these words you can receive the word townhouse. It’s worth to know that during WWII, after the Warsaw Uprising, SS chief Heinrich Himmler told that: “This city must completely disappear from the surface of the earth and serve only as a transport station for the Wermacht. No stone can remain standing. Every building must be razed to its foundation”. In my opinion simplicity and suggestiveness of this mural impress the most. Inscription and this red balloon can be interpreted in many ways. Stop 11: Sienna 45 On the Wall of the famous „House under the Sails” is one of the biggest murals in Warsaw. Soldiers here, look like puppets. Stop 12: Emilii Plater 13 Here you can see a controversial mural which shows insurgent against a background of a liquor store. Stop 13: Chmielna 35 Famous Warsaw shopping avenue was decorated with well-known Muppet. Stop 14: Tamka 37 Next to the Fryderyk Chopin Museum one can admire a mural with this famous Polish composer. Stop 15: Zajęcza 8 On the wall you can see Captain America. Stop 16: Podzamcze Over the famous Old Town fountains you can see mural connected with the Warsaw Uprising. Stop 17: Freta 16 The Old Town building is decorated with the mural in memory o Maria Skłodowska – Curie. It indicates the place of birth of this famous Nobelist. Stop 18: Konwiktorska On the walls of Polonia Stadium you can see more murals connected with the Warsaw Uprising. It’s not the end of Warsaw murals. I will try to present the rest in further articles. Day after day new works are created in Warsaw, you only need to go off the beaten path or just raise your head! If you see an interesting mural, please share your finding here 🙂 ” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]

Artykuł Artistic Warsaw – murals pochodzi z serwisu .