Warsaw By Day-Warsaw By Night

Still eaary from travel our guests gathered in the lovely garden breakfast room at the Dedek Park Hotel for our traditional Polish morning meal. A lovely, and beautifully presented, array of ham, turkey, hard boiled eggs with a mayonnaise dressing, fresh breads, farmers cheese and other cheeses was displayed at the buffet. We could also choose cereal with warmed milk, scrambled eggs, cheese filled blintzes and/or a nice selection of fresh vegetables from the local garden. We had a variety of juices, coffee or tea and everyone managed to find plenty to satisfy their appetite.

Fot: Breakfast in Dedek Park Hotel, Linda

A few of the earlier risers took advantage of an extra hour to take a walk in the neighboring park or visit the banks of the Vistula River. We loaded the van and pulled out of the driveway promptly at 9 am. Driving straight for Lazienki Park we met our delightful guide, Joanna, who proved to be a wealth of knowledge about the enormous park.

Fot: Lazienki Park in Warsaw, Linda

We visited the grounds stopping in front of the palace proper for a few words about it's history. Then on through the park to the Frederic Chopin monument for some and a visit to see the interior of the palace for others. Those who opted for the Chopin Monumnet had quite a long walk and visited the Presidential Palace, Belvedere, on the way. Upon their return they took a gondola ride on the large pond/lake in front of the palace. Those of us who selected the interior visit to the palace were treated to an extraordinary display of classic art And Renaissance interior detailing.

Fot: Lazienki Palace, Linda

We also feasted our eyes on two of the most lovely Rembrandts in my memory. The way this painter uses light on people's faces has always Fascinated me but seeing a Rembrant hung on a wall with dozens of other portraits by top artists of the period makes the distinction of his work all the more remarkable. Obviously the last Polish king, who built this palace and called it home, had a deep appreciation for the aesthetic and surrounded himself with it both inside and outside his home.