Warsaw is Poland’s capital and largest city. I arrived in Warsaw from Cambodia to meet my mother and sister for a vacation. Both my mother’s parents were polish, so part of our reason for being here is to learn a little about our heritage, and find the village where my grandfather was born and raised.

Warsaw is very much a modern city with all the modern conveniences – I got to drink tap water and eat hardy Polish meals that did not include rice! I am in reverse culture shock.

Warsaw is built on 10^th and 11^th century foundations though it’s historic palaces and churches now meet modern architecture throughout the city. The city has suffered through many years of war and change, but most recently had to be extensively rebuilt after the widespread damage suffered in World War II, during which 85% of its buildings were destroyed. At the heart of the city, and where we spent most of our time exploring, is the Old Town.

The Old Town (Stare Miasto) is the historic center and oldest part of the city. It was founded in the 13^th century as the prince’s castle and is surrounded by defensive walls.

Here you can see the Old Town Market Square in 1912 and in 1945 after being devastated by bombing during World War II.

And the Old Town Market Square today.

I really enjoyed exploring Warsaw’s cafes, streets, and architecture, old and new. Below is a slideshow featuring some of the sights I saw whie in Warsaw.

n