"Resilient Warsaw" a Warsaw Travel Page by acemj

My first steps in Poland were in Warsaw and to say that I was impressed would be an understatement. Before leaving home, most of my friends and co-workers wanted to know, "Why Poland? Are you Polish?" they asked.

I would usually respond by asking them what they knew about Poland, which usually would lead to a discussion about the tumultuous and often tragic history of the land, cold winters and heavy, starch-laden food.

Of course, I knew there would be much more to it than that, but I wanted to see it in person. Personally, I always find a story more interesting when there are highs and lows and to witness for myself the amazing way that the people of Poland have picked themselves up after every tragic period, is what I call inspirational travel.

No city in the country exemplifies this more than Warsaw, which was virtually wiped out during World War II and yet today, in this post-Communist era, its Old Town radiates with beautifully restored architecture, its nightlife thumps into the wee hours with the sounds of urban angst and excitement and its shops and cafes are bustling with activity.

That is not to say it's perfect. Some parts of town still look cemented in the dismal tones of the Communist era and many of the cracked and worn streets are littered with small advertisements with graphic photos of some awfully flexible looking sex workers. However, I knew that if trudging through these minor messes was all I'd have to do to pay homage to the much greater devastation that this city has overcome, then it was a small price to pay and was the least I could do to gain a faint sense of just how resilient the people of Warsaw truly have been.