"POLAND ~ my maternal roots" a Poland Travel Page by Pawtuxet

This was a trip to find my family roots. We travelled from Warsaw to Czestochowa, Pajeczsno, Krakow, Rzeszow, and Kolubusowa...where I eventually found my family's parish and cemetary. Because of the intent of the trip, we saw a different side of Poland than the average tourist. It was great. Everyone was so helpful. My pen pal from Warsaw was amazing, travelling with us most of the way. My photograph collection is quite large..including city views, farmlands, and portraits of such sweet people. I am filled with very happy memories. - 2001
Another trip in 2003 brought me to grandfather's village...at last. Documentation of their lives, marriage, and birth of my uncle were all there in a tiny hamlet of CMOLAS.
After leaving in 2003, we discovered that grandfather's church had not been destroyed, but in fact had been moved! It was still standing about 3 - 5 km. down the road.
Back I went in 2006 to find that precious 1600's church...with the help (once again) of Gosia. It's a fascinating building and story behind it. Took us a bit of detective work to figure it all out, but we did. Hope you will visit my pages to enjoy this early wall painting and beautiful statuary.
2009 Another visit to Poland A meeting with pen pal of 3 yrs. from VT... reunion w/ dear friend, Gosia, and brought along 2 sisters to find their roots in my grandfather's villages. Corpus Christi Procession when we got back to Krakow ~ so many fabulous days.....
Of course at each visit I took the opportunity to see many other towns, cities and museums and cafes and on and on and on....
I offer you links (soon) to each of the wonderful places I have been so fortunate to explore.
Warsaw
Krakow
Kazimierz Dolny
Don't miss an interesting karmic story on my Sandomierz page Sandomierz ~ It's HOW old !!???
My family's home town, Cmolas
Kolbuszowa
Poreby Dymarskie = Grandfather's church found ! A day on the farm...
Up to Zakopane ~ a personal discovery
Storybook castle in Baranow
Summer playground of Sopot
A quick look at Marlbork
Ancient Tarnow - a brief stop
Connecting in Rzeszow

A MUST SEE.... Stunning GDANSK

Krakow is probably the most elaborate city in Poland....with its Wawel Castle, and the Cloth Market Square... lovely architecture and great shops, cafes, and the Jagellonian University. So much to see and corners to explore. It's a marked contrast to the country towns dotting the agricultural green belt of the country.

I've been in awe of the Polish people in their devotion to their faith. These little homemade shrines are pure examples of folk art... but more than that...they are markers of an unshaken faith throughout invasions and partitions and suppression. You find them along the country roads where farmers are unable to get to the local church often enough and wish to stop a while to pray. Don't miss them. And don't miss the underlying story they represent.