If you go to Europe, you need to see all the attractions that a place is famous for. I don’t disagree with doing “the tourist thing.” But then there are the other things. The daily minutiae that makes a place real. In August, I tried to document some of that in Warsaw, Krakow and Berlin. I took a few pics of their famous, pretty things, too. (Note: the photo layout in this WordPress theme sucks rocks. Sorry.) A special thanks goes to writer Chris James and his better half, Bożena: they made our time in Warsaw extra special. Also, Francis and I did visit Auschwitz and Birkenau when we were in Poland. I’m still processing. It’s not something I can easily put into words or photos, but I hope to try, if only because we must never forget.
Chris James says
Lovely post, Laura, am so glad you and Francis enjoyed your trip. And funny you should point out the no-photo thing. Before you stayed with us, I’d made a mental note to get a shot with you before you became a world-famous author, but I think we were all chatting so much we just forgot – so next time we must remember!
Laura Zera says
Haa! Next time. xo
Jeri says
Thanks for sharing photos from your trip. I love this caption, “Literally our view at dinner. No photo retouching. Krakow is pretty.” I’d love to see Krakow someday and Berlin too. If I ever make it to a stint teaching English in Prague I’m sure I’ll make it to both locations.
Laura Zera says
What a perfectly great and perfect idea for you — teaching in Prague. I will start looking forward to the Christmas letters now.
Kris McCann says
Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures. Your comments add to the pictures! I love the little snails on the fence posts. Also love the pic of you in 1989 and replicating the same pose in 2017!
Laura Zera says
It took a bit to find that statue as it had been moved since ’89, but we cycled around with our tireless new friend Heide until she found it for me!
Marie Ann Bailey says
Thank goodness I hang onto my emails 😉 What great photos! But that juxtaposition of the medieval gate and McD’s … good grief … at least the yellow arches were relatively small.
Laura Zera says
Good grief is right. The old city of Krakow was one big juxtaposition. So many gorgeous buildings, but a couple of the streets have been turned into full-on shopping thoroughfares with chain-store retail locations, which I found odd.
Glad you enjoyed the post, Marie!