Highlights of May part 3: Angels and Mermaids and the Four Winds...

On my birthday we spent some time at a bazaar in the district of Praga on the other side of the Vistula River which runs through Warszawa. I found some more 'angel friends'...

The next week we had to join the line-up of foreigners to complete some more paperwork in the process of applying for and obtaining residency cards.

We were glad it was a nice day and we were on the shady side of the street while waiting our turn to enter the building where we would 'take a number' and wait some more in the hallway. I was entertained by the screens on the windows of the government building. My Rose will enjoy these...

 

 

 

 

After we were done at the government office, on the way back down the cobbled street we went by the Palace of the Four Winds. Can you see them blowing?

This history of this little palace is a history of Poland itself: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_the_Four_Winds

 

Some weekday afternoons we walk from our apartment to the Church for our meetings later in the afternoon and evening. This corner is about halfway and we will shop in these rows of little sklepy (shops). We took these shots as we walked  home one night, when the parking lot was empty and most of the shops were closed just to give you an idea of what they were like without all of the traffic. On the left is a little kiosk that only sells nylon pantyhose and stockings. On the right is a kebab shop - kind of like a pita sandwich only better (in my opinion). Below is a closer shot of down one of the rows. There are two of these rows in this particular location, more in other areas of the city. During the day they are filled with the wares on display and the shoppers. The shops themselves are barely big enough to turn around in. It's always an 'adventure' to shop here, but the fruits and vegetables are bigger, better, fresher, tastier than in the regular grocery store.

On the last day of May the resident committee of our apartment building hosted a 'love your neighbour' party in the park on the back patio of the building. Can you find Papa in the middle of the picture?

We all brought 'potluck' and banana bread is a hit! It's not something have had much of here and so it is 'unique' for them. We were entertained by a string trio and then just chatted with each other while the children played. Many people enjoy practising their English with us, and they let me practise my Polish with them. A good time was had by all.