Day 2

We did not see a lot as a group today, but individually, I saw a lot.  The art in the National Museum in Warsaw was stunning, and a lot of it was just massive.  I have seen a lot of various artists’s interpretation of the Annunciation, and there were so many at the museum today.  A lot of the crucifix sculptures were very graphic, the wounds and scars on Christ’s body were a lot more pronounced, and one featured a risen Christ holding the wound on his side open and pointing to it.  The Battle of Grunewald by Jan Matejko was incredible, it took up nearly the entire wall.  The plaque next to it did not have the dimensions, or if it did, I missed it, but upon doing a Google search, I found that the painting is 186x389 inches, or 14x32.4 feet.  The amount of time, patience, and dedication Matejko had to complete it is nothing short of astounding.  I have wondered before if artists work not only to make a living, but to perserve their immortality, and in my opinion, Matejko certainly has.  All of the artists featured in the building have, I would never have the patience to create what they have.

If I have ever ridden on a train before, it was when I was too young to remember it today.  I found the rooms we were in very cozy, even with five other people.  It was a very comfortable ride too, and faster than I anticipated.  To be honest, I did nap for a good portion of the ride, and I am glad I did, because I got to see a lot of Krakow before we take our guided tours tomorrow, plus I did a lot of shopping and bought souvenirs for my family and friends.  I also learned through the shopping trip that as Warsaw uses a mermaid for their city’s symbol, Krakow’s symbol is also a mythological creature; theirs is a dragon.

While Krakow does have modern stores and restaurants like Starbucks, everything about the town looks so old, and I mean that in the best way.  If you do not pay attention to the lighted stores and just the buildings themselves, it almost feels like traveling back in time.  We got in a horse drawn carriage, and while it was 100 zlotys for the ride, it was still a memorable experience.  I hope to get a lot of pictures of the places Amanda and I saw this evening tomorrow in the light.  One of the buildings had a banner advertising Rembrandt, and I would love the chance to see his work.  I am very excited to see the castle and have our guide point out the significance of all of the buildings.