It has to be said, the Old Town in Warsaw was the emptiest tourist part of a city I've ever seen, and I've lived in Västeras! It was quite nice though, if a little reminiscent of a Zombie film... Had a bit of a wander round, then took myself to what I presumed to be a cafe for lunch. Turns out it was quite a posh restaurant, but it still had cafe prices, so I went for the beetroot and ravioli soup (when in Rome..!). It worked out rather nicely, and I even got a decent cup of tea into the bargain! Lovely stuff, if a novel idea...
I then proceeded to take further wanderings, eventually getting myself lost north of wherever I might have been meant to be. Eventually decided to use a map though, and found my way back to the hostel. The evening was a quiet one, what with the hostel being nearly as dead as the city (must be the time of year), and me being rather tired. Had a couple of beers in the hostel bar, then retired to bed. Well, nearly. When i got to the dorm, I was astounded to find some cheeky foreign chap had stolen the bed i had so lovingly (read "shabbily") made earlier in the day! So I hoisted myself up onto a top bunk instead, made a further hash of the bedding and crashed out.
Today the snow had stopped, so I decided a rather more comprehensive look at the city was in order, and headed for what is supposed to be a huge castle thing on the north outskirts of the centre. However, upon getting there I failed to find a way to get a good view of the place, let alone get inside, so I eventually turned back, having walked 30 minutes and pulled a muscle in my leg to get there. This was not a good start!
This was the point where things got interesting. As I turned to head back to the centre, I was slightly astounded to see a police car drive onto the pavement in front of me, blocking my path. After establishing that I was English, the Polish Police chappy dismounted and proceeded to enquire as to my motives for being in Warsaw near his police car. He was quite astounded by the answer, I can tell you! It was just a random ID check really, I've heard they happen, and as I was looking quite lost, I suppose I made myself a target! As it happens, the chap was perfectly lovely about the whole thing, and after taking details off my passport, sent me on my way again.
My further ramblings took me through some bits of the old town I failed to uncover the previous day, including the caricature museum, the monument to the 1944 uprising and a charming little cafe where I was serenaded by "Take my Breath Away" (the theme tune to Top Gun!). Returned to the hostel early evening, and aside from popping out for a bite to eat, I've been here ever since, planning my further ramblings. Warsaw's a fairly nice place, especially with the snow, but I can see why people have told me that one night is enough of a stay here. I've enjoyed it and it's been a good warm-up (metaphorically speaking), but tonight I'm just going to rest my leg and look forward to my journey starting in earnest on the morrow!
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