Saturday, June 04, 2016

Poznan

As we left our hotel in Wroclaw at 8:45 am to get in some last minute shopping before catching our 10:40 train to Poznan, we noticed that the streets and square were quiet and kinda empty. Hmmm. And then Feniks department store, usually open from 8 to 22, was closed. Hmmm.... It's Corpus Christi, a national holiday. This could be good if there are some special events, but bad if everything is closed. And does a Thursday holiday equal a lively 4-day weekend? We will soon find out.

Traveler's luck on the train from Wroclaw to Poznan, Poland: We found our seats to be in a coach built for 1st class ie 2 x 1 across, but sold at 2nd class prices. Comfortable, cool, and quiet.

As we enjoyed Wroclaw so much, we were ready for a let down in Pozanan. But no! Our booked hotel was in a great location, many stores were open around the main square (even though a holiday), and we happened upon a Corpus Christi procession in one of the neighborhoods east of city center. We even cancelled our day trip to Gniezno in order to spend more time strolling the city. We especially liked the Art Nouveau buldings in the Jezcye District.


On the train from Wroclaw to Pozan.
Poznan, Poland

The Parish Church.
Poznan, Poland

The Town Square.
Poznan, Poland

When the Church of St. Adalbert was renovated in 1910, it received an Art Nouveau interior.
Poznan, Poland

Some shots of the Corpus Christi procession of St Joseph's Church. The young girls throw flower petals on the street.
Poznan, Poland

Poznan, Poland

Poznan, Poland

Poznan, Poland

Waiting to buy ice cream.
Poznan, Poland

This synagogue was converted to a swimming pool by the Germans.
Poznan, Poland

The Main Square.
Poznan, Poland

Main Square looking to Town Hall and Tower.
Poznan, Poland

And at night.
Poznan, Poland

Poznan, Poland

Poznan, Poland

Poznan, Poland

The market.
Poznan, Poland

Adam Mickiewicz University - since 1919.
Poznan, Poland

Art Nouveau in the Jezcye District.
Poznan, Poland

Poznan, Poland

Poznan, Poland

Poznan, Poland

Poznan, Poland

Rare to see a brick Art Nouveau building.
Poznan, Poland

The newly renovated Train Station has an adjoining mall where one can order McDonald's fast food on a giant, er, iPhone?
Poznan, Poland

Poznan, Poland

No McD's for us. We ate at Express Marche. How about those chickpea flour rolls/crepes (yellow)?
Poznan, Poland

Then on to Stary Browar (Old Brewery) shopping center. Quite a nice space recently constructed out of the ruins of the old brewery. When we walked past it on our way into town from the Railway Station, I thought it was stadium. It's huge!
Poznan, Poland

Poznan, Poland

Poznan, Poland

And back to our hotel.
Poznan, Poland

And then over to the Cathedral Basilica of St Peter and Paul.
Poznan, Poland

Poznan, Poland

The new Porta Poznan, museum and gateway to the city.
Poznan, Poland

P2030302

Trompe l'oeil!
Poznan, Poland

And some final night shots.
Poznan, Poland

Poznan, Poland

Poznan, Poland

Poznan, Poland

Poznan, Poland

3 comments:

Crash Eddy said...

So ... what is Trompe l'oeil? Looks like something a kid made with Legos.

Kathy said...

Very nice. that face is way cool.

john said...

Ed, Trompe l'oeil means "trick of the eye" and refers in this case to the fact that the "something a kid made with Legos" is a painted, flat, wall.

Kathy, SL and I had a debate about "that face". She thinks its not actually a face; just looks like one due to the shadows. I think it's a face, shadows or not. ;-)

And to both Kathy and Ed: Thanks much for your comments! In real time we are in Riga, Lativa with only a few days left before we head home. See you soon!

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