Day 8 - Wroclaw

Babcia was correct!  We cleaned out plates last night and today we have beautiful sunny weather.  Perfect for sightseeing.  I think it's interesting that although its about 65F, all the women are wearing boots. Granted some are very fashionable and couldn't be worn in snow, it just seems a bit warm yet for boots. Polish women do like to be fashionable, been those in smaller towns.  

Panorama of the Battle of Raclawice

Our first stop was the Panorama Raclawice- Panorama of the Battle of Raclawice.  I think it's worth a trip to Wroclaw just to see this.  The panorama memorializes Tadeusz Kosciusko's victory over the Russians in a battle at Raclawice on April 4, 1794.  At the time, Poland was fighting against occupation on three sides, Austria, Prussia and Russia.  The victory at Raclawice gave the nation hope that it would survive.  Although we know in the end Poland was partitioned, the victory remains important in the hearts of Poles that in the end, Poland lives. The panorama was actually created in the late 19th century, when Poland only existed in the hearts of its people.  After World War II, the painting and other works of art that were in Lwow were repatriated to Poland, and the Panorama Raclawice brought to Wroclaw.  However, the painting was hidden in fear of offending the Soviets.  After the success of the independence movement, a new building was constructed for the panorama, and the painting itself restored and opened to the public in 1985. 

Go early in the morning to get a ticket for a specific entrance time.  It seemed they allowed about 50 people into the Panorama at one time.  There is a waiting area with a few benches and screens with  videos in Polish (although the sound was turned down), and of course a souvenir shop.  At the appointed time, we line up to walk up a winding walk to the panorama.  An audio guide with an English translation of the narration is included in the price of the ticket.  Be prepared to be awed!

National Museum of Art

A ticket for Raclawice will also give you entry to the Muzeum Naradowe - the National Museum, and  vice versa.  It holds art from both Lwow and Wroclaw and covers several centuries.  It has a particularly large collection of religious art, including altarpieces and statues, as well as paintings.  The next largest collections is historic portraits.  There are also temporary exhibits of 20th century art.  It's easy to view all three stories in about an hour or so, so it's worth seeing it if you're in the area. 

Dinner at Pawel's home

After  walking from the hotel, through the Panorama Raclawice and the National Museum, we were done for the day. We hopped a tram and headed to Pawel's apartment. Before the feasting began, Pawel and I compared genealogical notes. Pawel is one of the few Polish cousins who's interested in genealogy and I take advantage of his help.  Pawel's wife is an excellent cook, and the table was covered with dishes of potatoes sprinkled with dill, a pork roast stuffed with prunes, and at least a half dozen salads. Without asking, a plate with both homemade cheese cake and tiramisu were put in out places.  Lots of tea, wine,  beer and vodka all evening.  Good thing we talked genealogy first!  Joining the feast were Pawel's brother, Zbyszek, and his wife, Krystyna, and our cousin from 

Turek, Marcin.  Marcin attends the university in Wroclaw and I put him in touch with Pawel so he would know some adults he could turn to if needed.  It was wonderful to see how they treated him like a son. 

Do zobaczenia!