Penniless in Poland

Good morning everyone! It's our first full day in Warsaw, and we're about to head off to an 11 o'clock meeting to learn all about Solidarity.

Yesterday was quite the adventure, as Zach explained the details of the atrocious train ride from Prague to Warsaw, but to top it all off, I have no Polish zloty (the currency) with which to do anything! I stopped by an atm on the way to dinner and realized I had no idea what the pin number was for my card! However, I shouldn't need cash for more than food today, and if worst comes to worst, I can always eat downstairs in the very modern Novotel dining room and charge the room. Penniless in Poland- what a great first day in! :)

And despite yesterday's awful 8-hour train ride, last night was spectacular. Several of us walked about 20 minutes down to Old Town and were pleasantly surprised by the full-of-Polish-culture atmosphere. We dined outside amid the fading colors of sunset and had plenty of entertainment to go around- whether it was the fire twirlers, traditional folk dancers, or the man who played Seal's "Kiss by a Rose" on repeat. Perhaps the most exciting find- Chopin's Musical Benches. In order to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Chopin's birth, Poland has named 2010 "The Year of Chopin" and has commissioned benches all over Warsaw that tell a little history and even play some of Chopin's music upon pressing "Play." They can be found at historical sites across the city, such as those landmarks we found last night- the Chopin family house and the church that today is home to his heart (quite literally).

Once again, congratulations to the Gamecocks on the national title!

You'll be hearing again from us very shortly. :)

Alex