- Gartz (Oder) Germany
- Szczecin, Poland old town
- churches in Szczecin
- Kasprowicza Park
- Cmentarz Centralny (Central Cemetery)
- Cafe 22
- The Mieczyslaw Karlowicz Philharmonic
- Szczecin at night
- The Oder river in Szczecin
- Chrobry Embankment
- Szczecin Town hall
- The beach off the Baltic
- Small town near the Baltic
- Tourist town near the Baltic
I would like to thank my dear friend Anna once again for being such a great and knowledgeable guide to all of these wonderful Polish places! Also without her interest in photography and enjoyment of the journey I would never have been brought to such a good place in my own heart! I found it very easy to joyfully snap my own pictures along our adventure! There were several times when my camera ran out of energy! I think that taking pictures was a very important part of the sight seeing experience for me because I would be drawn into the possibilities, stories, and beauty of what we were witnessing. Never underestimate taking some pictures and allowing yourself to enjoy the journey! There is so much more to be found if we but look! :-)
1) The first place that we visited was Gartz along the Oder river. This was a very pleasant quiet town in Germany. We saw some old churches, a pigeon, a German check point from the war, and a tranquil water way. The picturesque stillness of a small European town was the highlight for me, that and Anna's appreciation for it. I believe that Gartz is a place where Anna goes occasionally to seek some inner peace. Thank you my dear friend for sharing a bit of that peace with me. :-) Dziekuje moja przyciolka! :-)
2) The Old town in Szczecin was very lively for being the old town! There were many sights to be seen here, many stories to find interest in. Among these places were The Cathedral of St James, Tenement Loitz, Art School (Anna's high school), the Pomeranian Dukes' Castle, a pudgy pigeon, The Royal Gate Chocolate Shop, and the red town hall (one of Szczecin's town halls). It was really amazing to walk on land that had been providing a base for civilization for so long! The blend of Gothic and Renaissance style and modern architecture was really amazing to behold! I felt that I was transported to another place and time, though there were many things that seemed familiar as well. All the movement and the economy of city space for quite apparent, cars were small, and people moved quickly and quietly with purpose. I found myself become very found of Anna's voice, telling me all manner of things that I was seeing as well as hearing, as most everything was in Polish I would have missed so much otherwise. I was very lucky to have her by my side! :-) Walking most places was also nice. Where I live walking is something that is done in a limited space, but it is so marvelous to have everything within walking distance, giving one's body a chance to become alive! It is not that I would like that pace all the time, visiting is nice! :-) I think that like in all things in life we find great enjoyment in some parts then in others find some tedious uncomfortable portions. It is a blessing to be able to experience a different way of living regardless of personal preference though! Truly we expand or ideas about what is possible in life with every new experience! And, most times I find, the more adventurous and different the experience is for me, the more enriching it is!
3) Churches in Szczecin have a very sacred felling about them and have much beautiful indeed. The Church of St. John the Baptist is were we attended Mass the first Sunday that I was in Szczecin. It is such a wonderful Romanesque style building, tall and elegant, details upon details in the construction, and beautiful colors and sacred images and objects within.
We also saw the Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus with its unique and innovative construction and local importance. This is the church Anna and her family attend most regularly.
Another church that we visited is beautiful Neo-Gothic Military Church of St. Wojciech with its amazingly interesting and modern fountain.
There is also many images of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Sczzecin. The original painting was unsuccessfully stolen. The painting became too heavy for the thieves to carry. They became angry and scared right cheek of our lady's image with a sword. And now every reproduction bears the same mark in memory of this miracle.
Thank you, my friend for spending some time on this adventure with me! I hope it was rewarding for you, offering new insights and perspectives on how life can be! I invite you back next week for another entry in “Thank You Poland or Dziekuje Polsce!” with more description of those places I listed earlier in this article. May we all find peace and harmony, joy and happiness in our journey this day and all others no matter where life takes us! May we find inspiration to live more fully and more present, awakening to the beauty that is all around! Milego Dnia! Milosc i pokoj dla ciebie!Translates to have a great day! Love and peace to you! Love, Aaron :-)
PS To see pictures that Anna and I took on my Polish trip please visit my Face Book page. :-)