Woke up around 07:30 but by the time we’d packed up and got ready was about 09:00. Walked outside into a perfect day – sunshine, blue sky and about 22C.
Skipped breakfast so that we could get to the castle early and beat the crowds – the square was empty again, it seems most tourists are late risers. Dashed past a tour group going up the hill and got tickets straight away. There were a few people waiting for it to open but we didn’t have to wait long. The painting was in a small room, so we stood there looking at it for a couple of minutes then went outside to read the blurb about it. After learning a bit more about the painting went back in to have another look, and every one else had gone. So it was just me, Song and a security guard and the Da Vinci painting. Amazing. Stared for a few more minutes then left. Went into an exhibition of Oriental Art but it was quite small and mainly carpets and pots so felt a bit let down, but again we were the only people in it.
Left the castle via some catacombs down a spiral staircase, stopped to have a photo taken at a fire breathing dragon, then back to the main square for brunch. I ordered the English breakfast, Song ordered the chef’s special then we swapped because we each thought the other’s looked better. I think I got the best end of the deal; it was bacon, egg, tomato, lettuce in a bun.
Dash back to the hotel to check out, left the bags there and went over the road to the train station which also housed a huge shopping mall. It had been shut over Easter and now it was like a new world – lots of people and all the shops open. Sat down for an ice cream – they like their ice cream here – and used the wifi. Almost every cafe, restaurant, hotel and train station in Europe has free wifi; it’s about time Melbourne and places like Chadstone had it.
Got on the train, found our compartment, and would you know it, there was a couple with a baby in it. Not content with plaguing me on planes, they’ve now discovered that I also use the train. When we got in it was asleep, and I hoped it would stay that way for the next three hours.
Yeah, that didn’t last long. Wasn’t too bad, and I put my earphones on and watched some Tv.
The Warsaw hotel was just down the road from the station so didn’t take long to get there. It was around 18:00 so checked in and walked into the old town. Warsaw was only intended to be a transport stop, we catch a plane to Riga tomorrow morning.
It was still very warm and lots of people around. The town square was very nice, some old decorated buildings and restaurants around the edge. Didn’t stay long and walked back to the hotel. It was a 5 star joint, but not very good at all – if we wanted internet in the room we had to pay extra, the service was poor (we had to take our bags to the room ourselves) and the shower was a hose connected to the tap and there was no pressure. I’m not trying to sound precious, but when you pay for a 5 star hotel you should get the service and facilities. Bad review coming up.
Anyway, breakfast is included so we’ll go mad. Walked 17.23 km today.
Flying to Riga tomorrow.
