Day 1 - Monday

Publicatu: 31.08.2016

My trip to and arrival in Wrocław went almost smoothly. Drive was about 8 hours, no breaks possible due to almost 40° outside the vehicle ;-)

First, I was directed to the wrong location in downtown Wrocław for key pick-up via SMS. There I met the first incredibly unfriendly Pole. Whatever. At the right address, I met Marta, who was kindness personified, especially after I told her that I came for vacation and not for work.

So, I live in Wrocław-Nadodrze, known as Wrocław's dirty district. Why there of all places? It is described quite well here:

https://www.off-the-path.com/de/nadodrze-breslaus-schmuddelstadtteil-wird-hip/

And this is where I live:

That was of course a joke ;-) So, the holiday apartment is really well equipped, I have running water and stuff here. However, I have an excavator in front of my window, which sometimes becomes active - before me - in the morning:

So, I started the first day earlier than usual, exploring the fortress walls (Podwale) around Wrocław. The tour went something like this:

On such a tour, you pass by many tourist attractions:

Just a brief background:

Wrocław was declared a fortress by Hitler in 1944. We know the term 'Festung Breslau'. Today's fortress wall is a superimposition of historical wall and corresponding expansion by the Nazis. This can be seen in many places.

Panorama of Racławice

During the fortress tour, you also pass by the panorama of Racławice, a 'real' tourist attraction that I didn't want to resist:

Short explanation:

Over an area of 1700 square meters, a battle won by the Poles against the Russians in 1794 is shown. Circled at the top of the picture, hardly recognizable: A Polish hero snatches the fuse from a Russian cannon.

Tragedy: The Poles still lost the fight for freedom. Poland was divided, or rather split, between Russia and Prussia.

Hopsten is everywhere

The musicians among you will understand what I mean: Just out of the canvas battles, I see this: