Beautiful things in Warsaw

Warsaw was three weeks ago but I still want to note down the highlights that made this weekend trip especially memorable. Perhaps they’re not exclusive to Warsaw, but the city became just a bit more beautiful than it already is, because I had these experiences there.

Rain was in the forecast but I didn’t expect a thunderstorm, especially not while I was on top of the Palace of Culture and Science, the most prominent building on Warsaw’s skyline. And I was thankful to have a shelter from the rain, though I did have to face my fear of thunder. Then I thought, why not turn this fear into a photo opportunity?! I’ve never successfully photographed lightning before, and with streaks of lightning before my very eyes every minute or so, at the perfect angle, there was no reason not to try. And this is the result. Definitely not trivial to get the timing right but I’m happy with the outcome. (P. S. Whoever it was on Tripadvisor that said that Warsaw is not a great city to be viewed from above…how utterly mistaken you were!)

Łazienki Park is an urban oasis that is full of colour, full of life, full of surprises. Among the scurrying red squirrels and graceful mandarin ducks, this king peacock decided to show off his flashy robe in front of an excited crowd while not even batting an eye. “See how stunning I am,” he seemed to say. I’ve seen peacocks plenty of times before but this was the first time I’ve seen one spreading his feathers fully. Too beautiful for words.