Szczecin!

We've visited three different cities in Poland; Krakow, Warsaw and Szczecin. The most cities we've chosen to visit in any country in Europe. We also had a special visit as we chose to see our good friends Greg and Lidia (everyone say hi!), we met Greg in school many years ago and he moved to Poland with his fiancee. It was really lovely to get the opportunity to see them in their home in Szczecin (pronounced Sh-che-chin).

After the size of Krakow and Warsaw it was nice to get to Szczecin, which was smaller but by no means small. It was a bit of a trial getting there! We got the overnight train, leaving Warsaw at 11pm and due to arrive at Szczecin at 6am the following morning, but 6am came and went, so did 7am... Our train sat still for two and a half hours in the middle of Poland, followed by the conductor chucking everyone off the train into the snowy morning. Turns out the train had broken down and we had to wait for rescue! The next train showed up and we started along again, hoping that the final stop wasn't too far away. At 11am we rolled into Szczecin station. Sigh!!!

Nevertheless, we had a wonderful time with Greg and Lidia. Lidia was very keen for us to see all the sights and taste all the foods, snacks and drinks she could find. Three days was not enough time for all the food we ate! We walked through the old town, and down the river, stopping every now and then to see more beautiful things.

We've stood on the famous steps outside the main museum, where, during WW2, Hitler stood to wave to the crowd. The tradition has changed over the years to become standing in the place of Hitler to mock him rather than emulate him.

On visiting the rebuilt cathedral, it was destroyed during the war, we got a mini tour from an over-zealous priest. He was very proud of his cathedral, and when he found out we were foreign he wanted us to see all the interesting places; such as the musician who loved the cathedral so much he wanted his heart to be buried there when he died. His wish was granted and there is a small urn visible in the wall next to the organ at the back. :)

Martyn got a cooking lesson from Lidia, they made delicious potato and cheese dumplings. I'm now expecting them when we go home! In fact I think a lot of our cupboard will look like a polish larder with the amount of tasty food we've tried!

Greg and Lidia were wonderful hosts. I would recommend Hotel Lidia to anyone! :) They gave us a nice little holiday from our holiday and we can't wait to see them again soon!