The morning was a little bit of a frenzy getting last minute packing done before breakfast. We left the hostel just after 7am to walk a little way to our bus, which was also picking up a small group from Sioux City. Once we were all loaded onto the bus, the 2.5 hour drive to Czestochowa began. I spent most of the ride chatting with Katie about teaching, traveling, and life in general.
Upon arrival in Czestochowa, our group made our way to the Jasna Gora monastery where St. Maximilian Kolbe lived. We had a spare few minutes to see the image of the Black Madonna before our priests were able to celebrate an English Mass in the Basilica.
Time for lunch was not planned into the day (huh?), so we had to get on the bus and drive for almost an hour before stopping at a gas station to hurriedly get snacks. The rest of the drive to Warsaw was a little more relaxing. I listened to music and almost napped! We arrived in Warsaw just before 5pm, which actually ended up being a really cool thing. Today, August 1st, is the anniversary of the Warsaw uprising that happened during WWII. At 5pm every year, the entire city of Warsaw stops. Stops everything. No working, no driving, no talking, no walking. We watched the city come to a halt for a few minutes to pay respect and honor those that lost their lives many years ago.
After this chilling moment, we finish driving a few more blocks to our hotel. Yes, a hotel! We had time to check into our rooms and make our way back to the lobby before following our guide, Ola, into the old town of Warsaw. Most of the old town of Warsaw isn’t actually all that old because it had to be rebuilt after the destruction of WWII. A super tasty and authentic Polish dinner was exactly what I needed before authentically exploring and wandering with a small group of pilgrims. We got back to the hotel late(ish), but still had to pack our suitcases for departure the next morning!
Maggie's Musings & Moments 