warsaw-4

The next morning, we visited the Jewish cemetary. You can imagine Granny's reaction when the first gravestone she sees is for a person with the name Landau. What are the chances that this person was a distant relatve?

The monument on the left is in honor of Janusz Korczak, a children's author and pediatrician. Here he is shown leading the children of his orphanage on their way to an extermination camp. At his how request, he accompanied the children and told them they were going to the country so they shouldn't be frightened. He perished with them.

Next stop was the Warsaw University Library. Here is an example of the new Warsaw. It is a modern structure beautifully done. Both the inside and outside are impressive. The rooftop is a botanical garden and has paths and observation platforms that provide outstanding views of the city.

The picture on the right is taken from one of the paths outside the library. The rooftop gardens and paths wind around and offer many photo ops. Rafal documented our presence at the site.

From the Library, we proceeded to Old Town. Following are a couple of excerpts from articles of UNESCO World Heritage Convention. I use them as an introduction to some pictures of Old Town.

Prior to 1939, the population of Warsaw was approximately 1.2 million. By 1945, over half the population were killed, including the large Jewish community who were systematically exterminated.

During the Warsaw Uprising in August 1944, more than 85% of Warsaw's historic centre was destroyed by Nazi troops. After the war, a five-year reconstruction campaign by its citizens resulted in today's meticulous restoration of the Old Town, with its churches, palaces and market-place. It is an outstanding example of a near-total reconstruction of a span of history covering the 13th to the 20th century.

Old Town now permits only limited vehicular traffic and is accessible primarily by foot. We wandered around a bit of Old Town.