藤向堂　Fujisakido

(A Japanese Chopin fan, traveling alone to Warsaw, Poland for the first time) Summary of the day: " Do Widzenia! " I got up early in morning and jog to Wisła river. On the way to the river, I met group of people walking dogs, off leash. Since doggies start to chase me, I stopped, "Go to mommy!" Owners are sorry to me, I gestured not to worry. I noticed owners had beer in their hands before 7am. Yay, Satureday! I ran along Wisła river, but had to turn into town because of the construction. Luckly, the road I had to turn was the one to Chopin museum, so I did not have to get lost from the early morning. There were so many of construction going on the city of Warsaw. Construction for the New metro line was happening almost across the city. I would assume they are preparing for next year, 2015, when they get many international guests, happening every 5 years for Chopin intl' competition. I ran across the old town, and reached Saski Park. When I sa...

(A Japanese Chopin fan, traveling alone to Warsaw, Poland for the first time) Summary of the day: "Rest, lazy and less Chopin day" I was so tired from the Krakow trip in the previous day, so I stayed hotel till 11am. Since I was in short of clothing at that point, I decided to get a tank top and fit pants in T.J.Maxx. ... the below is girly out cry. I am relatively big for Japanese. I am size M in U.S., and size L in Japan. Now, M pants, L shirts in Poland! Shoulderrghrrr! After changing to the new clothes in hotel, I looked at the map. There seem to be another castle sign above new town.The area on the map says "Citadelle", and enclosed with the castle wall sign, just like old town. Out of curiosity, I decided to go there. Well, it turned out to be military facility? surrounded by historical looking wall. I could see 1830 on the gate.  It seemed like I cannot just walk in. So I decided to walk toward the new town. It turned out it was the  ...

(A Japanese Chopin fan, traveling alone to Warsaw, Poland for the first time) Summary of the day: "  Nocturne is not about complete darkness. " I reserved train to Krakow, leaving Warsaw 6:20am, and leaving Krakow 6:45pm to come back in the same day. PKP train had snack service of drink and that wafer chocolate. Also, PKP train had a family car, with play ground. I think Japanese bullet train should do this, instead of accusing mothers for making their babies cry in the train. Farming area in Poland under morning sunlight: Concerto #2 2nd mov in vision. As soon as I got off train Krakow sta on the side of old town, I noticed the city was very weighed on tourism. Some tour salesmen on street talked to me "Konnichiwa!!" in Japanese. How did you notice my nationality!? Wow, they were professionals. There were many, many tour groups walking around. It was Thursday. I can imagine how this place would be in weekends. Maybe Krakow is equivalent to Kyo...

(A Japanese Chopin fan, traveling alone to Warsaw, Poland for the first time) Summary of the day: "No bus, No English" The description of the Chopin museum website says :  "The easiest way to get to Żelazowa Wola is by train to Sochaczew, then MZK bus from (bus stop at Sochaczew PKP train station). Bus number 6 – alight at the last stop.  Bus tickets: normal 3 zlotys, concessionary 2 zlotys." Like I posted previously, the tourist information center recommended to use tourist service. I was stubborn to choose public transportation. I learned the reason for her recommendation. So I went to the Central Sta. showed the ticket counter a memo with Sochaczew, got ticket for 19zł. There was 11:00am train. Now, I would like an attention from all train-spoiled Japanese or car-life Americans, or anyone who do not know MANUAL operating door of trains. When I got Sochaczew sta. I could not open this. Luckily, I saw a lady coming in in the next train, so I ask...

(A Japanese Chopin fan, traveling alone to Warsaw, Poland for the first time) Summary of the day: "Apparently, ladies with straight cut front hair is in fashion here now." Walking miles under sun in previous day, and staying in the middle of city, I had a slight headache and not feeling well. But I ran anyway, wanted to see the old town under the morning sunlight. Going to the Chopin Museum is the one of the biggest objective of this trip, so I hopped on Tram on a bit after 10:00am The place is .... about Chopin, of cause. However, living in U.S., I have had experienced seeing people's blank face to the name "Chopin", it was so unreal he is actually treated as a hero, just like in my mind. There was many manuscripts, letter and sketches from 19th century; Some of the sketch seem to be too handsome and made me giggle. Looking at those manuscripts of the scores are priceless! He scratched out many lines, some annoyed lines... meanwhile, some sup...

(A Japanese Chopin fan, traveling alone to Warsaw, Poland for the first time) Summary of the day: "Old town: People here greet each other in Mazurka rhythm, then talk in Polonaise!" Since Chopin Museums are closed on Monday, I decided to visit the spots related to Chopin, in old town. Arriving old town in Warsaw using Tram (at this day, I got a day pass for 15złoty, I walked toward the first destination; Honoratka , which is a cafe in fashion at the time of Chopin's day, still in business. The Cafe did not seem to be open yet, so I just walked around  between charming traditional style housings. By the way; Went around the old town, sewing between tiny organic pathways, I ended up with coming back to the the open area close to Tram station. I found a gentleman with white wig, almost like a Bach cosplay...  is passing flyer. He passed me the flyer, saying "English side", indicating flyers flip side is English ... its a flyer for his...