My new crush
Out with gelato, in with cake.
Cake count =3
Cankles vs Stacey = still a battle
So, it has been less than 24 hours but I think I am in love with Poland.
Firstly, due to flight delays, we arrived really late to our hotel. Despite sitting down to dinner at 11pm, we were served a beautiful 3 course meal. Great veggies, yummy cake!
Not much sleep, but a yummy breakfast. 5* pilgrims today!
Pierogie (spelling)- Margie you were right, so delicious.
Cake with hidden surprises.
Generous people.
Cooler weather, but still warm.
Gorgeous architecture.
Well played Warsaw.
This morning we had a guided tour of Warsaw. Highlights included the Warsaw uprising monument and a monument to the Jewish people who chose to take their own lives rather than be put to death. This breaks my heart, but it is the story of the Polish people and one we will hear more about over the coming days.
We then had Mass at the cathedral. Bishop Terry told us that if we the first time that we would celebrate the feast of Mary Magdalene. Two things stood out to me. Firstly, how devastated she was when she discovered the empty tomb. Secondly, how she was the first person to encounter the Risen Christ and that she was tasked with telling the others about Jesus. Mary played a vital role, so why had it taken so long for her to have a feast day?
We then had the privilege of travelling to Częstochowa to the Jasna Gora monastery. What a spectacular place. Most significantly, we had time to pray in front of the icon of Our Lady of Częstochowa. This is a right of passage for Polish Catholics, who make pilgrimages to bring their intentions and questions before the mother of their country. It was humbling to pray there where so many pilgrims have been before. To watch the reverence of Polish pilgrims. To experience the sense of peace. This was truly a beautiful moment.
However, when we returned to the bus we heard about the attack in Munich. Words cannot describe how the mood instantly shifted. We have been in our pilgrim bubble but it was burst when we heard this news. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Munich tonight.
Out with gelato, in with cake.
Cake count =3
Cankles vs Stacey = still a battle
So, it has been less than 24 hours but I think I am in love with Poland.
Firstly, due to flight delays, we arrived really late to our hotel. Despite sitting down to dinner at 11pm, we were served a beautiful 3 course meal. Great veggies, yummy cake!
Not much sleep, but a yummy breakfast. 5* pilgrims today!
Pierogie (spelling)- Margie you were right, so delicious.
Cake with hidden surprises.
Generous people.
Cooler weather, but still warm.
Gorgeous architecture.
Well played Warsaw.
This morning we had a guided tour of Warsaw. Highlights included the Warsaw uprising monument and a monument to the Jewish people who chose to take their own lives rather than be put to death. This breaks my heart, but it is the story of the Polish people and one we will hear more about over the coming days.
We then had Mass at the cathedral. Bishop Terry told us that if we the first time that we would celebrate the feast of Mary Magdalene. Two things stood out to me. Firstly, how devastated she was when she discovered the empty tomb. Secondly, how she was the first person to encounter the Risen Christ and that she was tasked with telling the others about Jesus. Mary played a vital role, so why had it taken so long for her to have a feast day?
We then had the privilege of travelling to Częstochowa to the Jasna Gora monastery. What a spectacular place. Most significantly, we had time to pray in front of the icon of Our Lady of Częstochowa. This is a right of passage for Polish Catholics, who make pilgrimages to bring their intentions and questions before the mother of their country. It was humbling to pray there where so many pilgrims have been before. To watch the reverence of Polish pilgrims. To experience the sense of peace. This was truly a beautiful moment.
However, when we returned to the bus we heard about the attack in Munich. Words cannot describe how the mood instantly shifted. We have been in our pilgrim bubble but it was burst when we heard this news. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Munich tonight.