Chopin's Heart, Pickled in Poland

While finishing my Warsaw piece I came across a new tidbit of unusual information, it involves Fredric Chopin. Chopin requested that his heart be sent to Poland after he died, it was and was enshrined in a pillar at Warsaw’s Holy Cross Church. He was 39 when he died and the heart was preserved in alcohol and sent in 1849. During the tough times of WWII the heart was removed for safe keeping. In 1951 before being returned the heart was examined and found perfectly preserved. Recently scientists wanted to remove the heart to test for DNA. The reason was to determine if Chopin died of cystic fibrosis as opposed to tuberculosis. The Polish government doesn’t think it good enough cause to pull out the heart of the revered Chopin. The alcohol thought used to preserve Chopin’s ticker, cognac. One can only guess that the French used what was handy before sending his heart from France to Warsaw.

Communists Jokes, Laughter for Releif

While flying to Warsaw on Sunday I read my favorite newspaper the Financial Times, it is filled with fun facts. In the Life & Arts section they had a piece about Ben Lewis and his new book Hammer & Tickle. The book studies the jokes and their causes and effects during the communist period and in Eastern Block countries. Joking could be a laughing and dying matter. When Stalin, “suggested” that Warsaw build a huge building to praise the Soviets the Building of Arts and Culture was erected. The joke at the time was if you wanted to see how beautiful Warsaw was, it was best done from the top of the building. A least that way you didn’t have to see the building itself. I asked fellow traveler Ken Kiesnoski from Travel Weekly a question as we walked around Warsaw later that Sunday; he has been to Poland several times. How did the communists deal with Poland’s deep religious beliefs? He told me of another Stalin witticism, getting Poland to go communist was like saddling a cow. Humor is a relief during hard times, sometimes it was all there was. At least a Bush joke will not get you sent to Siberia.

MaMaison Le Regina, and Walking Through Warsaw

Warsaw has far exceeded my expectations and I love it when a new destination does that. Though destroyed by 85% during WWII it has been painstakingly rebuilt with amazing detail. The Hotel Le Regina MaMaison is set close to the heart of the old city and is a stunning place to stay. The one time US Embassy has been redone to perfection and is an oasis in a city that has so many layers and elements. It is my guess that one day soon Warsaw will take its place as a top destination in the “New Europe”. Yesterday we visited Old Town, the Ghetto section (heart breaking) and the Lazienki Park. The Park was beautiful and the old palaces and extensive gardens perfect for an afternoon stroll. The walk back through town during glow time was a great way to get an essence of this city. Especially after a fabulous meal at the Belvedere restaurant, its dishes fit for a king.

Going to a New Country, Poland

Prophetically I mentioned in yesterday’s blog that invites pop up and you never really know where you will be a few days down the road. I always have a bag on the bedroom floor ready to go. Well thanks to the Jetster a.k.a. Johnny Jet I will be in Budapest and then Warsaw, Poland. I have hade the privilege of traveling with JJ several times over the years and the guy is a gentlemen. My thoughts go out to JJ’s brother who had to cancel due to medical reasons and wish him speedy recovery.

On this trip I will be staying in two hotels from the MaMaison Group a company that has several properties in what is some times called, “New Europe”. The former Eastern European countries are still a bargain compared to the,”Old Europe”, where a cup of coffee can run around ten bucks. I have read about MaMaison recently and after checking out their site, I am thrilled to experience the five star bastions of civilized living. The Chopin Vodka tasting also fits me well, at least I now know where I will be next week.