...and it was FULL of Surprises. A Day Trip (and My First Visit) to the Capital of Poland: Warsaw.

[@sixx4771]

Mate! I dont know how I stumbled over your channel. But I absolutely love it. I'm swedish and I have to say that I love Poland. I wrote a comment on a erlier video about it. Never felt safer in any other european country than in Poland, including Sweden. Clean and police around everywhere that was being helpfull without harrasing anyone! Great and proud people that is very helpfull and open to european neighbours visiting.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much! And hard to disagree with anything you say!

[@qPolakq]

Thanks mate, you are always welcome here!

[@jaraskowalski9967]

Tack så mycket kompis for good opinion about my country Poland:) My best friends from Göteborg (infödda Svenskar) they have decided to move to Poland (Gdańsk) 4 years ago. I ask them so often if they regret their decision. The answer always is same: no way, we are happy here. Hälsningar.

[@mariusztrynkiewicz4862]

Police wasn’t harrasing you because you are foreigner. Sometimes they whant to screw you for enjoyment or statistics

[@mariaszodesundberg2858]

Jag älskar Sverige, kul att du gillar mitt land med🙂

[@piotrviatorus5109]

Je suis actuellement en Pologne et c’est un bonheur sans nom de pouvoir prendre les transports en commun sans ranger son portable, de pouvoir se promener sans aucune crainte la nuit ou encore de ne constater aucune incivilité. A côté, la France, c’est l’enfer sur terre -Kevin Bossuet

[@dannyseville2543]

I can only mirror what others have said. Ive been to Poland a couple of times and it's an amazing coutry with a varied history. The people there I have found to be really warm and welcoming. I do want to go back and visit again soon.

[@steve-marsh]

So ture Danny! Can't wait to get back and continue the adventures!

[@Foxglove963]

Hurray for Poland. There are stone circles in Poland!

[@Vatharian]

We have over 3 thousand years of history, of which last thousand is very well documented. If you have time, passion, and like to see places you can travel over Poland for months and months, and find hundreds of palaces, fortresses, old battlefields, nearly every town has a rich history, sometimes reaching as far as Roman trade caravans, and a compliment of museums of every single aspect. Our borders moved, people migrated, and every region has its unique culture and traditions, kind of multiplying things to see :) And if you ever get bored of people there are so many beautiful, untouched by civilization places. And if you get bored of Poland, I think next stop should be Czech Republic! Ostrava, Prague and others (start in Cieszyn!). Prague was never burned down, was spared during major European conflicts, and it's much wealthier in real artifacts of the past - we, in Poland, had to rebuild everything, so often all we have are replicas, meticulously recreated from paintings and old photos, while in Vysehrad castle you can see the actual king's bedsheets :)

[@EtherealSunset]

I've visited Poland a couple of times. Multi destination trips both times, though I've never made it to Warsaw yet. It's a great country. I definitely want to visit again in the future.

[@mstrdiver]

I was surprised to learn that Poland had so many castles and such beautiful ones, at that.

[@OkieJammer2736]

This video ... ALL your videos are so interesting and tempting. My Travel Bucket List grows longer each time I see one!

[@stephenpinder9567]

Incredibly incredible. Once again, you exposed me to things I feel I need to be exposed to. The resilience of the Polish people during that world war, cold war, and post cold war era is to be admired greatly.

[@steve-marsh]

Well said!

[@Bakambol]

My jesteśmy trochę jak karaluchy😂Nie da się nas wytępić😎

[@tomekpi1184]

​​​@@Bakambol... cause we have Poland in our soul, Polish language and culture! No enemy - Russia or Germany - could destroy this...

[@Irisishunter]

Absolute joy as always, Alicja showing up was a genuine surprise, perfect tour guide and really made the video. A real pleasure.

[@steve-marsh]

Alicja for sure made this a special day and a fun video!

[@michaelslattery9923]

Thank you so very much, a wonderful video that brought back happy memories of my working time in Poland (during communist times). My wife and son were with me and this video reminded me how wonderful Poland and its’ people were and still are

[@mlekosojowe]

I can’t believe how interesting, beautiful and clean everywhere looked?! I had a completely different idea of Warsaw. This vlog made me want to visit it now!!

[@Bakambol]

Stereotypy o Polsce są bardzo krzywdzące i totalnie nie prawdziwe.Koniecznie odwiedź Kraków bo jest o wiele piękniejszy niż Warszawa bracie

[@italianspiderman5012]

⁠@@Bakambolthat was true about two decades ago, now we get much more respect, in Ireland for one, now there are both poles that don’t deserve that respect and westerners that still think of us as an ex soviet subset of Russians, and a lot of people don’t like Russians, but generally speaking things are much better now, we kinda earned it.

[@frederickmuhlbauer9477]

You should It’s well worth it

[@jusp6253]

@@Bakambol tylko się nie rozpłacz ;)

[@martaszuszka2526]

as a person who was born and raised in Warsaw, I'm always interested how foreigners see this city :) cheers!

[@Cal1gula666]

From what I've seen , it's very beautiful and full of lovely people.

[@frederickmuhlbauer9477]

Great city Love it

[@janinehawkins9565]

Fabulous University, such a green city. Loving the red squirrel 🐿️❤

[@steve-marsh]

I'd study there in a heartbeat!

[@johnwhitlock7469]

As I'm a retired librarian I was fascinated by the one there. Reminds me of the one in Salt Lake City. Always a joy on the weekend to travel along with you.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks John. Yes, some place, I could easily imagine studying there!

[@elainemcguirk4993]

My first thought was " how can he be in Warsaw without Alicja ??" and then there she was ! Another great video, thank you x

[@steve-marsh]

Haha I was lucky to bump into her up there eh?

[@ingimundurgesturaxelsson802]

Warsaw sure is a gem. Have always enjoyed my time there.

[@janetturner7489]

Great Steve! I was in Warsaw in 1994 and it has certainly improved. I saw photos of the city after WW2 in the Jewish museum, devastation was far worse than anywhere in the UK. Polish people 👍!

[@steve-marsh]

They are absolutely bossing cities these days, incredible improvements Janet! So many more to visit!

[@alesollas76]

On fact after WW2 more than 90% of Warsaw was destroyed completly. Even nie called "opd town" are rebuiled .

[@andyf9560]

are You sure that you were in Jewish Museum? Maybe Museum of Warsaw Uprising? Warsaw Uprising not Uprising in Warsaw Ghetto, two different historical "events".

[@kennethshields7956]

Driving in Poland is a challenge and the language is almost impossible to understand but the peaple are wonderful, the food is great,and the women are beautiful.

[@markg1531]

I love Poland!

[@r.khannaberry246]

Warsaw was amazing! I loved the oldtown square and the park was beautiful! Loved the video!

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much !

[@suzannebell51]

How wonderful to find such a charming tour guide who took you to such interesting places - great to see Alicja again!

[@steve-marsh]

I know right? How random to meet up there ;)

[@suzannebell51]

@@steve-marsh 😄

[@alanlake5220]

She should do english guided tours,

[@DaveyPalmer1]

I'll be honest Steve, when you first set foot in Warsaw I wasn't sure what to expect but wow! That beautiful park, the castle, the stunning old town. What an awesome place, made even better because you had a decent tour guide of course 😉

[@steve-marsh]

Mate I think I was the same, but expectations blown away!

[@adriannaszudrzynska9371]

There are hundreds of such historic castles in Poland. Many of them are currently in the process of restoration, so Poland will be more and more beautiful and economically stronger, yesterday the American Intel announced the largest investment in the history of our country, a processor factory near Wrocław worth USD 4.6 billion (2000 jobs) Have a nice Sunday 👋

[@kos2208]

​@@adriannaszudrzynska9371Well that is only possible and happening because PiS is in power. Those within PO never cared about or care to this day about anything Polish. As Tusk said: Polishness is a burden to me. Industry destroyed and made so Germans and Russians could make profit. PO is a party full of traitors. It blows my mind anyone still votes for them.

[@Scotland_Above]

Poland is fantastic! I'd have been surprised if Alicja wasn't there! 😁

[@steve-marsh]

Haha true! :)

[@invisiblehandofadamsmith]

Went to krakow from london absolutelly amazing city will be back

[@jonclassical2024]

Wow, stunning day trip Steve.....the old piles of the first bridge across the Vistula reminds me of the Remagen Bridge, I bet that rye bread was tasty! Nice surprise, a personal guide, Thank You Alicja! After the Polish suffered greatly and fought so hard against the Nazi's, they were rewarded with almost 50 years under Communism., I could have spent hours in that museum. Interestingly, Old City was destroyed in the war and rebuilt exactly as was....national pride can't be erased!

[@steve-marsh]

Such an incredible country and a proud people eh Jon? Polish cities are looking so good these days, and we've got so many more to visit in the coming years hopefully!

[@times4937]

In fact, the whole of Poland after the war was one big ruin, and we should remember that we are talking about the second world war that swept through these lands in just two decades, from west to east and vice versa. Poland has irretrievably lost an unimaginable amount of movable and immovable objects of cultural heritage and art.

[@Foxglove963]

The Polish people beat the nazi's. Polish people are kind and it's a wonderful country to visit.

[@alh6255]

Poland was under the rule of the communists for 43 years, and even less, from 1947 to mid-1989, which is actually 41 years (in the years 1945-1947, capitalism revived, and the country was reborn after 6 years of a terrible war, there was also a domestic war with the communists brought by soviets). There is a big difference between 50 years and 40 years.

[@cheriouellette7956]

Thank you for taking us to Poland in particular Warsaw. What a beautiful city and one I have not seen a lot of before. Alicja showing up was very special! The whole experience looked like a lot of fun, never boring and left me wanting to see more of this very interesting country. I will watch this vlog more than once. Have a wonderful week both of you!!!!

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much Cheri, it was so much fun to film the reveal :D

[@DSTWizz]

What a joy it was to see Warsaw! Looks amazing. Great to see Alicja pop up"unexpectedly" like that too! She was the perfect guide to show off those fascinating places. Thanks guys, as always.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers David!

[@elainehowell2836]

Hi Steve and Alicia it is nice to see you both out and about and nice weather and it is nice place to stay and visit and walk round and visit the shops and having food on the go and the building are fantastic and parks thanks you both

[@steve-marsh]

Thank again for coming along Elaine :)

[@richardkeeler2347]

Hi Steve! next time you are in Poland travel down to Zakopane,we have been many times in winter and summer,if you do, dont forget the cable car from Kunice its stunning in the winter .cheers for all the eye opening vids

[@johnackerley6553]

Absolutely brilliant, totally unexpected but a wonderful tour of a beautiful city. The museum showing how life used to be was incredible. I've downloaded this to enjoy again and again. Well done to you both.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much John!

[@MartinBrez]

That's a great video of Warsaw. I've been twice and have never visited some of the places Alicja showed you. Local knowledge is a great thing 👍 I often wonder why you and Alicja haven't made more videos on Poland. It' s a great country to visit 🇵🇱👍

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Martin! We have a LOT of plans for Poland, but it's just a case of limited time, we'll get there eventually, stick with us :)

[@witolek1]

​@@steve-marshIf you would like to visit Poznań one day, just talk to me, if I have time i can be you guide there ;)

[@user-eg8pv2om7j]

Finally : I'm told Zakopane region is stunningly beautiful with hot spas , mountains lakes and great hospitality.

[@steve-marsh]

Oh we MUST get there sometime!

[@johnjephcote7636]

Walking in the Bieszczady National Park in the south-east is wonderful...The Carpathians.

[@blase777]

Zakopane region really is beautiful, but the town itself is a cheesy tourist-trap.

[@pedroSilesia]

no it is not, don't go there

[@GrafRamolo]

Noooo it is horrible . Really never go there . Tourist trap .

[@wallydug2256]

Another interesting and entertaining video, Poland looks great.😁👍

[@zweispurmopped]

Every city has its odd gem here and there. Warsaw is bustling with them! I wouldn't have dreamed this city would be so full of interesting places! 😳 A proper big thanks for making me wiser there! And what a lovely video! That was good fun to watch! 🤗

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers! It kinda blew me away, amazing city :)

[@dthomp06]

What a great Vlog! Warsaw has done a great job rebuilding. Loved the library!

[@steve-marsh]

So true Derin!

[@malcolmstockbridge2569]

Poland seems to have a 'Gothic' feel to it, this also shows up in their music as shown by the amount of Polish heavy metal gothic bands. Great video again Steve.

[@steve-marsh]

Some great stuff comes out of Poland eh? Such a talented nation creatively

[@pawejabonka5095]

You've no idea how happy I was to see you mention Tczew Bridge to be the place where WW2 began! That's actually my birthplace and I live very close to that town, in this region we're taught in school to actually correct other people claiming Westerplatte is where the war began and you're presenting this fact to international public, thank you on behalf of all inhabitants of Tczew and its surrounding 😁

[@Dan_Gyros]

Another gorgeous city! One to add to the bucket list for sure!

[@timrosenburgh8597]

I really enjoyed the tour Steve. Many thanks to Alicia for showing us around Warsaw. Some really interesting places she took us to.

[@steve-marsh]

Alicja really made this a special day :)

[@otisreed8799]

Great tour! I recently returned from my first trip to Gdańsk (we also visited Malbork by train). Funnily enough I was planning to do exactly the same on my next trip there and take in a day trip to Warsaw so thank you both for the great tips 👍

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much! Look out for a wee Malbork bonus video midweek!

[@davidbalcon8726]

Thank you for the walkabout. I’ve been to Warsaw several times but the photokina and museum of life under Communism were unknown to me on those visits. I’ll be going back in October so have definitely added them both to my own touring around the city. Thank your friend for her tour.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Great video Steve. The Palace of Culture and Science certainly brought back some great memories of Warsaw for me and yes, that lift is pretty fast!!

[@barrywood2806]

10 out of 10 yet again. Thanks to your 'sidekick, a fantastic insight into so many different aspects of the city. I think I'm right in saying that Warsaw Old Town was completely rebuilt after WW2, largely using photos and original materials to make it as authentic as possible. I too have supped a beer there.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Barry! And I think you're spot on!

[@adriannaszudrzynska9371]

Yes, Warsaw's monuments have been reconstructed very carefully, but it's a pity that Poland was under communist occupation at that time and many other buildings built during that period have a distinct Soviet style. That's why personally I prefer Krakow, Wroclaw or the city where I was born, beautiful old Gdansk

[@barrywood2806]

@@adriannaszudrzynska9371 Many years ago, probably around 1970, I arrived in Gdansk from Helsinki and took a steam train to Poznan before continuing to London. Another time, I stayed in a Warsaw hotel and the bar had items featuring its logo, a penny farthing bike, in a display case and to ask if we wanted to buy one. I wanted a large mug, asked, and it was given to me free. These things leave an impression. I have nothing but positive feelings towards Poles, having been treated very well there, and there are many in my native UK who appear to have received a positive reception. Respect.

[@normanlong2191]

Yet another stunning video made all the more special with the company of Alicja , Poland appears an amazing country when one considers is terrible and tragic past !

[@steve-marsh]

So true Norman, they are a proud nation and so many more adventures to be had there in future!

[@krisdi300]

ukrainians are experiencing what poland has been experiencing for the last 300 years

[@damienfenton3880]

I recently visited Edinburgh for the first time and it really exceeded by expectations. I knew it was considered a beautiful city but I didn't appreciate just how stunning it is until I was there. Can't wait to return.

[@tor3948]

thanks for a great trip! Poland is a wonderful country to visit for those interested in history. great people in Poland too. lucky you to have such a great guide:)

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers! Landed on my feet with the guide eh?

[@IAmWithinEverything]

Brings back memories of my childhood riding the train from Washington to North Carolina. Loved it!❤

[@steve-marsh]

Glad you enjoyed it Grace :)

[@thomaswislocki2804]

I visited Poland in 1960 as a thirteen year old, and Warsaw was one of the places I went round. The signs of a destroyed city were still evident in those days, but we know how hard Poles can work, and todays Warsaw and the rest of the country is evidence to their labour's. I was in Wroclaw a lot on the early seventies and accompanied my cousin who was in the tourist industry to the Police station once, where she had to return everyone's passport who had been outside the country on a tour. So it was a case as soon as you returned from your authorised trip your passport was taken away from you... Nice bit meeting up with Alicja Steve .....one of you at the north of the country the other at the south..

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much Thomas! Poland really is looking mighty fine these days and I think it'll only get better

[@adriannaszudrzynska9371]

The work of Poles during communism was hard, but unproductive, because society in a pathological system was robbed by corrupt communist elites and the USSR, the centralized socialist economy didn't develop. Experts estimate that just after the war the Polish economy was at the level of Spain, and if not for communism then it would also be at the level of Spain. The real development in all spheres took place only after the fall of communism and the collapse of the USSR, although the reforms and the beginnings of the free market were very difficult.

[@DavidPeacock1972]

Something that stood out for me was Alicja showing you her country of birth. She genuinely looked like she was loving showing you around. Fantastic video. How's my brother by the way? 😂

[@steve-marsh]

Haha he's resplendent! She's very proud and it shines through :)

[@scissorkicks]

Squealed when your tour guide appeared 😂 Spent a fair bit of time in Poland in the late 90s/early 2000s. Would love to go back. So many good memories of the places and people

[@sheilam4525]

Thank you Alicja and Steve for this look around Warsaw. What a stunning place, can't get over that University, beautiful! And of course, that coffee shop looked amazing😊

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks Sheila! Alicja was the true star of this episode :)

[@roblancs]

Saving this for later, enjoying these longer exploring videos. If the Poles I've met in life are any indication, I bet Warsaw will be a lovely place.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks Rob! Have a great day!

[@marekspike3891]

This is the first time I'm seeing your film so I'm obviously not familiar with your work (I'm planning to rectify that soon) but I am absolutely gobsmacked by your open mindedness, curiosity towards new things, positive and calm demeanour. Those traits are not that common these days. Thank you for your amazing work.

[@steve-marsh]

Hey Marek! Really appreciate your kind words! Thanks so much and welcome to the channel :)

[@zygmaszel8882]

Thanks for Filming I'm Poland born , never had opportunity see those places Appreciate that

[@philipfrancis7303]

Top marks to you both for an interesting and entertaining video! I love visiting Poland too and in my view the interesting architecture, the people, the trams and a million and one other things make Poland offer such a good deal for tourists, especially hotel prices, and particularly now the pound doesn't go so far as it once did.

[@steve-marsh]

Good point Philip!

[@BobTravellin]

Steve! Thank you so much for this little gem. I've lived in Warsaw for over 20 years, done that train trip many times on the old stock and the new pendolinos, spent hours in the Old Town and Lazienki Park, and taken in a movie at the Palac Kultury. But NOW I have to go up to its observation platform, and visit those two museums. I love the place, despite all the grief there can be here sometimes. Next time you're in town I'd love to meet up, talk travel and drink some decent decent Polish beer...... Made my day, this one.

[@steve-marsh]

Would be awesome Bob!

[@JBFlytography]

Brilliant video. Warsaw is definitely on my to do list! It is probably easier with a local guide to help with the language barrier and to find those wee obscurities😉😂 Thanks again, guys.

[@steve-marsh]

Oh absolutely! My day would never have been this cool without you-know-who!

[@graemejardin5569]

Actually, there isn't much of a language barrier in Warsaw. A lot of signage is bilingual with English always as the second language, and almost everyone young speaks English fluently.

[@JBFlytography]

@@graemejardin5569 I know. My best mate is Polish, from just outside Gdańsk. Just mean always handy to her someone with local knowledge and to help with those that don’t. I’m useless with Eastern European pronunciations😬😂

[@izabela1961]

Great video! Next time you are here, it's worth seeing the old district of Praga, Warsaw Uprising museum, some beaches by the river, Nowy Świat and Krakowskie Przedmieście by foot, Wilanów Palace and gardens and much more. Warsaw is interesting because it has got different vibes you may like or hate, but cannot be indifferent.

[@rupertbare2023]

Brilliant tour. Thank you both so much. 👍

[@55rimshot]

It’s always a great pleasure to see you both reminding us how surprisingly beautiful most places are. You are a great credit to opening our eyes to new locations.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks Geoff! I can't imagine this would even have been a video without the best tour guide in town!

[@dougzirkle5951]

I suppose it would have been even more of a surprise to me for you to visit Warsaw without Alicja. But it still caught me off guard to see her up there on the 30th floor, just hanging out. Actually, perhaps the bigger surprise was how beautiful Warsaw turned out to be, as I’ve never traveled there. That’ll have to change.

[@steve-marsh]

It was such an unexpected day, obviously I was in on the first surprise but not the second one about how amazing the city was!

[@jankowalski6338]

7:57 "Please do not throw away the trays" If you wondering what it says.

[@zumurudlilit]

😂

[@FlyFree2023]

A brilliant Vlog. Warsaw was never on my bucket list until now. I visited Poznan way back in 2004 and often thought of exploring more of the country since. Thanks to you and your "special" guide for showing us around.

[@steve-marsh]

She was alright eh? Deserved a tip for that tour :)

[@adriannaszudrzynska9371]

2004 and 2023 here in Poland is a huge difference, in a relatively short period the country has developed rapidly, so if you visit Poland again after almost 20 years, you may encounter many surprises. Welcome! 👋

[@iforwilliams2509]

Those buses bought back memories of my visit to Gdansk and Gdynia and the eastern block a while back.

[@PaulGodfrey]

Thanks for the video. Great memories of my own trip to Warsaw. It's a lovely city.

[@steve-marsh]

Some place eh Paul!

[@horsehollerer]

As a kid, I used to obsess over the idea of taking a trip in a compartment coach until I actually rode in one for the first time and I realised other people were allowed in there, too. Ugh! Then 4 or 5 years ago, I took a train from Berlin to Prague in the winter, and it was pretty much all compartments and they were almost completely empty, so I finally got one to myself ... heaven lol. Anyway, another great watch. Cheers!

[@steve-marsh]

The dream trip eventually happened! :) But I was the same, the thought of one on my own would be magic!

[@mattraschke2889]

Outstanding job guys. Steve - if you loved that library, get yourself to Vasconcelos in Mexico City (unless you're scared of heights). I'll share Alicja's Warsaw tips with my son who will be there in a few months. Happy travels!

[@steve-marsh]

Oh top tip! Terrified of heights, but always go for it anyway!

[@davidlugo7284]

Steve, Alicja , you guys did a great job on this one. Keep up the good work. More Poland stuff please. More Alicja as tour guide.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers David! Oh we have so many Polish plans!

[@GingerJohnny]

I could just watch you n Alicja all day long 👍

[@Chipounettef]

Always a pleasure to follow you on your adventures, but the videos with Alicja are my favorite ones. She's a real asset

[@steve-marsh]

I was glad to bump into her :)

[@clareclark6535]

Very sleepless in Seattle meeting up there

[@robertblechle6365]

Amazing tour of Warsaw. Never thought of a stop there. Beautiful. The rooftop garden was amazing. As always thank you both for the work. 2 weeks and we’ll be in Scotland. Can’t wait

[@steve-marsh]

Amazing! Enjoy final preparations and plans :) Thanks for coming to Warsaw with us :)

[@MummyJilly]

I’ve been meaning to comment for ages. I found your channel a few months ago after finding a lot of pleasure in watching similar train and travel vlogs. I just wanted to say your channel amongst a few others have been a huge help and comfort in a trying time. My husband was out of work from Christmas 22 until mid May and whilst I kept busy myself at work in the day, at bedtime I just couldn’t settle to reading. My mind wandered and I would worry. But watching videos such as yours have really helped. I look forward each week to new videos and save them up for bedtime. Happily my husband now has a great new job and ours worries are a lot less but hey there’s always something to worry about isn’t there. I’ll continue to enjoy your videos; happy travelling and thank you - I can’t thank you enough.

[@steve-marsh]

That's a lovely comment to receive Jill, thanks so much and I wish you both all the best :)

[@davefoster3166]

Great video Steve, you're really spoiling us with all this content lately. Warsaw looks totally different to what I'd expected and is well worth a visit. And I don't know what the Polish equivalent of an Oscar is, but Alicja must be in the running for one now! 😂

[@steve-marsh]

Haha to acting eh!? :)

[@MrFlyingscot75]

Thanks yet again Steve. It’s a real pleasure to watch your videos, so uplifting.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Ron, so pleased to hear it!

[@DCL26]

Thank you for a tour of your lovely home town city, Alejia. Thank you too, Steve! ❤❤

[@EMB238]

Alicja shares my appreciation of small, specialty, well curated museums where visitors can linger. Much more interesting, and fun, than tourist-packed major venues with timed entry and fast moving groups.

[@steve-marsh]

So true Ellen! She chose well eh?

[@mrmullett1067]

Beautiful video, beautiful city and two lovely people showing me around. Thank you so much.

[@djmark143]

It is Saturday and one of the first things I do is to check if my favorite KZbinrs uploaded new content and Steve never let's you down! 🤩A 40 minute long treat. Haven't watched it yet as me, the missus and the kids are out of the house today as it is another fab day. So this is on my watch list for this evening. Thanks Steve, looking forward to check this one out later today! 🤗

[@steve-marsh]

Enjoy it out there guys! :)

[@williamdom3814]

I subscribe to a lot of KZbin videos but this is the only one I actually look forward to each week and the occasional midweek one is a real pleasant surprise. Keep up the great work Steve and Alicja, it makes my week.

[@kelleywoods5244]

We're in New Zealand, so Steve's videos are uploaded on Saturday nights here. Now it's become a bit of a ritual, we have to see what Steve's been up to before we go to bed on Saturday 😅

[@sweper]

I have been to Warsaw twice in my work. It was in the early 80s and it looked completely different. The shops were empty of everything except canned goods. The hotel's own shop had everything you needed if you paid with western currency. I stayed in one of the hotels you show in the picture, but it seems completely remodeled now. The old town was nice though and completely restored after WW2. What was also beautiful, was the so-called Chopin Monument park. You could walk around there for hours.

[@steve-marsh]

Would have loved to see the contrast back then!

[@alh6255]

The shops in Warsaw were not completely empty in the early 80s (the period of economic crisis after the suppression of the great anti-communist uprising of Poles - including 8 million Polish workers associated in the Independent Trade Union "Solidarność" - Solidarity, and the introduction of martial law). Only cans on the shelves of grocery stores were a very rare sight, even incidental (it was more common in the deep provinces). There was usually no shortage of basic (for the modern society) food products. Stores with goods other than food were full of goods, and - in general, OK. There were also quite a lot of small private stores with supplies from small, private companies or from private import, allowed in Poland since the late 1960s. However, state trade dominated. And due to the flaws of the centrally controlled (state) management of store supplies in a country of 40 million, i.e. the idiotic management imposed by the Soviet communists - it was difficult to smoothly connect supply and demand. And all disruptions, such as nationwide strikes, mistakes of bad officials, forcing deliveries of Polish products to the USSR (which did not have a developed consumer goods industry and was a parasite on other countries of the communist bloc in Europe, and especially on Poland, whose society was constantly rebelling) or the economic sanctions imposed on Poland by the West for introducing martial law - additionally disrupted the entire process of supplying trade. Incidentally, Poles had no complaints about these sanctions, on the principle: the more problems the communist authorities (or "they") have - the better for Poles (i.e. "us"). Due to the absurd centralization of all processes, supplies (in trade, but also in industry) were not adjusted to changes in demand, so there were periods when people (or companies) bought a lot of things in stock and the delivery of additional supplies could not keep up). As a result, if a delivery of more attractive and more sought-after goods appeared somewhere, long queues formed. To someone from the West, it could of course seem at that time that there was a small selection in the shops. It was a bit like British grocery supermarkets during the pandemic and the logistical problems that the UK experienced in 2021. Incidentally, Warsaw, like most Polish cities, experienced relatively low level of this kind of trouble during martial law, while small towns, especially far from larger urban centres, actually had frequent and big supply problems for several years during the crisis of the 1980s. And there, in fact, cans with just a few products could very often be the only sight in the store (apart from bread, milk, vinegar and tea). The only grocery stores in which there was never a shortage of goods anywhere in Poland (also in the deep provinces), and what's more, the supply was excellent, were small vegetable stores, of which there were plenty. These were small private shops, sometimes even just stalls. And they worked so well because their suppliers (private farms were not liquidated in Poland after 1945, unlike in other communist countries, the resistance of Poles was too strong) and private small traders maintained a system of local trade based on sound market principles for the entire 44 years of communism. At first, the communists were unable to stop it, and then they were even happy that this local small trade filled the gaps and the ever-widening holes in the stupid, inefficient trade and supply system in the soviet style.

[@richardharibo]

My favourite KZbinrs ❤️ thanks both of you for making me happy every time you share your travels.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much Richard from us both :)

[@Odysseuss.]

Great tour Steve and Alicja the old city square in spring looks marvelous!

[@aram5642]

This tour was absolutely perfect, just to say that it was interesting would be so dull. Even though I know the city, I'd be elated to join you there. Alicja has shown you/us some of the best of Warsaw. Also, this video includes a few very subtle peculiarities of Poland, both positive and negative, which was amazing to see how you were able to catch them on camera. And by the way, if you happen to be in Warsaw on a July or August Saturday, you could enjoy some outdoor jazz music at the Old Town Market Square in the evening.

[@steve-marsh]

Hey that would be magical on a summer evening, thanks for the tip! And for watching the video, cheers!

[@rutheliz75]

Two thumbs up as usual ! Beautiful city , great tour .

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers John!

[@LovehunterEU]

Absolutely stunning video! I got so many ideas for my holiday with my friend to surprise him with!

[@steve-marsh]

Have an amazing time! :)

[@paulj1873]

What a great day trip. I really liked the museum of the communist times. I grew up in Poland in the 70s and have a lot of nostalgia for the PRL…of course through a kid’s perspective 😊. Should add Krakow and Zakopane (my hometown) to places to see. Great video!

[@steve-marsh]

Oh we have so many adventures planned in Poland! I'd love to go to Zakopane!

[@ScottishT]

Loved this video, Warsaw is beautiful. I had a lump in my throat when Alicia was leaving you. Lol😢

[@steve-marsh]

Tough times mate :(

[@ScottishT]

@@steve-marsh And apologies - Alicja

[@anniedonnelly7416]

She's so cute, and funny and clever....makes sense to follow her!❤

[@mikadorek1]

Piękne video człowieku! Dziękuję i Tobie i Ali.

[@lisamckay5058]

The museum night sounds fabulous. Warsaw has been on my list for a while and it's working its way to the top. Thanks for the great video, Steve, and the great tour, Alicja!

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks Lisa! :)

[@thompsy2k6]

I've lived here 17 years and you know what, you did the city a real service. You did all that in six hours as well. I'm very glad you liked this city. You did make me smile when you asked is that someone hoose! If there's a part two and you need help, let me know ;)

[@steve-marsh]

Superb thanks so much! Really enjoyed our time in your city, just wish it could have been longer, so a return will definitely be on the cards at some point!

[@EWAMILENAP]

❤Warsaw

[@RedStickLouisiana]

I loved this video, it was so much fun to see Warsaw and your guide was fantastic. Warsaw is such a beautiful and interesting city and Alicja chose some great spots to show you. Thanks so much.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks from us both :)

[@raybrown2197]

Scott from Trains,planes,everything eat your heart out. Thanks Steve and Alicja for showing the non tourist side of Warsaw

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Ray! What a fun day this was! :)

[@diner2376]

That was really good video about capital of Poland. It is really kind to see when foreigners enjoy being in my native country. It was nice to watch. Greetings from Poland :)

[@steve-marsh]

Thank you! :)

[@graemejardin5569]

I remember getting lost in Lazienki Park. I was going to a classical music concert at a venue there. The taxi driver didn't know where to go and dropped me off at the wrong gate. This was a Saturday evening in January, temperature at least -10C, thick snow on the ground etc. Anyhow, I was well wrapped up and eventually found where I was going by following another concert goer who obviously knew the way. Thankfully no Latvian wolves! Love Warsaw.

[@kakis3637]

What’s up with Latvian wolves? Never heard of it, just wondering, because I’m from Latvia :D

[@graemejardin5569]

@@kakis3637 Steve made a previous video in which he got off a train in Latvia in the dark and found himself in a forest that supposedly had wolves.

[@kakis3637]

@@graemejardin5569 ohhh, gotta check out, thanks! :D

[@dozyproductionss]

I live in Warsaw and am glad you went to the park Łazienki. It's in the middle of the city yet so peaceful. You can plop down a picnic towel and forget you're in a city. I wish the old town was more accessible for the people who live here. I can't buy the "cheap" beer for 20zl all the time. Thank you for being openminded and visiting in a respectful manner. I love watching the trams too btw lol.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much for the comment! Totally agree about making it more accessible for the locals!

[@pz6677]

I don't know how I got here but I'm staying! I live in Warsaw but I didn't know the museums you went to, and it's good to watch foreigners experience my city to appreciate it again. And all of that in Scottish accent which I've always absolutely adored. I'm subscribing!

[@glenyshillary4195]

Great video and brilliant tour guide! Thanks both of you for taking us along. ❤

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks Glenys! That tour guide stole the show!

[@PortugalCarp]

What a beautiful place, especially, as you said, considering what they've been through. Hats off to the people of Poland.

[@primeflux1]

Warsaw is a nice place to visit!. Don't miss the train museum next time you go there.

[@MartinCook-kg1vn]

I am still surprised I find fairly recent stuff I have not seen before. Great video, so many thanks to Alicjia for the tour: and her laughing at the ‘acting’ was infectious. A good surprise.

[@colinmorrison1531]

Fun Warsaw fact: Alexander Chalmers (Polish: Aleksander Czamer; 1645-1703), born in Aberdeen, Scotland and became Mayor of Warsaw.

[@braziliaan]

I absolutely loved that park and the green library. I would definitely visit Warsaw. It seems to be a very nice place with lots of space. ❤

[@dcallan812]

What a great trip. The empty shelves took me back to my trips . Great video 2x👍 We found "dollar" shops in some of the more touristy areas. They were shops you needed a passport to enter and UK or US currency

[@steve-marsh]

Intersting! Thanks for coming along as always :)

[@adrianburn7178]

Looks like a really interesting city to visit. Thanks for the video.