Magda Przedmojska (1984)

After many accidents and chance events the National Stadium is finally here. It survived an inefficient communication system between the staff, huge bonuses for managers who did not really fulfill their tasks, stairs which were not adequately constructed to bear the load of the weight of so many fans and replacement of the faulty turf. All of these + jogging of the Minister of Sports, Joanna Mucha (she promised to jog around the stadium if it’s not ready on time), were closely watched by the public. 

Finally the stadium is completed and it definitely is one of the most modern stadia in today’s Europe. During the European Football Championship five matches will be played here: on 8, 12, 16 June and the quarterfinal (21 June) and semifinal (28 June).

Enjoy our newest toy and national pride.

If you take pleasure in visiting fascinating architectural objects in Warsaw or if you are an architect looking for examples of previous architectural trends and eras, make sure you see the bent Goodyear and BenQ Siemens blocks of flats near Łazienkowski Bridge.

The spring and beginning of summer 2012 might be an ideal moment to visit, as the time of strolling around comes again.

The buildings seem to remind of Warsaw’s past and bygone epoques and when their greyness is most intensive. The best view may be admired from the other side of the street when you stand on ul. Solec, looking from the river towards the city centre.

Eryk Lipinski (1908-1991) was one of the best-known Polish caricaturists. His idea was always to collect many works by all possible caricature artists and to show them in one place. His dream came true when finally, after a long search, he found a beautiful 18th-century building in Kozia Street. The museum now has over 18,000 works in its vast collection and hosts various exhibitions all year long. It has organized over 300 exhibitions here and 200 abroad.

I must say I am very proud of having such a museum in Warsaw – this is the only place like this in Poland, and only one of about 50 in the whole world, so we definitely have something to be proud of. I have been here a few times and I find the exhibitions very up-to-date, interesting, tracing the important things you definitely have to know about.

This is a perfect place for people who don’t know the Polish language because there are also some works with no text, easily understood if you have a cultural knowledge of our times. If you want to have an intelligent laugh, or if you want to see today’s problems, please make sure you drop in and have a look at the current exhibition.

The museum is now reopened with a new exhibition (conspiration drawings).

This is a very relaxed place, always full of people who seem to have a very nice time here. The atmosphere is one of the best in Warsaw – it’s uncomplicated, cosy, inviting. In the summer period you can sit outside (the door is never closed though, so you don’t feel caught inside), and if it is cold, there are always colourful blankets to keep you warm (but don’t worry, the tea/coffee you choose will do it anyway).

If you ask me, the best tea is Ronnefeldt’s Cream Orange. I also adore (yes, this is the right word) their recommended salads or coffees (keep your eyes open, the list is usually somewhere on/ behind the bar) – very professional and not expensive if you take the place and its cosiness into account.

In a small show-window on the right side of the bar there are always cakes covered in lovely icings – these are reserved for bad mood or a moment of heavenly pleasure. Karma won a senior-friendly badge, so people come here irrespective of the age.

How cool, I thought as I entered this new place well advertised by Lanberry who sang there on a Friday two weeks ago. Big, spacious interiors, original design (black chandeliers, huge mirrors in metal frames, high-polished bar). The owner/ manager has taken care of even the smallest details: interesting wallpaper, baskets, scented candles, blankets.

This joyous combination of details is accompanied by excellent food and even better wines (the wine list contains more than 30 wines from all over the world, I must say the Ochagavia ’09 was absolutely brilliant). Make sure you also try the apple pie – I think this was the best one I’ve ever had in my entire life!

There are concerts to come. Check here for more info.