What's about to Hatch in Warsaw?

A couple of weeks ago a giant sized egg appeared in front of my work. How did it get there? Who hatched this odd monstrosity? Anyway, after taking a few minutes peeking inside, I noticed that it was an ingenious display of a modern ecological community in action. In side of the tiny peepholes, one can gander at a mix of a variety of activities occurring in an environmentally safe world. Also, what's even more interesting is that it becomes interactive. With a touch of a button, you can make a windmill turn, or make a bird cross over a modern lake house. Pushing the magic buttons can even control the direction of movement of a little farmer checking out the affairs of his property. Indeed, it's little things like this that keep me entertained, and since it's next to my employer(see shameless plug in video), things like this will also make me late for work. For that I sincerly apologize for my tardiness. I'll be there soon.

Chopin in the Sun

This year, 2010 is the 200th birthday of Chopin. Obviously he isn’t kicking around in physical form, but in Warsaw his music is alive and well. Actually, I need to back up a tad. Come to think of it, technically part of him does physically exist in Warsaw-his heart, which is buried in a church across from the University. Nevertheless, Chopin is as much as a symbol of the Polish nation as any national hero can be anywhere on the planet. They named the airport after him! We’re talking John Wayne status.

Kidding aside, what’s even better is that his music is just as beloved everywhere else in the world as it is here in Poland. Therefore, it’s your loss if you have never taken the time to enjoy his music. Also, if you are not a classical music fan, then listening to Chopin might actually make you one. Moreover, if you are a music lover, but haven’t had the pleasure to listen to his amazing piano creations, then you should at least pick up a CD.

What would be even better though, if you find yourself here during the summer you could treat yourself to one of the free Chopin concerts in Lazienki Park? If you haven’t had the chance, there is still time until the 25th of September. The performances are at 12:00, and 4pm. If the weather disappoints, the music won’t. Even gazing at the imposing statue of Chopin next to the stage is an experience. If you can’t make it in time, there is a plethora of Chopin exhibits and concerts all over Warsaw this year to commemorate his 200th birthday.

Regardless, as free summer concerts go, this one was a pleasant surprise. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a summer afternoon in a European capital than listening to Chopin concertos and lazing in the sun. It was definitely a few notches up the proverbial musical staff than the disappointing Orange Festival in Warsaw last week. In grading, Chopin received an A sharp, but alas many would give the Orange Festival an F minor. Anyway,that is neither here nor there. As an extra FYI, please enjoy the video posted below of the free concert we went to last month.

And, if you want, you can check out the concerts here online: www.koncertychopinowskie.pl




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