The unexpected pleasures that come when travelling can be the most memorable.
We would not have visited Brzeg if we had not been trying to get to a train connection in Wroclaw...and we would not have stayed here if we hadn't wanted to try the trains and have one last bike ride in Poland. Without going on, Brzeg tured out to be a good place to visit. Starting with Villa Romeo. we enjoyed spacious, elegant accomodation (albeit a bit tired), bike storage and a great breakfast - all reasonably priced. We discovered as well some significant historic buildings and charm in this town. We have found that Polish people are often surprised at the fact that a Canadian couple have chosen to tour in their country and they will ask shyly if we like Poland and if the people here have been good to us. We are happy to say yes to all. It is surprising to us that we have seen a total of 2 other cycle tourists the whole time we have been here.
These old hotels in Poland have a grace and elegance from a bygone era. Admittedly, it is a bit rough around the edges, but everything is on such a grand scale...very high ceilings, chandeliers in every room, huge rooms and the artwork is always a highlight. As always in Poland, the hospitality and kindness of the proprietor added to the charm.
These pictures of breakfast show the many choices of food we were given - plus freshly cooked eggs to order and unlimited coffee from the espresso machine.
Lovely restored architecture at the castle which houses the Museum of the Siesian Piasts. We would have liked to have toured this museum/castle, but we didn't have enough time. We have read that it is worth a visit. Perhaps next time..Shown here is a photo of the detail of the carvings on the front wall of the castle.
This baroque church, Holy Cross, is quite beautiful - one of the more extraordinary churches we have visited this trip. The vastly different churches of Holy Cross in Brzeg and St Jacob and Agnes in Nysa offered something special and unique for the visitor.
Holy Cross Church in Brzeg is a delight to visit. Built between 1734-39, the ceiling frescoes are original and painted by J Kubena. They are stunning and portray the missions of the Jesuit Order and the glory of the Holy Cross.
As we mentioned before, the churches in Poland seem to be thriving. We have noticed modern touches with the use of guitar and choices of music, plus this TV mounted incongruously by the ornate altar is a sign of their attempt to keep up with the times and attract younger parishioners (we think!).
On our way out of Brzeg, we saw this moving Freedom Memorial dedicated to the Polish and Soviet efforts in achieving freedom from Hitler. We cannot find any information about this statue.
And then, the trouble started. Barry had to walk Seavo for at least a km and rode when he could for about a km. The mud and broken up trail were hard going. Mary Ellen was forced to run to escape the mosquitoes. We both sprayed on bug repellent, but they still found us.
Now, this is happiness for the Bartletts. Ice cream is very good in Poland, and if we can't get to a Lody (ice cream place) we love these very thick and creamy waffle ice cream sandwiches.
