Summary

The author explores Wroclaw, discovering its unique dwarf statues, the National Music Forum, and the city's historical architecture, while seeking a place to enjoy coffee and ultimately facing a humorous rejection for a pedicure due to the condition of their feet.

Abstract

While visiting Wroclaw, the author embarks on a quest to find dwarf statues and witness a gaslighter at work, undeterred by the rainy weather. They stumble upon the impressive National Music Forum and are charmed by a collection of dwarf statues, capturing them in photographs. The exploration continues with a visit to the gardens of the Royal Palace and a church, both rich in history. The author also discovers that the city is situated on an island surrounded by an ancient moat. Despite the rain, the author enjoys the city's ambiance and attempts to improve their photography skills. The day ends with an amusing incident at a nail salon where the author's feet are deemed too rough for a pedicure by Polish standards.

Opinions

The author is delighted by the discovery of the dwarf statues, expressing a childlike wonder and enchantment.
There is a sense of appreciation for the grandeur of the National Music Forum and its cultural offerings, including a tribute concert to Stan Getz.
The author shows a keen interest in photography, trying to capture the beauty of Wroclaw and its landmarks using perspective, as suggested by Ronald C. Flores-Gunkle.
The author finds humor in the pedicurist's refusal to service their feet, taking the rejection in stride and making light of the situation.
There is a hint of self-deprecation when the author refers to their feet as "like horse's hoofs" and jokes about their feet suffering alongside them.
The author seems to value the serendipitous nature of their travels, enjoying the unexpected discoveries made during their walk in the rain.

All I Want is a Dry Seat

Somewhere to sit and drink my coffee

My first photo today across the road from my hostel — I don’t know what it is yet.

There are only two things I have planned for Wroclaw — to find some dwarves and to see the gaslighter at work. It’s raining — not pouring — so I brave the weather and go out for a coffee. The coffee shop/ bakery has no chairs so I go in search of somewhere to sit to enjoy my coffee and sweetie. Oh, just before the coffee shop I called the nail place to see if I could book a pedicure. I didn’t ask how much. There are some things you can’t put a price on.

So coffee in hand I toddled off to walk until 4 pm — the earliest they can fit my feet in. I would have walked no further than a few hundred metres from my hostel and here is what I found.

I don’t know what this building is either

There’s a huge modern building up in front of me. I walk all the way around to find out what it is — a sports stadium? Nope, it’s a music hall — the National Music Forum — Narodowe Forum Muzyki. I go inside to have a look. It’s monstrous. I check out what’s on. Tonight are two classical concerts — one at 6 and one later, but tomorrow night, a Tribute to Stan Getz. I love the saxophone. If you can play sax, you’ve won my heart, right, Danny?

Narodowe Forum Muzyki Can you see my coffee over on the left hand side of the building. I left it there while I photographed the dwarves.

And what did I say about finding dwarves? or is it dwarfs? Here’s the whole dang orchestra!

I am so enchanted that I take some more photos.

The flautists,the drummer, the double bass player.

Are you as enamoured of them as I am? I’m going on a dwarf-finding mission tomorrow. Knowing my luck, I won’t find any. I always seem to discover things accidentally. 😜

I walk across the open space in the rain. It’s not cold though.

Isn’t this the most beautiful bust you’ve ever seen? Look at those golden birds in his hair. What a profile!

Around the other side of the bust, I find it’s Orpheus whom I know nothing about so I keep on walking and I find the Palac Królewski we Wroclawiu — actually just the gardens. According to Google, it’s now a historic palace and museum.

There’s a church around the corner. It doesn’t look special from the outside but I’m not to be fooled.

I can get through the massive wooden door but am prevented from further entry by large iron gates. I don’t want to be arrested for breaking into a church so I take a couple of photos through the bars and retreat.

I test my photographic skills using Ronald C. Flores-Gunkle’s hints on using perspective. I haven’t nailed it yet Ronald but I’m trying. Anyway, it would be beautiful wandering along here sitting on one of the thoughtfully provided benches if it weren’t raining.

I wander down to the river to find it’s not a river — it’s the ancient city moat! Fosa miejska The entire area I’ve been walking around is actually an island of sorts bordered on its northern side by the River Oder. I should have realised it wasn’t a river. Look how straight the banks are!

It’s a pity the Polish words I’m learning have very little use in everyday life.

I couldn’t head off for my pedicure appointment without taking some fallen leaves with me — not literally. This is something I don’t see in my hometown.

Of course, you all want to see my beautiful feet, don’t you?

I took my place at the pedicure bar, took my shoes off and soaked my feet. I showed the pedicurist the toenails that had suffered the worst damage. They are becoming like horse’s hoofs. After consultation with two other more senior pedicurists, the decision was made via the Translate app that “We don’t do feet like yours in Poland!”

How to make a girl feel special! It looks like my long suffering feet will have to suffer a little longer. 🐾