Warsaw, You Surprised Me

Warsaw wasn’t high on my bucket list... but maybe that’s exactly why it caught me off guard. I didn’t come in with big expectations or a checklist of Insta-famous cafés. I came in with curiosity and comfy shoes... and left a little enchanted, a little heavier (thanks Pierogi), and glad I came.

It’s not the kind of city that overwhelms you right away. Warsaw is more subtle. It’s calm but rich, like a quiet friend who doesn't talk much at first but ends up telling you the best stories.

What I Thought I Knew

What I knew of Poland before visiting was shaped by childhood memories and stories. I grew up in a Catholic country, and like many Filipinos, I remember how deeply people admired Pope John Paul II. When he visited the Philippines, the whole country paused. He was seen as a symbol of comfort and hope for many. So Poland, in my mind, always held a sense of warmth because of that connection.

And then, of course, there’s the other side... the part of Poland’s history that is deeply painful. Auschwitz. The Holocaust. It’s heavy, and honestly, I still find it hard to speak about without getting lost in thought. Auschwitz is the place. The Holocaust is the tragedy. Both are forever intertwined.

I didn’t visit Auschwitz on this trip, but the weight of that history is felt even from afar. Warsaw carries it quietly... but with strength and remembrance. And as I write this, it’s just been the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising, and something about that milestone stayed with me. Maybe this is my small way of honouring it... a quiet moment to reflect, and a way to give my fair share of words to a city, and a country, that has gone through so much... and still stands with so much grace.

Old Town, New Favourite

Let’s talk about the Old Town, because... wow. Rebuilt almost entirely after World War II, it feels like walking through resilience. I didn’t know what to expect, but the colours, the cobblestones, the charm... it’s postcard-perfect, but with soul. I could’ve sat in the square all day, people-watching, sipping coffee, listening to street musicians, and watching the light shift across the façades.

Food That Hugs You from the Inside

Polish food? Comfort on a plate.
I didn’t expect to love it this much, but there’s something about Pierogi (especially the savoury ones with cheese and potato) that feels like a warm hug. Add a bit of Zurek (that sour rye soup served in bread) and suddenly I’m wondering if I have Polish ancestry somewhere.

Also... Paczki. Polish doughnuts. If you know, you know.

The Layers of History

Warsaw wears its history quietly, but it’s everywhere. From the Warsaw Uprising Museum to the subtle markers across the city, there’s strength in how this place remembers and moves forward. It’s not performative... it’s present. And that stuck with me. ღ #bekind