Now for Poland! This was a fantastic experience and I would recommend everyone to go. When I first arrived the temperature was easily below 32 F and it didn't increase very much over the course of the next week--when I left it was -7C or about 19 F!  It was also a bit of a shock to learn that Poland is part of the EU but does not have euros--instead they have zloty. (for reference $1=3.75 zlot!!)

I was able to it to a wide range of attractions, many of which were museums. One was on the Warsaw uprising that occurred in 1944 and another was of a LEGO exhibition, which was quiet fun.  

These are some of the armbands that supporters of the uprising would wear. 

Took a picture of this for the guys--it is a modified pistol so it is able to shoot hand grenades. I thought it was kind of nifty.  

Here are some photos from the LEGO exhibition. Some of the creations were very accurate and creative. The was one that a skying lodge paid to have done as a form of advertisement, the Simpson's house, some Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Starwars, and the star of the exhibition--an 8 meter long replica of the Titanic.

I believe that this is a snapshot of Warsaw before or after the uprising and the picture below is of the city during winter during the time that Russian troops occupied the city.  

Below is the chill of Poland being represented by a small LEGO man trying to stay warm next to a fire on the side of the street.

The Titanic that I mentioned earlier--just the tip, which includes the ever classic scene with the two lovebirds; although, they are a bit difficult to see. 

The closest thing I saw for a christmas tree in Warsaw. 

Next on the list was seeing the local palace/castle. It was a much more realistic center of politics than many of the other places that you see around europe. My friend and I geeked out a little bit with the flooring. It was incredibly interact and I feel that the floors of the palace were comparable to the ceilings that can be found in palaces of France.

An impressive painting of the palace from when it was originally built. 

A small game room...I believe--the floors are incredible! 

The "Marble Room", the walls, floors and ceiling are all marble--very impressed. 

We also made it to a town that was a couple hours away. It had one of the oldest town squares and sported its own castle and watch tower. Unfortunately, we were unable to go into neither the castle or watch tower because we happened to go on the day that they were closed, but the watch tower still provided a beautiful view of the town. 

One of the oldest town squares...at least that is what my sources tell me. 

Last but not least--the food! My friend was gracious enough to take me to many of the local restaurants that gave the best traditional foods. 

This was a very popular restaurant and the food was amazing--it provided lots of food. 

I will spell this how it is pronounced--pear-rogy, meat stuffed dumplings. They were the best thing ever. Oh, I should mention that you sprinkle them with bacon and bacon grease.

A puff pastry with cream inside. I am not sure what they name of it is, but it was delicious...and a little messy. 

The coffee culture it also really big in Warsaw. Sooo many cappuccinos, but all of them were delicious!  

Last but not lease--the beer scene! Here are just some suggestions... the first three are vodkas (which I have not tried) and all the rest are beers that I tried and recommend. 

 This next week I will be traveling on a business trip with my class to Lille and Brussels, so I should have some good pictures soon! To finish off this post, I present you with a most amusing advertisement from a local grocery chain.  

MMMM, sandwich.  

Happy New Year!! I hope that the holidays were was successful as mine and good luck to all of your new years resolutions. I was able to experience even more this time in Paris and Poland was amazing! I will split up my travels, such as how I did with my last holidays to ensure that your scrolling finger will not get overly exhausted!

I was able to make it back to the Louvre, along with a few other museums that are a little less well known. Before I left for the holidays though, I was able to do a little decorating for the holidays...very little. I do admit though that the cup and "reindeer" came from Ikea...and yes, it is just as popular here as it is in the states.

 The Paris underground is VERY overwhelming when you first start out, but you do get used to it...sort of.

I thought that a picture of the underground would be interesting since everyone always takes pictures of the tourist attractions--I'm sure it's just as dirty as everyone describes. 

 As mentioned, I made it to some smaller museums. The following photos I believe are from the Petite Palace, where it was showing a gallery of crystal. But, being cheap college students and given that we had to pay for the gallery, so we just looked at the other pieces of art that were available.

Latvians touching things!One of my travel companions who couldn't believe the details of the pieces.  

The courtyard of the Petite Palace.

At the entrance of the gallery that was being offered. The giant chandelier! 

 Since I spent Christmas in Paris, my group was able to go to Notre Dame on Christmas Day--and attend mass! Now, while I am not religious myself, I do respect those that are and understand that it was an incredible opportunity to participate in.

 Sacré-Cœur, a church that is located at the top of a hill and allows for an incredible view. We went there after mass and celebrated Christmas with a bottle of champagne. 

The view from the steps up to the cathedral. Unfortunately, you can not see the Eiffel Tower because it is blocked by buildings. 

Prepping the champagne! 

 I was able to make it back to the Eiffel Tower (big surprise there!) and see some of the Christmas decorations. The had a "snow-globe" directly underneath the tower that was filled with Christmas trees.

Below is the square that is in front of the gardens that lead up to the Louvre. It is rather massive and a little intimidating trying to cross with the multitude of cars. 

 Back at the Louvre, saw a lot of things that I didn't make it to the first time around.

Just trying to imitate the artwork...I think he did pretty good. 

 These next three photos are part of Napoleon's apartments, which were quite impressive.

Does anyone recognize this piece?

I might have mentioned that the ceilings are quite impressive...

 Another museum that I made it to, Musée de l'Orangerie. This is where some Monet's are housed and are displayed wonderfully; no photos were allowed in that section...in most of the building, so I go what few I could. Along with the Renoir and Laurencin, there were also Picaso's and  a temporary exhibition. 

 The opera house of Paris. We didn't take the time to go inside, but it was still quiet impressive even from this distance.

 Now, to conclude this rather long post--I give you the purpose of traveling to Paris! Just kidding, but you might be happy to know that Starbucks is everywhere and there is a Chipotle! Mmmmm, a taste of home.  I will talk about visiting Poland for the new years soon enough! Until then, I hope that everyone's new year is going well and the best of luck to making it one of your best.