WARSAW

We arrived in Warsaw after a very bumpy drive on rough roads and much in and out of construction areas thereof.  A few spots had already been finished, so we appreciated the good road when we had it.
Weather was pleasant so that was good for the 8 or better hours we were in the car.
Our host for the apartment was smack on time and we settled into this comfortable nicely decorated place, however noisy as a construction site in immediately on the land next to this old building.  They work with heavy, pounding equipment through the night!
Our first day here was a holiday of some sort (usually to do with the Catholic church), so on that sunny day people were out in full enjoying the festivities.  Keep in mind that there have been at least 3 popes from this country over time.
Our first stop was the Museum of Frederick Chopin.  Absolutely amazing!  The entire mansion of four floors was full of collected manuscripts, photos, paintings and his history depicted in various ways.  His music was heard all through this beautiful place. On the bottom floor there were several stations where one could put on headphones and listen to his music while looking at a page of the score of music.  Each station was a particular subject of his music as mazurkas, sonatas, etudes, etc.  Not able to contain my emotion while listening to the music, I broke down in tears.  I wish I could have mastered at least one of his compositions.
I have always loved his music and now know where he was born, attended university and we learned much about his life in the four hours we experienced there.
On we went to was is termed "Old Town".  This is where insurgents fought against the German army in WWII.  A lot of history here in that respect.  Because of the holiday there was a free concert  in the evening.  We stayed to hear this full symphonic orchestra of young adult musicians.  Full title:  Polska Orkiestra Sinfonia Iuventus.  They performed original modern compositions that were unbelievably fantastic.!!!!
We enjoyed every bit of the one hour + performance while standing with the crowd around us.
About a 2 mile walk home and ending the evening with a glass of wine, day one came to an end.