OWEN'S 3rd BIRTHDAY & TRIP TO WARSAW

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Our second leg of the trip was to Poland. Nathan had to do some business so bright and early we were at the train station. We had no idea how to read our tickets. We though we had it right until a group of French kids swarmed us. Even though we couldn't understand their words, their confusion on why these 2 Americans were in their seats was loud and clear.

We grabbed our things and moved a few cars forward and sat for a minute. Nathan went ahead and found our seats so we moved again. Finally in the correct spot, we relaxed for a long ride ahead. I slept, a lot, which left Nathan to his book and checking out the train.

The train pulled into the station and we started to gather our things. Panic quickly overcame us as we realized the camera bag was no where to be found. Nathan chunked the bags off the train and sprinted back on to find the camera. I was standing alone with our luggage in the Warsaw train station praying he jumps off before the train left again. It started to move. The sick feeling of losing the camera subsided for a moment while I thought I lost my husband. Then he appeared and seconds later the train was gone along with any further search attempts.

We headed for a taxi as we recalled the photos we lost. Us standing  by the Berlin Wall and all of our other bike tour photos. But the worst and most sicken loss were the precious pictures of Owen blowing out his 3rd birthday cake candles. That brings the most tears. I have 1 taken by my Mom on here iPhone and will hopefully get more from my brother Lee. (Sidenote: we do have pictures from both my Mom and Lee's camera. Very thankful to have them!)

We got settled at the hotel and grabbed some food. Over lunch Nathan and I put the lost camera in perspective. There was still a lot of trip left and we were in need of a camera. Off we went to the Warsaw Galleria for a replacement.

With our new camera in tow, we checked out the mall and surrounding areas. We stumbled upon a lovely park with lots of walkers with dogs, homeless folks and bird ladies. Through a small gate off to the side was a local farmers market loaded with luscious fruit and vegetables, gorgeous flowers and lots of meat. I couldn't get over the beauty of this one place's begonias so Nathan whipped out the new camera to snap some pictures. The lady started yelling "Nein, Niet" (German and Polsih, NO!) so we continued walking so not to cause more of a scene. Plus we only sorta understood her.

Not pictured: Polish Begonias

We tried to talk to Owen today since it was his actual birthday, but he was pretty busy. Chacha held the phone up to his ear long enough for him to hear me say, "Happy Birthday" and "We love you." Janet said he was a bit confused by all the birthday talk since we celebrated his birthday in grand dragon-style before we left. Riley had a little fever and a rash but was doing better. I think that's from her 1-year immunizations. Her 3rd top tooth broke through. Can't wait to see both of the kids!

Putting the loss of our camera behind us! Polish-style!