Jun 26, 2006 10:57 AM
2388 Views
(Updated Jul 18, 2006 02:56 PM)
My first visit was in Summer of 2005. Mazury is north eastern region of Poland, known for Lakes and forests. Also in Polish the place is called Kraina Tysiaca Jezior "Land of thousand lakes". We had planned to visit a place called Ruciane Nida, Its a twin viallage and both are surrounded by lakes. Started on a early Train from Warsaw Central station. The train stations I used to imagine when ever I read those novels of world war. Its not my first time to the train station but I always get this feeling that I am being experiencing a part of the History ( World War) . I could go on and on . But we have to reach Mazury ... so I shall drop this topic now ...
From Warsaw central station you take a train to Olsztyn. From there we were supposed to take a train to our destination of near by place. Because of my claustrophobia friend we droped the idea or train journey, as there were a single car trian to a place very near to our destination, and it was full. Belive me, summer is very precious in this part of the world and they really enjoy it. Everyone was travelling that day.
So, we choose Autobus, Yes this is what they call for Bus. I dont know why this name came. Auto with Bus. It would be funny if in india we say they same. But thats the way it is ! We choose a Bus to Pisz thats the place from where we were picked up by my claustrophbic friends, mother in a car to Ruciane Nida. Ruciane-Nida are twin villages just 2 kms apart from each other. So, We sayed in Ruciane and nida was our hub for Pubs and basically fun. Once you start roaming aroung you get hungry just because of the restaurants in the streets of Nida, As I love fish I was expecting a lot of fish. Place is very good for sailing enthusiasts also as it gives oppurtunity for you to sail with small boats.
I am not that keen on yatching and this was my first time with less expectations I was going. It was a long weekend and wanted to have a good time. After the winter in Poland belive me , any bit of sun you see you want to be under it 24 hours of a day. But it doesnt last that long. Basically there a of places where you can have fun. Go to lake side and amble around. We choose to go around the lake side and visit my friends parents. "Meet the parents". They have a small holiday home and a piece of land.
Just for summer. It was nice, but not as funny as Meet the paretns. As my friends parents didnt know English, my another polish friend translated me the things they were discussing about when I was sitting and sipping a beer. They asked me at first where I am from. India. Then there started talking in Polish. They were asking how much money I earn and other stuff. I was surprised, It will be the same kind of talk our parents would have if I take a polish friend to India. Anyway after some food at parents place we surfed Ruciane and Nida. Best part of these places is, you get cycle for rent so that you can go around. Sailing enthusiasts can try sailing. Kayaking and Canoeing is also available.
But I choose cycle and with my two polish friend we pedalled along the tiny villages to a stable where my claustrophobic friend wanted a horse ride. We had done around 10 miles in the bicycle and by then my body was hurting , because of the bicycle seat. It was paining like hell. My friend was very enthusiastic on riding the horse and she did it. Bravo ! I said and had some beer , soup and bread in the restaurant of the stable. It was nice. On the way back to Ruciane Nida we lost our way and instead of 7 miles it was 15 miles journey back to the place we were staying for the weekend.
By the time we were back in Ruciane - Nida it was getting dark. After a quick shower we strolled around street of Nida to get some food and wine. On our way back again we did pub hopping as there were live bands playing in some places. Fish was great and wine tasted even better. Time to sleep ! Walked back from Nida to Ruciane and slept like ababy, with my bum still aching badly. Next day morning our we had this funny walking style, remember the bicycle ride for almost 23 miles. One has to be very carefull while riding bike in the streets where Cars go. Its difficult and the roads are very bumpy and hence the reason of our funny walking style. Our enthusiasm for a great weekend didnt killed our pain and we were in a fresh day. Thats was the day we spent time with friends parents again.
This time it was Barbeque, Sausages and some meat. Ofcouse some local vodka. I had some Beer and didt try the Vodka, bcoz of the packaging. It did look like a local drink. After the barbeque we went to lake side with our book and spent the whole afternoon under the sun. Listening to other holiday makers previous night stories in Nida. As they had spent time with local girls, Those city boys where discussing their adventures. Everything was in Polish and I had a friend who translated me a bit and then said. I cant go further. There is a lot to say. Holidays were good. Sun was bright and hot.
Perfect food and beautiful girls every were. What more you want on a holiday ! Basically there are a lot of Places like this in Mazury. You have to visit the places where there are more pubs and restaurants and more people if you are in a Holiday and Party mood. For me every day was a new experience with new fish ! I really mean fish when I say fish !