The English name for Poland's capital – Warsaw – doesn't give it justice. So let's set it straight if we are to fully engage in our journey. I would like you to call it the way she likes to be called: Warszawa. Var-SHAH-vah.

Say it three times, aloud, and it will flow.

 

Warszawa is a city of parks. Its lavish green areas have been carefully designed to punctuate the city with oases of solace. Over the centuries, they have been lovingly tended to regardless of politics: under kings, emperors, invading forces, the Communists, or capitalist enterprise. But I would like you to get acquainted with one place in particular. It is called Łazienki (Wah-ZEYAN-kee), or Royal Baths Park. This magical place has a long and complex past dating back to the 17th Century, but let's not spoil our adventure by the varying shades of history. As you have sensed by now, you are not reading a tourist brochure. We will be simply taking a stroll.