Hunting Gnomes

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Today is my last day in Poland. It rained alot and a penetrating cold mist filled the air; feels like November. I enjoyed the day, hunting gnomes and doing the last organization for flight tomorrow. I bought a scarf to keep warm while I wandered the streets. Time has gone back an hour and darkness seems to begin at four. Perhaps it is even more fun to hunt gnomes in the dark. ha ha Before my camera battery gives out, with all of the flash needed to capture these gnomes, I'll upload what I have. It occurred to me that I am in an enviable position, to play most of the day.
The second day of any town is much easier. Lodging, food and internet sites are known, the streets seem shorter and the landscape makes more sense. I find things off the beaten track. I have time to contemplate.
During the day I join a group of people that I typically do not see: the retired, housewives with infants, unemployed. I muse about the energy that work takes up during school time. This is not high season for tourists and people-watching takes a practical turn. For instance, to choose the best and cheapest food watch where retired people go. When heading out to find parks, keep an eye on the ones with strollers.
When the streets get busy it is time that workers are heading home or going out for a drink afterwork. To find the local trendy spots, follow the people in suits, especially if they seem perky. The tired ones are buying take-outs and heading home.
Yes, I am grateful that I am in this floating world of mine. Perhaps as the year goes by, higher thoughts will fill my head, you know, philosophy and all that.....

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Photos

Hunting for Gnomes
Street lighting helps me to see their siloettes. This one was in front of a large church.

Upclose
Church gnome

Flowers
Found him near the flower shop.

Resting
I wonder who creates these characters? Three are over 90 in the city.

Near Bank
Hmmmmm, a bit dodgy

Near Stairs
Is this a social statement? There was a really steep ramp with the stairs.

Library
Sitting on library steps, at least I think it was a library.

Beside Municipal Building
Most proud of this find. O.K., I asked for hints from tourist bureau lady. This one is on a lot of postcards.

Maybe too much time
Ha ha, it just occurred to me that you might think me mad with this little hobby. Maybe I have too much time on my hands. Yahoo for fun.

Grey Day
Ducks enjoyed the rain.

Park
I like the form of this statue

Last Day in Hostel
Today I have less 'travel work' and more playtime.

Hero
Seems to be a city hero.

Concert Hall
Bet there is great music in here. Wish I had planned to see a concert while I'm in town. Next time....

Art
This was in a corner of the church.

Inside Church
Looks like Ukranian, but I think it was Catholic

Centre
Walking back into the city.

Market
This market was inside what looked to be an old train station.

Gypsy Girl
For the change in my pocket, she let me take her photo. She was begging market customers for money. Gypsies came from India hundreds of years ago.

Centre Square
Another picture from the square.

Pink
Last of my photos of Wroclaw.

Comments

[Michal]

photos
Nice photos !!! Look at some ours at www.greetingsfrompoland.com