This collection is filled with photos of various castles and buildings throughout Torun and its surrounding territories.
Completed in 1406, Malbork is an excellent example of a medieval castle.
Built by the Prussians in 1406, we are crossing the bridge before entering the front of the world’s largest, surface-wise, fortress. This was, and perhaps still is, the largest of similar structures made of brick.
After passing under two gates with sharp edges, nearly hidden holes where archers stood waiting for an intruder, or some type of hot substance (e.g., oil) that drops from above, I’m now standing in the inside of this enormous fortified castle.
Here we (Fulbrighters) are standing in one of the rooms the Teutonic Knights used for socializing and entertainment. The heating system in this castle was nothing shy of ingenious.
No wonder Malbork was never invaded, look at the size of these canon balls! (My foot provides a reference.)
Fulbrighter had the pleasure of taking Polish language classes at the esteemed University of Nicholaus Copernicus. Copernicus (1473-1543) was the astronomer and mathematician who published his work on what he called the heliocentric solar system.
Polish language classes were held at the University of Nickolaus Copernicus. As you may recall, Copernicus is a Renaissance philosopher who postulated the earth is displaced from the center of the universe.
The goal of the book, as indicated by its cover, is to convey the notion that Polish can be learned by people of different cultures/nationalities.
Here is my Polish language class completion certificate. The Polish language classes was an informative and enjoyable experience. Here is where I learned how to count, beginning conversation such as How are you?, How much is this?, My name is, and how to order tickets for train traveling, which is the best way to travel throughout the country.
This statue of Nickolaus Copernicus serves as a focal point of Old Town, Torun.
The photo was taken on a beautiful day standing in front of the University of Nickolaus Copernicus and looking towards an Old Town wide road.
This angle gives the viewer an idea of typical colors, dimensions, buildings, etc. of Old Town.
After arriving in Poland on September 8th and spending a few days in Warsaw it was off to the wonderful city of Torun, approx. a 3-hour bus ride north of Warsaw, for our (Fulbrighters and family) 9-day orientation. Now my fourth trip to Poland, it was in this delightful city in 2003 when I first became attached to Polish culture. A city seemingly untouched by the presence of nearby countries to the east and west, Torun is a must see when visiting Poland.
STAN BRECKENRIDGE 