Busy busy days.

I am going to have to compress two days into one in this posting, as the days and evenings are getting busier as the Day approaches.

Yesterday we started out at our usual coffee shop for coffee and fresh croissants before meeting our pre-arranged tour guide in the Old Town. We left Dave and Mel sleeping off their very late night of partying. Bracebridge will seem very dull and sleepy after Warsaw. Summer evenings bring out hundreds of pop up bars and patios, beer gardens and spontaneous drinking in the parks and by the river. I have a feeling Mel and Dave sampled all of the above.

Our tour guide (and my Polish teacher) met us in Old Town by the Royal Castle and took us on a very interesting fact-filled walk for two hours. We were all amazed and impressed by the history of the hardships suffered by the people of Warsaw in the Second World War and by the monumental task of rebuilding the city in the aftermath of total destruction by the Nazis. We were able to view the monument to the Warsaw Uprising, and our tour ended at the recently opened Jewish History Museum. After a stop for lunch and a break our group split up a bit and went in separate directions. 

Nanny has astounded us all by her determination and stamina. She walked a full 10 kilometres with us today, at a steady pace, with half of it on cobbles, only slowing down near the end for a well deserved rest and lunch. Angela's young friends have all commented on her incredible grandmother who at nearly 89 is taking Warsaw by storm. She even manages our late evening meals and a drink without a complaint. The smile has not left her face since we arrived.

Laurie and the bridesmaids had pedicures yesterday, and not wanting to be left out so did guys Rob Menser and Mark Auge!

Yesterday's highlight was the family dinner at a traditional Polish restaurant called Halka. This was an opportunity to bring together for the first time our Canadian and British families and Kris's Polish one. We had a great time despite language challenges, with Ange and Kris at each end of the table taking turns to translate. I think we all feel more comfortable knowing each other a little better before the reception on Friday.

Another hectic day today. And by the way the weather has been fantastic. Sunny and not too hot, with 28 predicted for the wedding day. 

After coffee Laurie headed down on foot to Angela's flat where she had arranged a manicurist to come and give us all manicures for tomorrow, including a little nail little bling for the mother of the bride. 

The rest of the family toured museums and the Old Town today while Angela was busy trying to finalize the order of service, including Polish translation, and the girls finished up the table decorations and place cards. Then it was off the the venue at a refurbished mill 30 kilometres outside of Warsaw to deliver more vodka and to decorate and finish the table settings. It is going to be a magical evening. Here is a sample:

Angela and the girls have now retired to the Marriott to relax, chill together and rest up. Hair and makeup tomorrow then dressing and it's off to the church by hired car. I can't believe it's nearly here.