our trip to poland/germany {part two}

Part two of our journey continues in Gniezno, Poland. You can read part one here. It’s such a lovely town. I fell head over heels for the color everywhere, the yummy food, the warm people and the sense of history.

While we were in Poland, I saw very few individuals with disabilities. People stopped in their tracks and really stared at David. We talked with a local and she told us it’s unusual to be out and about if you have such a severe disability. That said, no one was unkind to us and everyone was very accommodating with David. We were able to find soy milk {after a bit of hunting!} and blended foods that worked great for him. He stayed healthy the entire trip and except for a little constipation, he felt happy and energetic. I am thankful we’re able to travel internationally with David. It can be challenging, but it’s so worth it!

There are bikes everywhere. I love a bike friendly town!

WC stands for water closet–which means restroom, bathroom, toilet, loo, what have you. If you’re in a new country and having an emergency, this can be valuable information!!

Too bad that ice cream cone isn’t real. Yum!

Photo bombed by Matthias {again!}

We didn’t mind a little rain.

Silliness.

He really, really, really wanted the artist lego mini figure–and you can’t tell which one is in the package. And he got it. So happy!

This picture of the sun setting behind the cathedral doesn’t do justice to the beauty that we took in. Gorgeous.

We attended a royal ball in Gniezno. I found this vintage, beaded gown  at a thrift store in Dallas for $7. I was so happy! The silver glitter shoes are off Zappos. We’ll have to talk about how much I love Zappos some time. The dress felt like a gift sent from heaven–finding a formal gown is stressful and expensive–so glad I didn’t have to worry about that.

The ball was a mix of descendents of the royal family,  city officials {I chatted with the head of the Polish air force, a very nice gentleman!}, prominent business people and American students who were singing in the Von Promnitz Choir Tour. There was tons of food, all kinds of drinks, lots of pastries, a short ceremony and lots of time to mingle. It was one of those once in a lifetime experiences. Funny thing, I couldn’t wait to get back to the hotel to snuggle with the boys–I’m introverted, what can I say?!

It was dark when we left for the ball so it was hard to take pics. The ball was held at The Palace Balcerowo. And the photo above of us dressed up was the best of the bunch.

 I wonder if I’ll ever have another opportunity to wear that dress again? Maybe I’ll have to create an opportunity!

19 comments

  1. Love your son gazing longingly at the fake ice cream cone!
    I think you might have to have your own “royal” ball…so you can wear that dress again. Why not…haha you could have a lot of fun!

  2. Wow Lisa … A trip you and your family will remember forever. And what can I say about the royal ball .. You and Steve look like you walked straight out of a fashion magazine .. .stunning!

  3. oh those mini figs…we have spent a lot of time trying to find specific characters by feeling the pkg, all part of the fun.

  4. I had forgotten about radish season…Did you have any on sandwiches for breakfast? (A fairly typical sandwich topping, if there’s cheese or ham about.) I’m glad Matthias liked the ice cream – Polish ice cream is great! Keep the pics coming…

  5. What a gift to David, and to the world, that you allow him to adventure with the whole family. I’m sure it’s not always an easy choice, but it speaks volumes to how you value his precious life and mind and spirit. Even though he can’t say thank you in words, I’m sure his heart is full of gratitude for having such amazing parents.

    (And loved all the pics! Esp the one of you and David and your sis in the rain!)

  6. I cannot believe that you found that dress for $7. You look great in it. I’m glad you had a nice night at the ball.

  7. What an amazing trip! Can I be really annoying and ask where or what brand of shoes David is wearing? Love them.

  8. WOW! I remember you told me you were going to the ball and such—loving all of these pictures from your trip. Glad you made it home safe and sound.

    Love ya!

    PS. I couldn’t get the link to work to the Palace. And I want to see it!!!

    1. The link is working for me–so strange! You could try googling the Palace Balcerowo.
      I love you friend!

  9. Beautiful, the pictures are so inspiring, and makes me keep saving for my own travel adventures. You look stunning in the gorgeous dress..oh and your handsome fella scrubs up well too 🙂

    I have always felt a bit overwhelmed by the thrifting deal, sifting through stuff , time and patience I suppose. But such a great bargin, a beautiful classic dress .

    Thanks for sharing

    1. I have to be in the mood to hunt and sift through used stuff, but once I find a treasure I get totally inspired!

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