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Poznań

Poland Traditions & Interest

Tim Firkowski

Monday, 17 August 2015

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3 Comments

Archcatholic Basilica of St. Peter and St. PaulAfter I finished packing up my bags, I left Wrocław early this morning and drove to Poznań. I would be meeting Piotr & Dorota Firkowski and their daughter and son, Monika & Jakub. It was about a 3 hours drive but it took me a little longer to get there, because I discovered that their home is relatively new and the address was not in the GPS database. I guess I got in a little extra drive tour of the area, especially with the construction detour I had to go around.

When I arrived, Dorota had already prepared a meal. There had been a storm the night before and some of the power had not been fully restored yet, but they improvised and the meal was great! We had a pork roast, potatoes with dill, a colorful vegetable salad and gravy.

Jakub was at work with the car, so we had a beer & chatted until he arrived and then we went to Poznań. Dorota volunteered to be designated driver so Piotr and I could enjoy our beer. In Poland there is "0" tolerance for driving under the influence. Our

Pork Roast, Potatoes with Dill, a colorful Vegetable Salad and Gravyfirst stop was at the Archcatholic Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul. On the way there we drove by Lake Malta, which 2.2 km long and is all man made.

Monika arrived in Poznań from a two week trip. so Dorota went to pick her up and bring her home. while Piotr and I continued to tour the city. We walked to the Rynek (Market Square) in Poznan where we would meet up with Dorota later.

On first entry into the Rynek, I saw the Ratusz (Rathaus in German) (Town Hall in English). It served as the local government office in 1939, but now it is a museum. All the small original buildings that encircle it were colorful and fascinating to see. Just outside of the Rynek is the Royal Castle. It was mostly destroyed in WWII, but has since been partially rebuilt. There was a band playing 20s - 40s music, which everyone was enjoying greatly. This era of music has become quite popular in Poland.

It was a Sunday evening, so things were beginning to close up and we returned home. I was finally able to meet Monika. We sat

Ratusz (Town Hall) in Poznań Rynekoutside on the deck and shared stories and photos until it was time to go to bed.

Rynek in Poznań

Colorful Buildings

One of four fountains in Poznań Rynek

The Royal Castle

Beautiful Church

Beautiful Clock

Having fun with a Poznań symbol (two goats ramming heads)

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About the author

Tim Firkowski

I have been doing genealogy research since 2002 & have worked full time as a Professional Genealogist since 2008. I specialize in Polish and American-Canadian Genealogy. As a member of APG, I was the 2010/2011 President of the New England Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (NEAPG). I have Certificates of Completion for studies in "Foundations of Forensic Genealogy" and "Advanced Forensic Genealogy Techniques". I have been a volunteer librarian at the local Family History Center, and a genealogy research consultant at “Ask the Expert” Ancestry Road Shows. I have traveled to Poland numerous times & researched in churches and archives. At conferences and special events, you may find me dressed up in my Sherlock Holmes outfit, or my Kujawy (the folk costume from the region in Poland where my ancestors came from).

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Comments 3

Guest - Annette on Monday, 17 August 2015 02:14

I was in Poznan for a very short time in 2014, in fact just to meet up with aunt and cousins for lunch. We would love on our next trip to spend some time exploring this beautiful city! Thanks for sharing! Be safe!

0 Reply

Tim Firkowski on Monday, 17 August 2015 02:34

I am happy to share! It is a beautiful City. Today will be another day of exploration!

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Guest - Mary Dachtera Foxworthy on Monday, 17 August 2015 14:22

I was referred to your site by "Dear Myrt" and Dave Robison. How appropriate that I should discover you when your Poznan post is current. My grandparents all came from villages near Poznan. Interesting post and wonderful pics.

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