Masuria in autumn

Day 1

We landed in Warsaw, then drove to Mragowo. We stopped only once to eat something at a restaurant that was on the road. The first thing that struck me is the lack of highways, but it must be said that the state of maintenance of the roads in this region is very good. It's a rare thing that even the car journey is pleasant. I'm referring to the beautiful landscapes we passed through and could admire from the car. After 3 hours we arrived in Mragowo where Anna's parents and their dog were waiting for us, dinner was already ready. I ate very well but I can't even say what I ate. They repeated the names of these dishes to me a thousand times but they are too strange for me to remember. In the evening we went to Olsztyn to visit the historic center of this beautiful capital of the land, called "the land of a thousand lakes of Masuria".

They told me that this region is made up of over 40 lakes and many forests that hide natural beauties, well indeed they are indescribable places. But going back to the evening in Olsztyn – we went to the Gothic cathedral of St. James to listen to organ music. It was very enjoyable – in general I like these activities. I'm not a very young person so the sports activities, which are characteristic of this area, I can't do. Everyone knew that, so they made a selection of the attractions I could visit. I learned that Niccolò Copernicus lived in this city, which is very interesting for me because I come from Ferrara, where Copernicus also left his traces. I really wanted to go to the astronomical observatory but at that time it was unfortunately closed. After that we returned to Mragowo where with glasses full of wine we toasted to the happiness of our future newlyweds.

We also discussed the details regarding the wedding.

Day 2

We woke up very early because a mushroom hunt in the surrounding woods was planned. Honestly I'm not very expert in this subject but Anna's whole family seemed to be very knowledgeable about it. They taught me to recognize two types of mushrooms..both dark. One was a kind of porcini, quite large, and another, I don't know what it is but they called it "czarny lepek" (the black head), this one was a little smaller compared to the porcini. I was impressed by the number of mushrooms that can be found in these woods. Evidently this area must be very healthy with fresh and clean air. After the mushroom hunt we returned to Anna's family home, where we started preparing the roast with the mushrooms just collected. Naturally I mostly watched and observed what they were preparing, because they kept yelling at me that I'm a guest and that I can't touch anything.

But all in all I was happy to observe how they cook in Poland – it seems like a very healthy cuisine, based on natural and ecological food which today is a very rare thing. After lunch we tasted the desserts that Anna prepared, it was a kind of cake made with sweet cheeses – very good. They called it "sernik". Afterwards I wanted to go for a walk around Mragowo but they told me that all the attractions of this small town are more summery, sports-related or very wintry. For example there's a ski lift there for all ski lovers, but I don't want to have anything to do with these activities. I prefer somewhat quieter activities…so we went biking. The air was very fresh. We were cycling around the Sniadrwy lake area. It's a beautiful area and the surroundings of the lake are very romantic. In the evening I collapsed on the bed without even the strength to have dinner.

The whole day in the fresh air, in the woods, made me terribly sleepy.

Day 3

the third day was very intensive. That very evening I had to leave, so they only granted me half a day to visit the area. I was a bit worried that another trip out would kill me but luckily Anna and my son knew how I am. They invited me to the "Medical Warmia Park" wellness centre near Pluski. The massages, the various face and body treatments and at the end a nice swim in a big pool - it was exactly what I needed. I returned to Italy relaxed and in a very good mood. On the way to the airport Anna was telling me about the rich history of the region and the attractions in the cities we passed. I'll definitely come back and visit more, and I swear to you - and then I'll tell you all about it!