JUNE 9 - Everyone is a bit burnt out on churches, so we do a few things that are different. First, walk for a bit along the Wisła River, which is a popular place for youth to gather and people to ride bikes.
Since it is a weekday, we decide to stroll into the Planetarium Centro Nauki Kopernik. Our hopes of getting the full experience are instantly dashed, as the hordes of schoolchildren we saw yesterday touring Old Town are here as well, blocking out all the tickets for 3D movies and special exhibits. End up just taking the quick tour to the permanent exhibits on satellites, space station, and climate issues (as seen from space). Odette has a good time, so I guess that’s what mattered the most.
Contemplate trying to get into the Warsaw University Library, but decide not to, as they will probably ask for a lot of paperwork just to walk in.
Spend some time sorting out metro and bus combinations that can get us to one of the two geologic museums I see listed on Google maps. It is in a decidedly non-tourist part of town, with bland apartment blocks and regular businesses. It is an important experience to stroll though areas like this, to see what the normal city dweller does.
The Geological Museum, established in 1919, gives an impressive overview of rock and fossil types, with a great deal of emphasis on what can be found in Poland.
Back in the center of town, we have a closer look at the Palace of Culture and Science. There are several museums here, and a movie theater, amongst other things. It seems to be a real popular place for teens to hang out.
