Warsaw Zoo

I have realised recently that over the last few years we have visited several zoos. But we have never seen the Warsaw zoo. The weather is getting nicer so I hope that you fancy a little walk in the animal kingdom. The lane is large and comfortable.

Next to the entrance you can see some seals. They do not seem over excited by all the visitors that they take pictures. Most probably they are not on Instagram and do not care about followers and likes. 

A bit further we reach the Australian corner. First the emus ...

... then the kangaroo.

But what really stope my heart is this little kangaroo sitting in his mother's pouch. Technically, his out, conquering the world with his eyes and hands. But his back is safely protected close to mommy.

My human family just run after some ice cream. And I was amazed by the colours of this peacock. I do not think that I have ever seen one like that. 

The zoo is the house to some monkeys and apes. The baboons reside outside.

The gorillas were hiding inside. 

The elephants have a relatively larger territory so it is not easy to take a good selfie with one of them. 

But you can always try to get close to a rather nice representation of it. 

Next to the elephants you can find a rhino. His horn was cut off to protect his life. I think this is the saddest thing that I have seen since long. 

Actually zoos in general have something sad in them, being in reality some sort of prison for the animals. But it is also true that thanks to the zoos, some of the species were saved and can expand, like the European bisons. 

Plus they never have to worry about anything and can simply relax like this alpaca. 

Or maybe take a swim like the hippos.

If you enjoy the water and the sun, I propose we sit for a moment next to this fountain and enjoy the calm around us. 

Just make sure that you do not sit on a crocodile!

Celebrating science

Today we will take a break from discovering new cities or countries and we will focus on discovering science and nature. No better place for that than the Warsaw University of Technology and its Festival of Science.

The main building of the Warsaw University of Technology has been built in the classical style, with a glass rooftop.

It is guarded by famous scientists who should be the role models for all the students. Like Madame Marie Skłodowska-Curie, double winner of the Nobel prize (I truly hope you all knew she was Polish because Polish people are very sensitive when it come to that).

But the Festival of Science is not in the main building but in the yard next to the House by the Old Chimney.

It is called House by the Old Chimney because it stands next to an Old Chimney. Elementary my dear Watson.

On the other side of the yard stands now a large white tent. Inside, adults and children together can discover the real magic.

You say that science is not magic? But how come that they are able to print real things out of a simple plastic fiber. And in 3D!

Or how can they make things explode by using baking soda?

Not mentioning the piano that make the flames obey it and dance as it plays.

Of course, of course, physics are the new magic. But so can be mechanics that allow to bring something surprisingly close to a robotic horse. Or maybe more a dog?

Those of you who do not feel too comfortable in a laboratory (remember Terminator!) can follow me outside and discover the wonders created by nature itself. Like the bee hives.

I am sure that you all knew that bees can live in small artificial houses built by men but did you know that they can also live in trees? (Those of you who were with me in Białowieża surely know!). They build there amazing labyrinths entirely made out of wax.

Thanks God, real bees are not as big as this one!

Because otherwise, how could we steal them all this honey!

Speaking of trees. You all know that different trees have different leaves and shapes. But did you realise that they also look different inside? Here you can take a look at balls made of different types of wood.

Obviously, to make such balls one needs to cut many trees.

And even though humans need wood for various purposes, by cutting trees they deprive many species of their home. This applies not only to mammals, like foxes ...

...  or badgers.

But also to snakes, ants and other smaller animals who normally hide in the forests.

Hopefully, scientists will find ways to enable a sustainable growth for both humans, animals and the entire ecosystems. When I look at these students of the Warsaw School of Technology, I am positive they will make it. Unless they will blow off their faculty first.

Playing with the dinos

My human family told me today that we are going to visit some dinosaurs. They were giggling a lot so I was suspecting that they did not really mean a travel in time. But since the weather is nice and I am already a bit tired after all those lengthy travels that we have made, I decided to go with the flow.

We went to a small park in Warsaw, bearing the name of Roman Kozłowski, a famous Polish palaeontologist. Now hands up who honestly knows what palaeontologist means. Yes, you are right, these are scientists who study life forms that have existed well before humans conquered the planet.

What kind of life forms in particular? Let's find out! Here comes our first clue.

Those creatures must have been very large, their footsteps were much larger than a horse!

Maybe there are hiding behind those huge rocks?

Look, these must be some giant chickens - they hatch from eggs!

Here it comes! Of course, palaeontologists do not study living animals, they are not vets. They study fossils. And in the park, you can discover some fossils yourself.

Of course for those of you who do not enjoy sitting for hours and playing in the sand, the dino park has some other attractions. Or the dino playground should I say in all honesty. So whether you are really small ...

... or very, very big, you will find a place and a dino to play with. Look, a diplodocus!

This one is probably a pterodactylus, flying high up in the skies.

Is it a stegosaurus over there?

Now if you do not enjoy giant reptiles, you can always feel like a spider on its huge web. See you up there!

Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw

Last week we have walked on the banks of the Wisła (Vistula) river. As we were passing next to the Center of Science Kopernik, I purposely missed to show you the building standing next to it. But today is the time we look into this direction once more.

So, any ideas what it is? A big white cube with paintings that look a lot like those that twelve year olds make in their math notebooks. With the only difference that they are made by a famous painter and materialise the link between humans and outer space.

Well, my dear. This is the temporary seat of the Contemporary Art Museum. It is known as the "Museum by the river Wisła". Shall we get inside?

In the large lobby you can buy tickets. But you can buy there also books, not only about art.

Currently the museum shows an exhibition about the rave culture. For those of you who are not necessarily fluent in modern art - this means electronic club music. You will hear the beat from every corner. Even from the trunk of a car.

 The beat is accompanied by lights.

Actually, it seems like people themselves are becoming part of light through dancing. At least through dancing to electronic music. It does not seem safe, just look at all these knives in the wall.

No surprise that people grow huge eyes to watch out for danger.

In the corner there is a black room when you can experience the influence of clubbing on people.

Wanna give it a try? Pump up the volume!