I’ve never seen so many cobblestones in my life.  The streets, the sidewalks, they’re everywhere.

The main roads are usually paved, but a lot of the smaller side streets, like the the street we live on, are made out smaller brick like stones like this:

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For all the beautiful architectural buildings in Bydgoszcz, there are also an equal number of buildings that need repair or are undergoing renovation.  Just walking down the street you’ll see new buildings or buildings that are being remodelled right next to buildings that have missing or broken windows, crumbling brick or covered in scaffolding.  From what we’ve been told, what we see in Bydgoszcz today is a huge turn around from 5-10 years ago.  In the U.S. we marvel at buildings that might be 100 years old try to preserve them as is for future generations to look at.  Here in Poland a 100 year old building could be like new construction!  They are preserving their history by renovating and repurposing.  Take into consideration that the buildings here could be serveral hundreds of years old.  And here’s a fun little history fact for you  (ok David this may really be for you) – Poland has been invaded or fought for freedom 43 times between 1600-1945….just maybe just a little war-torn the years.

The same holds true for places to shop.  There are several beautiful shopping malls that are all within walking distance of our flat. Continue reading →