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Travel Pictures - Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary - 1991

All images © Ron Miller

          I traveled through Eastern Europe from Poland to Hungary just after the dissolution
     of the Soviet Union, a fascinating time when the area exuded a charming innocence as
     a result of years of isolation behind the iron curtain. Also, as a result of the weak
     currencies, travelers could eat in the finest restaurants at a fraction of the price back
     home. And lastly, because of the struggling economies, travelers were usually greeted
     at train and bus stations by elderly women offering a room in their home for only six
     or eight dollars a night.
Fellow American travelers in Warsaw's Old Town; all of the Old Town's buildings were completely and systematically destroyed by
the Nazis in response to the Warsaw uprising (as well as the previous Warsaw Ghetto Uprising by Jewish resistance). It is estimated
that 85% of Warsaw's buildings were completely destroyed by conflict during WW II and, finally, Nazis demolition crews with
flame throwers and explosives. SS chief Heinrich Himmler was quoted as saying, "The city must completely disappear from
the surface of the earth and serve only as a transport station for the Wehrmacht. No stone can remain standing.
Every building must be razed to its foundation." However, the Old Town was meticulous rebuilt by referencing
architectural drawings and, when possible, using the original bricks and decorative elements -
Warsaw, Poland
Another fellow American traveler, Tom, using his video camera to capture the largest public square in Europe -
Krakow, Poland
One of Europe's most colorful central squares -
Zamosc, Poland
Striking view up to the highest summits in Poland with peaks towering above 8,000 feet -
Tatra Mountains, near Zakopane, Poland
Tom and I befriended these two Polish sisters during their annual retreat from Warsaw -
Tatra Mountains, near Zakopane, Poland
Descending from the Tatra Mountains back to the tourist town of Zakopane -
Tatra Mountains, near Zakopane, Poland

These wonderful sisters, Halina and Mirella, put me up for several days while I prepared for my return to Ukraine -
Warsaw, Poland

My favorite Kiwi, Annie, posing on the Charles Bridge, which was completed in the early 1400's and
closed to vehicular traffic since 1978; in 1991, Prague had beautiful architecture, unhurried streets,
and a charming innocence resulting from decades of isolation behind the iron curtain -
Prague, Czechoslovakia

Town Square of what many believe to be Europe's most charming city -
Prague, Czechoslovakia

Vista of the Hungarian capital including the Buda Castle and the Danube River -
Budapest, Hungary

View across the Danube River to the historic city center; the city was founded by the Celtics -
Budapest, Hungary

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All images © Ron Miller
For authorized use of these photos, please contact Ron Miller at TheHappyCannibal@gmail.com