Theme Day: Fences

It's the first of the month...so a new theme day photo. This month CityDailyPhoto has chosen the theme of fences...which is not such an easy topic to capture here in Poland. After all fences are hard to come by...all the fields and forests are open and hedges (a la the UK) cease to exist.

So we have to resort to the past to find some good rustic fences. These two photos were taken in Toruń's ethnographical museum which is a small village of old, original Polish buildings...right in the heart of Toruń. Well worth a visit!

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

The Old Roof

The timber framework, especially around the windows, needs some TLC.

New Restaurant part 2

Here's another shot of the new Italian restaurant which we posted yesterday. The actual building is historical and featured in a TDP post four years ago: http://torundailyphoto.blogspot.com/2007/03/typical-tenement.html.

Yes it really did take 4 years to open up a new restaurant in this building!!!

Old German Sign

Toruń was once part of Germany (then it was called Thorn)...and was occupied by the Nazis. Most of the remnants from the Germans have since gone...but there is still the odd German sign if you know where to look. This one is on the corner of Ul. Strumykowa and Most Pauliński.

The Bridge

Toruń's one and only pedestrian/traffic bridge has been standing over the Vistula since the 1930's. It often gets blocked with immense tailbacks and for anyone living on the southern side of the river, delays are often inevitable. A 2nd bridge has been on the cards for many years. And it is still just that...on the cards. The plans are in place...but the latest news is that the project is currently without an engineer. Watch this space!

The Furry Uniform!

Meet a member of the Mohair Army...

Typical age: 65-85 years old
Typical sex: female
Typical clothes: fur coat, mohair or fur hat
Typical accessory: 1 x large handbag (often used in force)
Typical habits: pushing in front of you in queues and generally trying to get their own way!!

For more information about the 'beloved' Mohair berets, check out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohair_berets

Stairway to Hell

This stairway needs some tender loving care!!

Ploughing the Snow

This old plough is actually just for decoration now. A beautiful contrast against the snow.

Dancing Hall

This was the scene on a Friday afternoon at a local restaurant in Ciechocinek. You can see why the spa town is popular with the oldies! Get your dancing shoes out!

Dwór Mieszczański profile

So after a week of Polish nature shots, we return to something a little familiar back in our beloved medieval city. This is the famous Dwór Mieszczański building, which was captured on our 25th March posting: http://torundailyphoto.blogspot.com/2007/03/dwr-mieszczaski.html. However, this time we show you the full impressive profile of the building. Enjoy!

Get your washing out!

Most of the citizens of Toruń's Old Town live in tenement buildings and flats. So the only way to dry your washing is...hang it outside (when it's a nice day of course!!). The ruined wall you can see in the foreground is part of the old city wall, that at one time encircled Toruń.

Toruń Blaze (by Mark Hoogslag)

Toruń is famed for its old, charming architecture. However, its wooden-timbered medieval frames do sometimes come at a price. On the morning of Thursday 15th March 2007, a major fire broke out in a 15th Century tenement building in the city's Old Town. Luckily, there were no fatalities but the fire did completely gut the building (including the "Stara Babcia" (Old Grandmother's) pub in it's basement). Our guest photographer Mark was on the scene to capture some shots.

Typical Tenement

Toruń is full of medieval tenement buildings scattered around the Old Town. They come in all shapes and sizes. This one is situated in Szczytna Street in the heart of the city. It was once the Elana Klub, today it is in the process of being refurbished and will soon open up as a brand-spanking new restaurant!

Old and New

A view of a building construction site within the Old Town of Toruń. The site is actually converting an old granary into a massive new hotel. The building process has been going on ever since I've known Toruń (4 years now!) and will no doubt last a little longer. The picture was taken near the River Vistula and is looking towards the outer rim of the Old Town. You can make out the famous leaning tower of Toruń as well as other notable buildings. It's also interesting to see another form of modern technology: two long-haul jets playing catch-up high over the city!!