Bring on the Irish!

All images courtesy of John Barrington

It may still be 5 months away...but Euro 2012 fever has already started. Toruń won't be a host city (that role is shared between Poznan, Wrocław, Gdańsk and Warsaw). However, that doesn't mean it won't see any football action!

TORUŃ DAILY PHOTO has learnt that over a 1,000 Irish fans will be making Toruń their base for a couple of weeks during Euro 2012! And why not? It makes sense...the Republic of Ireland will be playing 2 games in Poznan and one in Gdańsk. Toruń lies in a perfect central location between both cities. The city also offers much cheaper accommodation and beer!

Over the past few weeks, I've been in contact with quite a few of the fans...and am offering them loads of advice and tips about visiting Toruń. I personally can't wait until June now...looks as if Toruń will be party central for a few weeks! The Irish certainly know how to have a good time! Roll on June!!! Not sure if we have enough Guinness though!!! :-)

Many thanks to Irish football photographer John Barrington for personally allowing TORUŃ DAILY PHOTO to use his images.

***Irish fans (and indeed any other Toruń visitors): we have produced a special 2 page guide to some of the most well-known restaurants here in Toruń. Check it out here: http://freepdfhosting.com/bcbe21bcb2.pdf***

Love & Marriage

Polish weddings are a great occasion and are far better than the average British wedding. They are steeped in tradition with the groom carrying the bride into the wedding reception, the happy couple throwing their glasses over their shoulders and then loads of wedding games at midnight. This is all washed down with copius amounts of vodka followed by a lot of dancing. The party usually goes on until 6am and then it's followed by yet another party the following day!!

Here is a typical Polish wedding shop. It's normal for the happy couple to have their photos taken on a separate day after the wedding.

The Santa Run

It's that time of the year again! Yesterday, over 1700 Santas arrived in Toruń to take part in the annual Santa half marathon. The 21km run started in the main square before heading up Szosa Chelminska through Barbarka forest and finishing at the local athletics stadium.

A friend of mine - Howard Marshall flew in especially from the UK to take part in the marathon. He was raising money for the UK educational charity The Rendezvous Society and also did it in commemoration of Dennis Mitchell - the charity's founder who died last year.

Rod Rocks Toruń!

Images courtesy of Graham Harris

Last night, Rod Stewart was live in Toruń! He performed all his greatest hits to many Polish fans at the MotoArena stadium. This is the 2nd time that a big name has come to Toruń; last year Jose Carreras also peformed. If this is to become a regular occurrence...then who will it be next year? Madonna?!!

Many thanks to Graham Harris for sending in the photos.

Museum Open Day

Last Sunday, the Historical War Museum opened its door to the public for free. It was part of an educational open day in conjunction with Stary Toruń Pierogarnia. They also opened up the 'secret' tunnel below Most Paulinski.

Fun in the Park

Yesterday there was a huge children's event in Park Bydgoski in Toruń. Hundreds of kids and their families descended on the park for fun and games which included zorbing, fair stalls and a meet and greet opportunity with the local police. All this in acres of beautiful parkland right in the old town!

The First Communion

Last weekend, we attended a First Communion which is traditionally a very important festive occasion for Roman Catholic families. After the mass, families always celebrate with a sumptuous feast as well as gifts for the child.

The Attack of the Killer Pussy Cats (or Juwenalia)

It's that time of the year again when most of the university students don fancy dress and roam the streets in search of beer money (well asking fellow passers-by for a kind donation!). Some of the costumes this year have been rather imaginative...we've already spotted a mobile phone, 2 guys dressed as a tank and even a guy looking like a carrot!!

The other day, we were waiting at the traffic lights, on our way to Inowrocław, when we were pounced upon by these black cats (well I actually thought they were bunnies at first)...must need my eyes examined!! LOL!!

Shuttle Spotting!

This evening Space Shuttle Discovery (and the International Space Station) orbited high above Poland from West to East. It was amazing how fast and bright it was. You could see the sun's reflection disappear off the metal as it moved further East. There's quite a bit of media attention at the moment as it's Discovery's last ever mission. May she retire well!

Birthday Celebrations

Well today it's that annual tradition...my birthday!!! My wife and parents-in-law surprised me with a lovely birthday cake and present. Can't quite believe its this special day once again!!

A Rock Legend in Toruń

Well they are really trying to put Toruń on the international map. The average UK tourist has no idea where Toruń is...and yet Mr Rock Legend himself Rod Stewart has chosen Toruń as the sole Polish venue for an upcoming concert. On 11th June "Mr Maggie May" will be rocking the aisles in Toruń's new Motor Arena stadium. It's not the first time that an international music legend has performed in Toruń. Last year Jose Carreras (one 1/3 of The Three Tenors) gave a one-night performance at the stadium. It's all part of a strategy to try and get some punters in (other than speedway fans). And why not? Great to have some international stars here in Toruń!

New Year Food

The Poles certainly do know how to party when it comes to New Year's Eve. Of course loads of alcohol is drank but the Poles also soak up the booze with plenty of delicious food. Here is some excellent stuffed eggs and salad which my wife and mother-in-law expertly prepared for our New Year's Eve. They were just as yummy as the photo...if not more!!!

Toruń for Half Price!

Starting today at 12pm and running until 10pm on Sunday 26th September...it is TORUŃ ZA PÓŁ CENY...an exiciting event when many local restaurants, hotels, cafes, museums, etc are offering discounted prices (some as low as 50%!). So grab your coats, leave your homes and hurry into town to experience Toruń for a fraction of the cost! Not that Poland is that expensive in the first place! ;-)
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The Grass is Greener...

Today, the sun was shining bright...and hordes of people descended on the old square for the annual 'Breakfast on the Grass'. For one day only, turf is laid over part of the old square...allowing families to relax, eat a picnic and listen to the free entertainment. The special event helps to promote ecology amongst Torunians...and is unique and fun.

Quizzing it Once Again!

The pub quiz a couple of months ago was so successful that last night I organised another one. Once again we had a mixture of British expats mixed with Polish students of English. The questions varied from general knowledge and sport to the more quirky (a fish n chips and what happend on the 29th May round).

Fun was had by all!