Poznan Poland with Kids

I've always wanted to visit my friend Przemek and his family in Poznań, Poland. We enjoyed 4 days in early July with them (along with a side trip to Berlin.) treehousedad.com/poznan-polan...
On Friday, we embarked on two flights to Poland where we were warmly welcomed into the home of my good friend, Przemek, and his family. The kids stayed in their son's room, who was out of town at the time. We had the opportunity to watch the movie "Rio" in Polish with their daughter, Julia, who speaks a bit of English. That evening, we enjoyed a delightful dinner beside a picturesque mini lake in Poznan, a beautiful city known for its lakes and forests.
The following day, Saturday, was truly exciting. Przemek and I went for a bike ride. I followed Przemek around the city, admiring its blend of urban conveniences and rural charm. Later, we were surprised with a day trip to Berlin, Germany. During the two-hour drive, we observed several man-made forests and ecological bridges designed exclusively for wildlife crossings. In Berlin, we visited numerous historical sites including remnants of the Berlin Wall, the Fernsehturm (Berlin TV Tower), and Checkpoint Charlie. Przemek shared fascinating insights into Germany's history in relation to Poland. The day was hot, but we found respite at a riverside restaurant along the Spree River. Our exploration continued past Trabiworld, showcasing Trabants, the iconic East German cars made from plastics, cotton, and wool. We even stumbled upon a vibrant gay pride festival before returning to Poznan.
On Sunday, Julia’s grandparents joined us for lunch at the house. My son particularly enjoyed the pickle juice. Later, we all went swimming at a crowded yet lively lake with a fun inflatable obstacle course. After swimming, we indulged in a delicious chocolate waffle and spent time at a nearby playground. That evening, we relaxed at home, playing Nintendo.
The adventure continued on Monday, with a private tour of Zamek Castle, arranged by Przemek on a day the castle was typically closed. We were captivated by a legend about a ghostly white lady who supposedly emerges from a painting nightly. We also explored ancient books and manuscripts at the Biblioteka Kornicka, admired a collection of old armor and weapons, and enjoyed exclusive access to the castle's roof, offering spectacular views. Lunch was memorable with a traditional Polish soup made from duck blood, which we discovered only after finishing it. We then visited a large church and enjoyed unusual sodas like bread soda and peanut pear soda in a quaint town. Back at the house, we captured slow-motion videos of the kids popping water balloons and picked fresh berries in the garden. The evening was filled with laughter as we face-timed our friend Wes, and Julia taught our daughter some violin basics.
Our final day, Tuesday, was bittersweet as we said goodbye to our Polish friends. Filled with anticipation, we headed to Hamburg, Germany, eager to connect with relatives from our ancestral family we had never met before. Our journey continued with excitement and new connections in Hamburg!
A huge Mahalo to Przemek and Aleksandra for your hospitality!
00:00 Poznan with Kids
00:32 Biking Forests
00:53 Berlin Day Trip
01:37 Traviworld
02:02 Lake Party
02:27 Zamek Castle
02:44 Biblioteka Kornicka
03:16 Duck Blood Soup
03:27 Cathedral
04:13 Hamburg Germany