Sunday, August 3, 2014

 

The Polish Patriot is new a book about courage, hope, adaptation and surviving against all odds. The book illustrates in a very tangible way the occurrence of the second world war, and allows you to understand that giving up was not an option, there was always light at the end of the tunnel, even when it seems impossible.

The life story of a young man who lost his whole family in occupied Poland, his country had betrayed him, and yet he did not lose hope.

The book was written in 2014, by his son Uri JerzyNachimson, 9 years after his death at the age of 93.



While writing the story of my father’s life, I could hear his voice dictating to me, chapter after chapter. Although my father had died nine years before I began writing the book, nonetheless, I was able to put down accurately on paper everything he had told me that had occurred during his life. He was a Polish patriot who renounced his country, which had betrayed him and his people.

Jews had lived in Poland for nearly one thousand years and helped shape its culture and industry. Observant Jews lived in villages and towns alongside Jews who were distanced from religion along with Christians who did not consider the Jews any different from themselves. Among the Polish Jews were industrialists, doctors, lawyers, bankers, intellectuals and artists. My father’s family was well endowed with professionals. His father, my grandfather, was a distinguished lawyer who worked for the Ministry of Finance. His aunt was an enthusiastic communist who moved to Russia and never returned. His uncle, his father’s brother, was a general in the Narodnyj Komissariat Vnutriennich Diel (NKVD)[1]. His uncles were dentists in Warsaw and his great-grandfather was the well-known author Abraham Shalom Friedberg. His grandmother’s brother, Juliusz Wolfsohn, was a famous composer and musician, while his aunt Isabella Grinevskaia was a playwright. His uncle Moshe Wolowelski was a wealthy real-estate mogul, his cousin was a surgeon, and my father was a dentist.

The war destroyed his world, interrupted his dreams and forced him to deal with new realities.

His loyalty and love for the old Poland that he knew so well slowly began to fade when he discovered that his nationalism was based on misconceptions about his Polish “brethren.” The Nazi occupation gave his Polish neighbors a golden opportunity to get rid of the “Dirty Jew” and enabled them to take their property. Many willingly collaborated with the Nazis during the war, and there were even those who killed many survivors after the war.
Although he unwillingly renounced his old homeland, nevertheless, he loved its culture and lived as a Pole in his new country until his death at age ninety-three.



[1] Stalin’s secret service

contact the author

 
Just the other day I was asked what my ultimate vacation would be.  I didn’t have to think too hard to come up with the answer. 
My dream vacation would be spent in the beautiful country of Italy.  Specifically, I would love to spend a couple of weeks in the Tuscany region.  Not only is it conveniently located, but the region boasts some of the most beautiful landscapes in Italy. 

I have always loved the old Tuscan farmhouses with their rustic charm and serenity.  I can imagine staying in such a farmhouse that has been beautifully renovated with all the comforts of home including large screen TV, WIFI internet, its own furnished kitchen, and private bathroom and shower.  It would be like having my own Tuscan apartment.  Surely a place like this doesn’t exist other than in my mind.
I can dream of strolling through the plazas of such quaint towns as Cortona which sits nestled on a hillside overlooking miles of the Tuscan landscape.  I can sit outside the café sipping coffee.  Or explore the little shops while enjoying a gelato.  Oh, and the pizza!  Of course I will taste the wonderful homemade pizza. 
After a time in Cortona, I could return to my lovely farmhouse  apartment and enjoy a relaxing swim in the pool while enjoying a taste of the wine made famous in the region.  Maybe take a bike ride down the winding roads enjoying the fresh breezes.  Then return for a view of the sunset over the hilltops while relaxing with my neighbors on the veranda.
A visit to the region wouldn’t be complete without exploring.  I would enjoy hiking in the many trails to afford amazing views of the nearby region.  And I would enjoy the pristine waters at Lake Trasimeno with the castles on the islands.  Perhaps enjoy a fish dinner freshly caught earlier in the day.  And there would be plenty of little towns nearby for more shopping, coffee, and gelato, of course.
I will want to make Tuscany my home base to explore all of Italy because of the central location.  The train station is just a few minutes from my Tuscan suite and, in just a couple of hours, I can be in any of the major cities in Italy. 
So, you see, in my dream vacation the Tuscany region of Italy has so many wonderful things to offer.  Charming towns and villages are common throughout the region.  Each one with their own unique appeal and personality.  The weather is usually quite mild in the region which makes for a comfortable day of activities.  And the beautiful villas and farmhouses that dot the landscape are so charming.  In fact, many people are familiar with the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun” in which a woman from the US wants to remodel and renovate an old Tuscan villa.  Well, that villa is in Cortona and can easily be visited to this day.
But is there such a Tuscan farmhouse to stay at in the region that affords such amenities?  Of course.  And its name is La Mucchia Casa Vacanza.  Located in a valley just outside the quaint hillside town of Cortona, this beautiful Tuscan Farmhouse Villa was made to impress with all the modern amenities while maintaining its dedication to the original structure.  There are nine suites on the property which allows it to maintain a quiet, peaceful feel.  Each suite is beautifully decorated with fine linens, a fully stocked kitchen, living area with hand crafted furniture, a large screen TV, WIFI internet.  Suites have a private bedroom and bathroom with shower.  You truly have all the comforts of home in your own Tuscan apartment.  The major highway of the area runs nearby and will quickly take you to see the sites of the Tuscan region, including pristine Lake Trasimeno.  And for your ventures farther into Italy, the train stop is also just a few minutes away to take you to places like Florence, Rome, or Naples each in under a couple of short hours of enjoying the beautiful scenery on the way.
So on your next dream vacation, reserve your suite at La Mucchia Casa Vacanza.  Make those dreams a reality. 

 

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Choosing the right vacation farmhouse to lease for your holidays in Tuscany

Choosing the right vacation houses to lease for your holidays in Tuscany will be a part of your planning that you need to take it seriously. Why choose a farmhouse accommodation in Tuscany when you could stay in a Hotel? Vacation holiday lettings became very popular in Italy, but mostly in Tuscany.
The Internet has made it easy and quick to find Vacation Rentals all over the globe. With availability calendars and online payment systems at our fingertips; it is easy to book a holiday rental home to rent your farmhouse for your holidays in Tuscany. And with deeper Internet search , people are finding vacation rentals less costly, roomy, serene, and more accommodating to families, children, and elder citizens.Going on holidays is a magnificent thing to do. While you take a holiday, you have many diverse things to take care about. After choosing your location, the next step is to look for a comfortable farmhouse to stay.

There are plenty of holiday farmhouses, resorts, and hotels in the areas that are crowded with guests, but you don't have to be one of them. You can choose to stay at one of the exclusive luxurious farmhouses in a quiet good location by owner rentals that are available and have your own peacfull accommodation so that you are able to really enjoy your time.Finding holiday farmhouse by owner rentals isn't tough, and you'll easily find lots of reasons to like them, as well, most of the Tuscan farmhouses are authentic and restored from medieval stone houses that for many years were standing as ruins.

You can have your selection of Tuscan holiday homes from sites as TripAdvisor or Karen Brown, and get all the information you need, reading some reviews which real guests has submitted after having experience at that specific farmhouse.

Most Holiday lettings in Tuscany allow you to have more space, as well. You can find properties with 3, 4, and even 5 bedrooms or more, with room for up to 24 or more people in many places. Of course, you're probably not going to be touring with that many all the time, so there are littler accommodations to choose from, as well. You can find all the amenities, including flat screen TVs, video games, children play ground, swimming pool, and so much more to enjoy while having your holidays by owner rentals.Whether it's a suites farmhouse hotel on the mountains for a romantic getaway for two or holiday farmhouse for lease in the countryside for a week or more, there's something for just about everyone. Most holiday homes in Tuscany give you more privacy, more peace and quiet, and a much more relaxing and personal stay than typical hotels and resort lodges.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

טוסקנה באוירה ביתית ישראלית



רשמי תיירים/אורחים לא משקרים. התייר הישראלי שרוצה לטייל בעולם ובוחר לעצמו נקודה מסוימת, ראוי שיקרא את כל מה שאפשר על המקום שיארח אותו בתקופת חופשתו, אנשים מאמינים לאנשים, לא הייתי מאמין לבעלים של מקום שהיה משבח אותו או כותב מאמרים בזכותו, כן הייתי מאמין למבקרים לא תלויים ומשוחדים שהיו במקום והשאירו את רשמיהם, לטוב או לרע, באתר נייטרלי שאין לו כל עיניין במלון זה או אחר, אינו משוחד ואינו מקבל תמלוגים מבעל המלון אותו הוא מפרסם ביחד עם אחרים ואף מדרג אותו ע"י נקודות זכות שניתנו לו ע"י האורחים שבעי הרצון או הפחות מרוצים.

על מה בעצם מצביעים האורחים? בעיקר על היחס אותו קבלו, על הניקיון, על המיקום, האם מה שפרסם בעל המקום תואם את המציאות? האם המחיר סביר ביחס לרמת המקום? הדברים האילו נרשמים, מתפרסמים, מדורגים ונכנסים לסטטיסטיקה המדרגת את המלון בדרוג כללי ביחס למלונות אחרים.עבדתם קשה כל השנה, הבטחתם לילדים שאת הקיץ או הפסח תעשו בחו"ל, האשה רוצה לנוח מעט ולעשות קניות סוף עונה במרכזי קניות אטרקטיביים, אתם "חולים" על אמנות וערים של המאות הקודמות, תקופות הרומאים, הצלבנים, הרינסנס, ימי הביניים, ואף רחוק מזה תקופת האטרוסקים בת אלפי השנים, כל אלה ניתן לראות בטוסקנה, המקום והשם מצביעים על ערש התרבות האירופאית, פה עבד ליאונרדו דה וינצ'י ומיכאל אנג'לו, פה ציירו סיניורלי ואחרים, פה המציאו את ההמצאות הכי מענינות בהם אנו משתמשים ביום יום ללא דעת מאין הם באו.האוכל, היין, המוזיקה, הליריקה, הריקודים הפסטיבלים וההצגות, כמו גם הכנסיות החשוכות עם ציורי תקרה מדהימים, הרחובות שמכונית לא תעבור בהן בגלל רוחבם הצר והתלילות שלהם, מדרגות מדרגות מעלה מעלה ברחובות בהם אתם יכולים להחזיק, לגעת בשני הבתים הצמודים משני צידיהם, טרטוריות קטנות שמאכילים בהם את מטעמי טוסקנה האוטנטית, לוקנדות שמציעים לך פרושיוטו ורדרד עם ריח משגע וכוס יין מקומי אדום ומלא בטעמים של ענבים בטעם תות, הריחות של השווקים הרועשים עם תוצרת חקלאית שנקטפה באותו בוקר וחזיר שלם קטן שהסתובב כל הלילה על ציר מעל גחלים לוהטים, זו טוסקנה, זה מה שיש לטוסקנה להציע לרבים שבאים הנה מכל העולם.

ואם באוירה ישראלית דברתם, ללא לפגוע בטיב החופשה כשאתה מקבל מקום שזכה כנבחר ע"י מבקרים מכל קצוות תבל ומנוהל ע"י משפחה ישראלית, ברור כי תרגיש בבית, כאן יהיה לך למי לפנות בשפתך, לקבל טיפים על איפה לאכול ולאן לנסוע לטייל, בעלי המקום שחיים שנים רבות באיטליה מכירים אותה יותר טוב מאיטלקים רבים אחרים, שלא מכירים ולא מחפשים אטרקציות באיזור, אנו כישראלים מכירים טוב יותר את האיזור ואת ההיסטוריה שלו, כי אנו מתאמצים יותר וזה במסגרת הסקרנות הטבעית שלנו להכיר ולדעת מה שיותר, ולכן האינפורמציה שתקבלו אצלנו לא תמצאו במקומות לינה אצל המקומיים שיסתפקו בבון ג'יורנו חביב וקפוצ'ינו בעמידה בבר המקומי.בית הארחה לה מוקיה הינו מלון דירות ברמה של 5 כוכבים, כך הכתירו אותו יותר מ-50- אורחים שכתבו לאתרי תיירות בזכותו, בעיקר ציינו את היחס, הניקיון, הרמה, המיקום ומה טוב ממראה עיניים, הכנסו לאתר ותווכחו לבדכם: http://www.hometuscany.com/

A gem in Tuscany : Cortona

The town of Cortona is one of the prime tourist locations in Tuscany. It has abundant and various events and opportunities for tourists. Cortona has plenty of top quality restaurants and trattorias, concerts in Teatro Signorelli, important churches such as the Basilica of Saint Marguerite, charming shops, antique markets, and breathtaking views from the Piazza Garibaldi panoramic terrace. Each year in August, Cortona hosts the famous Tuscan sun festival.
Although it is hard to describe the richness of the Cortona experience in a few words, you can imagine walking the narrow Tuscan streets and climbing its beautiful stone stairs, sneaking a look into retreat churches and hidden backyard gardens, and taking a relaxed espresso in a friendly spot. Cortona remembered will be as a lovely dream that remains vivid in your mind for countless years.
If you wish, there are plenty of opportunities to spoil yourself in a bit of luxury in Cortona as well. There are many quality hotels and vacation houses in and around Cortona that will provide for a wide range of luxury, service, privacy, simplicity, and convenience needs. Travellers who stay at La Mucchia Casa Vacanze in the Cortona countryside will enjoy Tuscan ambience and relaxed comfort in a large, 18th century stone farmhouse that has been artfully restored and divided into several private, self-contained, and beautifully decorated apartments. Each retains unique rustic charm, yet provides modern conveniences, privacy, spaciousness, light, and comfort.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Cortona Tuscany Lodging in Luxury

Cortona is located in the provincia Arezzo,in the region Tuscany ,central Italy. The town is about 10 miles from the border with Umbria, and its magnificent views extend over the green fields and hills of Tuscany and Umbria, extending beyond the large Lake Trasimeno. Cortona is a town which you can use as a base for your relaxing holiday. The town is attractive and welcoming, with many inviting bars and restaurants (Trattorias) in the central piazzas, and also museums and churches, art galleries and very good ice cream.
At the foot of Cortona, there is the ValdiChiana valley and about few miles from town there is an old farmhouse, turned into a luxurious suites accommodation, called “La Mucchia casa vacanze”, the name “La Mucchia” was taken from the small torrent which crosses the Chiana valley. The building covers an area of 1,000 sq. meters (10,764 sq. ft) it is located at the foot of the beautiful town of Cortona. It was built in 1760 by a noble family called Fabbri. In 2005, the present owners obtained the house in a state of ruins.
The renovation lasted three years (reminds of Under the Tuscan Sun) and has followed the instructions of the superintendent for Cultural Heritage. According to the old-world design provided by the town of Cortona, all original materials were recovered and used to rebuild the estate. The ultimate goal was to maintain the appearance of its age; at the same time equip it with modern comforts. That is why every apartment is outfitted with internet, a satellite TV multilingual set, A/C, and heating; also each bedroom has its own private bathroom. Particular care was taken to furnish the house in the classic Tuscan style “arte povera”, as well as the old-world style kitchen decorated with hand-painted ceramic tiles. The house is currently divided into eight apartments. It is surrounded by 7,000 sq. meters of land used for lawn, garden and other various services. Some of these services include parking, a play area, swimming pool and soccer court.The old farmhouse has a revival after 300 years of abandons, and it is named : La Mucchia casa vacanze ; Suites farmhouse hotel, in Cortona.
within the walls; narrow streets and hidden churches:
Cortona is enclosed by enormous walls, constructed by the Etruscs, about 3,000 years ago, before even Rome was built .Narrow streets and alleys lead up to the crest of the Cortonese hills, where the Girofalco Fortress (the fortezza Medicea) is still standing tall. Before wandering through the confusing quantity of small streets and piazzas of the town,it’s wise to provide yourself with a map of the town. Just below the fortress there is the cathedral of saint Margaret, rebuilt in the nineteenth-century, not really interesting, although it does contain the mummificated remains of the saint. A local bar is the right place to reinforce yourself ,especially if you climbed your way up by foot up Guelfa road or from Roma gate to the town centre; a climb which can be exhausting in the summer heat.
One piece of art in Cortona that you must see, is the Annunciation by Fra Angelico (Beato Angelico), in the Museo Diocesano ..There other artworks by Cortona-born Luca Signorelli and by Pietro Lorenzetti in this museum. A wide range of local archeologic findings from various periods can be seen in the Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca, (MAEC) where a bronze chandelier, dating to the 5th century BC is exposed.. The museum is located in the 13th-century Palazzo Casali, the beautiful building in piazza Signorelli in Cortona. Churches that you should visit, include the pretty fifteenth-century Chiesa di San Niccolo, a small church where you can admire a, painting by Signorelli, and the church of r Santa Maria del Calcinaio (1485), a domed Renaissance church ,which you find outside the walls. At a few miles' distance, the Franciscan monastery of Le Celle from the thirteenth-century ,has a bond with various saints, including Francis and Anthony.
To Cortona by train;
Cortona is on a slow railway line between Florence and Rome, and is served by trains from both cities. The railway station is called Camucia-Cortona or Terontola-Cortona, and is located at the foot of the hill on which Cortona is sited. Buses or taxi run from the railway station up to Piazza Garibaldi, by the city walls; tickets can be bought at the adjacent bar. If you just miss a bus at the station, more frequent services pass by the crossroads a short distance uphill. If you are travelling from a nearby town, like Arezzo, you may find it more convenient to take a bus between the towns.
Under the Tuscan Sun, the movie and reality;
Under the Tuscan Sun, a bestseller set in Cortona, put Cortona on the tourist itinerary. A personal story about the restoration of a house, bought locally, gives insight into local society and people, is strong on atmosphere and Italian food. American Frances Mayes bought a holiday home here , renovated the property and cooked a lot of meals. To many people this portrayal of the good life , incited a holiday to Cortona; A recent film was based loosely on the book, and the local tourist board is beginning to capitalise on the association.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

La Mucchia casa vacanze is a self catering accommodation in Cortona

La Mucchia casa vacanze is a self catering accommodation in Cortona, Tuscany, is a place planned specially for persons who are too hectic with their work and are looking forward for some rest or recreational activities. The old farmhouse in Cortona has ended their search for such a place which in one year became leader among the Cortona hotels. This Luxurious Medieval farmhouse consists of various kinds of suites ranging from one bed room suite to three or four rooms suites that can accommodate up to 6 persons each. The best thing about this place is that the location can also be appropriate for day trip per the requirements or wish of the individual. In Italian they are called Case vacanze and the meaning is vacation houses which many of them can be found in Tuscany.

The salient characteristics of La Mucchia Farmhouse suites hotel are incomparable with the ones known to you. It seems like you are going back in time the moment you enter to the renovated and restored medieval farmhouses originally built in 1760. This place is situated within such premises where one feels that he is living in heaven. The place is completely surrounded by greenery as well as fauna. There is beautiful swimming pool with a view to the mountains of val di Chiana and above them the ancient hill town of Cortona. To stay in Cortona in Tuscany accommodation of luxury suites, will make your vacation delightful and the memories will remain with you forever.

www.hometuscany.com














Saturday, November 14, 2009

The advantages of staying in medieval accommodation in Tuscany for your vacation.








Known in Italy as Agriturismo, farmhouse for rent, holiday home rentals, and vacation house rentals, all those search phrases are suitable for those looking forward to a weekend gateway, or even multi-week vacations in Tuscany or other regions of Italy. More vacation rental home owners are aware of the fact that people are travelling abroad and going for holidays more often, mainly to unwind and spend quality time with loved ones. Tuscany itself has about 10 millions visitors each year out of 30 millions tourists in Italy. Due to this, more farmhouses and holiday homes are made available, sometimes even whole year round, to accommodate holidaymakers' needs. Beyond historical getaways, some people are looking forward to spend the vacation in another town, or in another country, and Tuscany has much to offer, especially, for Americans the big “boom” started after the movie and the novel “under the Tuscan sun” of Frances Mayes. Luxury hotels used to be the norm, but the accommodation habits is seeing a change with more people looking up different vacation accommodation, such as authentic medieval farmhouses rentals.
Depending on your budget, there are various farmhouse rentals available to meet your needs. From high-end luxury estates next to main Tuscan cities, with comfort and easy day trip excursions to remote small farmhouses hided between sunflower camps and mountains, each property for rent is unique by design and geographical location. For an extra sum, you get the whole house to yourself, including the facilities and amenities that come with it. Unlike hotel and resort, there is a certain kind of flexibility and homeliness to staying in a house property, with the extraordinary feeling of going back in time, sleeping under Tuscan beam roof old 300-400 years. There are also reputable agencies managing and overseeing the different home rentals around the world, they charge from the owners between 10-15% of commission, so better go directly to the owner and ask for discount. If you prefer to go by agency and you've set your eyes in a particular destination, all you need to do is contact the managing agency and make appropriate arrangements. They will be more than glad to accommodate your needs and preferences.
During off-peak seasons, to start from January till end of March and from October till December, you will also get to enjoy promotional packages offered by homeowners. It is definitely worthwhile if there are a number of you going for the trip. A simple cost calculation may reveal that you pay much less compared to putting up in a five-star hotel. Vacation house rentals are a good choice of stay if you travel in larger groups or plan to stay for a longer period of time. Some properties will offer you also a nice swimming pool, a tennis court, a cook lessons, wine tasting, day trips, list of good and cheap restaurants, markets, museums and bike or horse back riding. If you travel with your small kids, some will have amusements to keep the children busy, letting you to have your relaxation with a magnificent view of sunflower fields.