Jazz exhibit and a freak storm in Warsaw

So, the event I got to attend last night was the opening of a jazz exhibit that details the performances and visits abroad of the great names in Jazz to promote happy feelings about the US. I must say that it was a huge success - what a cool exhibit! It was all black and white photographs of the biggest names in jazz and blues: Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, Clark Terry (who I've had the privilege to see in concert at Jazz Alley in Seattle), and the list goes on. I love Jazz, and apparently so does Poland as the Jazz scene here is alive and well. I feel so lucky that I could go the the event.

But, as we were getting ready to leave, we discovered it had started raining. The weather had been absolutely gorgeous for the past couple days, so this was a little surprising. Even more surprising was that it continued to get worse every second until tables chairs and umbrellas were blowing over in hurricane style winds and hail (though it really looked more like ices cubes) started falling. It was totally bizarre! I've never seen bigger raindrops in my life either! So, there we were, stuck in the bar and trying to wait out the rain as none of us had brought anything to shelter ourselves with. But at least we were stuck in the bar and could have a drink or two while we waited. Eventually it let up a little bit and Candace and I ran to her friend's car to get her stuff out of the trunk and then sought shelter under the eaves of a hotel check in area while we waited for a cab. Needless to say, we were completely soaked. Nothing that a change into pajamas and a hot cup of tea can't fix though!

Today I am heading out to the Wilanow castle and will probably hit up a couple museums or galleries as well as the Palace of Culture, which is supposed to be pretty amazing. Having a great time and sending my love to all!