Saturday in Katowice

Saturday morning in Katowice we had two hours before we were to meet the missionaries. So we have always wanted to just drive around the city. You would think after being here for 14 months we would have seen more than the Chapel, train station and Qubus Hotel in Katowice, but we haven't. So as we were driving we came to this Rondo (Round About) and the Police had it blocked off for a huge motorcycle procession. We waited for 10 minutes for all of the motorcycles to get through. When it was over we thought "Let's follow them and see what's going on"...

They had every kind of cycle in this "parade".

This guy slowed way down to make sure we got a picture of him.

As we followed the motorcycles and the Police escort we went by one of the new stadiums that is being built in Poland for the Euro Cup games in 2012. Everyone in Katowice tells us there is no way this will be finished.

We finally ended up in this great big park, zoo, and amusement complex area. As we walked around we saw people biking, running, reading, enjoying the sun and practicing whatever they are doing here....

Then we came across this amusement park. We figured this is Katowice's answer to Disneyland. So we bought a couple of tickets and went exploring.

I spotted this ride and had to go on it. Well President Nielson, even though he had a pilots license years ago, is not comfortable (that''s what he calls it- I call it being AFRAID) with heights. This was a pretty good sized Ferris Wheel.

The line wasn't too long and the more I saw the size of it...... the more I wanted a ride.

These good people wondered what in the world I was going on this alone while 'Mr. Camera' was taking all these pictures. Nice people and they spoke a little English.

Up, up and away.

I tried to wave but it there was too much to see around this beautiful city. But somehow President found me. It was a fun ride and lasted quite a while.

Finally it ended and now let's see the rest of the park. I kept asking President if he wanted to ride anything and he said there was a "Splash Mountain-type" ride that he had his eye on.

But first we needed a treat. The Loty for the day. Their Ice Cream is really good.

Can anyone identify what kind of aircraft this is? I have a few left over prizes from the Preach My Gospel Chase that I can give to the winner...

These yellow planes that are being swung around are really moving. The photo doesn't do them justice. These are really traveling at a good clip. And we were walking under these planes. Not used to the speed or the situation. In America you would never see this or walk under this.

So we finally made it over to the "Splash Mountain" ride. I guess you can see from the pictures how the ride goes. Here they are coming down the "Hill" ready to hit the water...

Everyone screamed and so far pretty uneventful... other than is was thrilling to splash into the water....

The boat finally rested against the railing and Pawel started pulling the boat back to the starting point. Then he got out and so did all the patrons.

Once everyone was out, it was easy just to pull it. Not a bad way to do things. Certainly cuts down on electrical costs and maintenance.

Ten minutes later the next 12 people get in the boat, then back the boat into the elevator and up they go...

Open the door, push them out and down they go..... This whole ride was operated by 1 man, now that's being muli-tasked or talented.

This is more of the type of ride the President was looking for.... He owned 6 of these Merry-Go- Rounds back when we owned Pistol Pete's Pizza in Las Vegas and Fresno, California. He often reminds me, "The happiest day of his life was when he got out of the restaurant business". More of the rides in the park.

I am not sure who this mascot is but he wanted his picture taken and followed us around. So 'Big Orange Something' welcome to the Nielsonsinpoland blog. If I lived in Katowice, I would buy a season pass here (the season pass is like $45) and I would bring my grandkids here every week.

The traffic was bad getting out of the area so this guy seems to have a little American blood in him and decided to make an illegal 'run for it' down the Tramway tracks. I have never seen this before, but he got home a long time before we did.

After the two hour fling at the park, we headed over for "Sports Saturday" Katowice style and it was great!!

All of the members were either on mini missions or working so all that showed up were---INVESTIGATORS!! Sister and Elder McGrath along with Elder Dabrowski kept score as everyone played soccer, and they were good.

The soccer game was winding down and a young man with a basketball came by and started shooting hoops. Elder Dabrowski pulled him over and started talking to him. President showed the only basketball skill he still has... This young man is returning next week to join the group.

This is the Sports Saturday group. It was alot of fun and from here everyone walked back to the Chapel for Family Home Evening and a lesson. Think about this- all these young men are playing soccer with the missionaries and then going back to the chapel to hear about the gospel. Even better was the next day on Sunday, 5 of them showed up to Priesthood meeting and then Sacrament Meeting. Katowice has great missionaries, a senior couple and members who are anxiously engaged in great causes.

After the FHE we held District YSA Council meeting. President Pawlik was there and Dorota conducted the meeting and made plans for the next Quarter's events. The McGraths add so much to the YSA program. It was a great day especially with the investigators, members and missionaries.