 |
| Original The Polish Place |
 |
| Sun Setting in the West...View from The Polish Place |
 |
| Enjoying the Western View |
 |
| View to the West |
 |
| View from one of the accommodation cabins - The Polish Place |
 |
| Regular Patrons to The Polish Place |
 |
Interior of Accommodation Unit...Living Area...Bedrooms Upstairs - The Polish Place |
Josh Groban...You Raise Me Up
Julio Iglesias...Song of Joy
Over the past few months and more whenever I drove along Main Western Road a broad smile spread across my face. My eyes became a little misty, too – caused by pollen in the air, of course! Often I felt like bursting out in song. It’s fortunate for the rest of the human race when the latter urge took hold I’m alone in my car, with the windows securely shut. Count your lucky stars, people!
Main Western Road runs along the top of this plateau...north to south...from North Tamborine to Mount Tamborine on the southern end of the mountain.
The lyrics of Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up”, as
well as Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony aka “Ode to Joy” flooded my body and soul.
I imagine much shaking of heads is occurring right now.
I hear you bellowing; “Hang on! The Ninth Symphony doesn’t have words, you
twit!”
But wait! Don’t be so hasty!
Beethoven’s masterpiece was introduced to a broader audience
of music-lovers - to the hoi polloi - when it morphed into “A Song of Joy”. Like the Emperor’s New Clothes, adorned in
its sparkling new outfit a reconstructed, contemporary version of the Symphony made
the common people stand to attention when, in 1970, Spanish singer Miguel Rios sang
his heart out. Miguel turned it into a world-wide chart-topper. Then, in 1993, his
fellow-countryman, Julio Iglesias, with his emotive rendition, reignited our
love for the beautiful reworked piece.
The days I’m out roaming about – en route to our local
supermarket etc., at North Tamborine - I enjoy cruising along Main Western Road with its
ever-changing western vista.
As I drifted along an inspirational addition heightened my
delight.
The special reason for my explosions of joyful
fervour was witnessing the advancement of the construction...the rebuilding of “The
Polish Place”.
The Polish Place was a much-loved restaurant with a huge
following of regular patrons...locals and from far afield.
Driving past the site the sight of “the phoenix
rising from the ashes” warmed my heart.
What an exciting period it must have been for the
owners. For them, a time filled with a kaleidoscope of emotions. Feelings of anticipation and pride would have been fighting
for first position.
The owners’ enthusiastic expectations for the day
when the doors of the restaurant...the new restaurant...re-opened must have been
nigh impossible to contain. Always
looking forward - having never lost hope, they deserve our admiration.
The owners remained steadfast in their determination
since the terrible night disaster struck; the night a ferocious, unforgiving
fire destroyed their beautiful chateau; their much-loved establishment.
Fortunately, the nearby accommodation chateaus escaped
the ferocious, unforgiving fire.
The restaurant had been a popular mountain feature
for over three decades. It’s
difficult...impossible...to imagine the heartache the owners experienced that fateful
night, and throughout the ensuing months.
However, no matter how challenging it has been over
the past couple of years, Phil and Ania Sowter, together...united as one...remained
strong in spirit; remained stoically steadfast, resolute in their promise to
each other, and to the community they would not be defeated.
Their indefatigability in the face of adversity shows they are people of purpose, where procrastination does not have a place in their lives, but a newly-constructed restaurant does. I am sure the new premises, like the original, will have a treasured place in the hearts of locals, and in the hearts of visitors to our wonderful mountain greenery home.
Their indefatigability in the face of adversity shows they are people of purpose, where procrastination does not have a place in their lives, but a newly-constructed restaurant does. I am sure the new premises, like the original, will have a treasured place in the hearts of locals, and in the hearts of visitors to our wonderful mountain greenery home.
May The Polish Place’s future path be
rewarding...and its hearth forever welcoming...
Chapter Two...The Opening of a brand, spanking, sparkling new The Polish Place will follow soon.....
May the rebuilding be swift and their joy in the work be overwhelming. It looks like a place that deserves to live again.
ReplyDeleteThe rebuilding is complete, messymimi....my Chapter Two will tell the continuing story of the rising of the phoenix.
DeleteEveryone was in shock when the original premises were destroyed...but hope reigned eternal. :)
Thanks for coming by. :)
How wonderful that it was rebuilt. Truly wonderful.
ReplyDeleteIt has been inspirational to watch the transition from the heartbreaking sight of ruins....evidence of the power of the human spirit when it doesn't give in, EC.
DeleteThanks for coming by. :)
such great views, the shot of those pilfering through the ruins - the wood doesn't look singed. Looking forward to seeing the new building.
ReplyDeleteIt was singed, Linda...burned to the ground. All their wonderful artifacts, mementos, personal possessions - their living quarters/area was upstairs above the restaurant...and one of their beloved dogs didn't survive the fire.
DeleteAll shall be divulged in my next chapter of their heartbreaking, yet inspirational story. Thanks for coming by. :)
I loved everything about the Polish Place. My husband is Polish. As I looked at the photos I noticed ruins and then got to the rest of the story. I am so glad they were able to build it back and did. I love Josh Grobin's song too - You Raise Me Up!
ReplyDeleteHey Sandie. I wasn't aware your husband is Polish...this story would mean a lot to you. The staff, including one of Ania and Phil's daughters work in the restaurant, and they wear the traditional, colourful costumes.
DeleteThe restaurant/gallery held many beautiful Polish artifacts - beautiful pieces...all destroyed...but determinedly, the owners have steadily replaced them piece by piece to be part of the new premises.
Thanks for coming by. :)
How tragic that Pinja The Daschund didn't make it when the fire happened in 2017. It would have been so easy for The Sowters to just walk away and like you I applaud them for thinking positive and rebuilding for the future.
ReplyDeleteYes, Yorkie...on top of all the sadness caused by the destructive fire, to have lost a beloved pet would have cut deep.
DeleteThe Sowters...are an incredible couple...an incredible family.
Thanks for coming by. :)
Nice to see it rising again, I hope it does as well as before and keep my fingers crossed for no more bush fires.
ReplyDeleteHi River...there is no doubt The Polish Place will flourish.
DeleteThe fire that burned destroyed the building wasn't a bushfire.
Thanks for coming by. :)
I hope they had good insurance. I'll bet the new building will be better than before.
ReplyDeleteHi Andrew....It's difficult to say....the original building, which was over 30 years old had a lot of character. I think the character of the owners will make the new building equally as unique.
DeleteThanks for coming by. :)
I'm glad they are rebuilding. Fire is so ferocious, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteYour area looks like paradise. Very beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Hello, Sandra. They are a resilient, determined family, that is for sure. A tragedy like that would have crushed many others.
DeleteIt is a lovely are up here...in the Gold Coast Hinterland. Mountain area is part of what is called the "Scenic Rim".
Thanks for coming by. :)
Beethoven's words to the Ode to Joy in the 9th Symphony had an interesting history (although without looking it up I'm at a loss to remember it.). Anyway I'm really pleased that The Polish Place has resurrected.
ReplyDeleteG'day, Graham....Interesting information to be found re "Ode to Joy" herein....https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ode_to_Joy
DeleteThanks for coming by. :)
Wonderful that it was rebuilt.
ReplyDeleteLove the music on your post, good choices from Josh and Julio.
All the best Jan
Thanks, Jan.
DeleteIt is wonderful it was rebuilt. :)