We spent three fantastic days in Krakow! I really enjoyed the city and the people were lovely. It was also really nice for Anna to get back to her roots and was great that she could guide me ito the wonderful world of delicious Polish food...yum!!
The old town was quite small and everything was within walking distance which was great - A nice change after Budapest.
On the first day we were there we checked out Wawell Hill which is where the castle, palace and cathedral are in the old town. We wandered around the lovely grounds and and went into the amazing Cathedral up there; saw one of the biggest bells in Europe after climbing the bell tower, and also checked out the state rooms in the royal palace - all very impressive!
In the center of the old town is Europe´s biggest medieval town square, which is surrounded by lovely restaurants and cafes. In the middle of the square is a massive old cloth hall which has now been converted into a tourist market with hundreds of stalls selling amber trinkets and other such wonderful things. It was all a bit touristy in there, but it was nice to wander through and to see all of the old family crests painted on the walls throughout the whole building. In the evening we headed to an old restaurant just off the square called the Green Balloon which is were many old polish philosophers used to spend their time. Here we tasted the fine delicacy of Golemcke (pronounced ¨gwomkie¨) - delicious minced veal wrapped in cabbage, and some polish beer - all very delicious!
The next day was very full on emotionally. We went out to Auschwitz and did a day tour there. I dont think it is something I will every forget, or ever be able to comprehend. Although I cant say i enjoyed the day (dont think anyone could) I´m glad we went there, I think it is so important to try to understand the atrocities that went on there and understand what so many people went through. Definately makes me appreciate the freedom we have and the society we live in today.
The following day we walked through the old Jewish quarter of the city, then went back to the old town square and went into St Mary´s Cathedral. Another amazing church! For dinner we had some more amazing Polish food (¨Pierogi¨- little dumplings studded with all sorts of different things...yum!) at a cute little cafe with not another tourist in sight! After that we headed for the train station to catch our over night train to Prague.
The following day we walked through the old Jewish quarter of the city, then went back to the old town square and went into St Mary´s Cathedral. Another amazing church! For dinner we had some more amazing Polish food (¨Pierogi¨- little dumplings studded with all sorts of different things...yum!) at a cute little cafe with not another tourist in sight! After that we headed for the train station to catch our over night train to Prague.
