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Krakow - a pretty market city

After a 24 hour journey from Berlin via Warsaw the city of Krakow was basking in sunshine. I found my hostel easily. nestled in a dead end street (nothing like a homely feeling!) in a huge pension. Travellers Inn was relaxed and easy. They offered a city guide with no bullshit chat about where to eat, what to avoid and what tours to take. 

With the surprise sunshine I set of on a stroll  ( with the main aim -  Gelato!) taking in the central Market Square and the district's encircling gardens. This led me to Wawel Palace. The first chance to enjoy a sit down on a dry seat in some heat, and my goodness did I enjoy it. During which I had the pleasure of watching a couple have their wedding photos taken...she Polish, he Scottish and as proud as punch. To me this is a picture of my European experience. East meets West and barriers really are broken. 

I moved on from the palace to the Jewish Quarter which strangely was relatively untouched during the war, but was under reconstruction on my visit! It was home to lots of cute small cafes and bars, arts and crafts and the site of my first dumpling feast. 

Rightly or Wrongly I ordered a Russian dumpling and it was like stuffed gnocchi or at least that's my take on it. Its really dense filled with cottage cheese and potato - with slow fried Onion and bacon bits to garnish. I really did enjoy them. Add a bit of Italian tomato sauce and you would have a winning dish I think...or maybe that is more what I was after!

The next morning I woke up (sorry folks no rowdy stories of binge drinking on tour. I am being a little bit sensible on my own at the moment - and I don't drink beer so the pennies are being saved for all the wine to follow!) and headed down to the Sunday Flea Market. After taking a few photos of some elicit porn (as a joke for a friend) I was forcibly asked to leave by one feral female street trader. My guess is because it was hot and not just looks wise if you understand what I am typing. I am not too sure what she would have made of it if I had have asked how much! 

Mr P. your prize
comes from this selection

Alas it was big market and my camera was welcomed elsewhere. I had a great time trying to find the most useful, light prize for a bet I had going. It made it really enjoyable. I initially searched for a collection of Soviet style buttons but could barely make a pair not rusted let alone a set of 6+ ideal for a coat.  There was My Little Pony, family photos from god knows who and their mother, a copy of Lenin in Polish (I imagine) jewels from so many ladies dusty and tangled past, old Polish coins sold by weight, old wringers, irons, tellies, dead men's watches and then there was this guy! He didn't understand a word of my pleasure in seeing his jersey but he allowed me to take a picture...and what a classic pose it was too! 

I headed out from Krakow (missing the bus by a hairs breath) to Auschwitz. I want to separate out these two experiences as Auschwitz was hard and has a lot of historical facts I want to put down. 

 My impressions of Krakow is of founded popularity for a relatively small city (ideal for weekend trips folks). The streets were teeming with tourists from all around Europe and beyond. It really is a special spot and with the numerous bars and restaurants and affordability it is hardly surprising it is so popular. 

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Krakow and would love to return soon with friends to enjoy the night life and see a salt mines. Any volunteers please do add a comment - I do read them! (Tom and Vicky I know you will be up for it!) 

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  1. Anonymous26 July 2011 at 23:13

    Went to Berlin when wall was there in 1988 and then post wall sometime in 2000s. To me the wall made the city the attraction it was..without it I dont think the place has that much to offer the tourist (though it obviously offers a better life for its inhabitants now).

    Krakow..go in early May or late Sept when the tourist hordes are gone..much better (I may even come with you if you need company). Auschwitz is something else. I went in 1988 so was quite young but still remember things about it 20+ years later. People should never forget!!

    Fancinho

    ReplyDelete
  2. Pasta Bites27 July 2011 at 05:12

    Me too of course! I'd love to go. Can't wait to read about aushwiz..

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jo27 July 2011 at 09:56

    I can only imagine the difference from before '89 Fancinho. All three countries so far have been so shaped by this time. But seeing them today is also a great opportunity mid-change

    As for visiting Krakow I'm keeping you both on my reminders list for next year. I'll post my Auschwitz soon...I'm stalling reliving it.

    Much love x

    ReplyDelete
  4. TJ and VJ27 July 2011 at 21:42

    Hey JM - glad you enjoyed Krakow. I picked up a chessboard when we were there, although it was the last place on our trip. I'm sure you will have had to hold back at the markets not to fill your pack so early in your travels.

    Keep safe and next time leave plenty of time for the bus!

    ReplyDelete

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