2 person sleeping cars are better than 6!

We made the journey from Prague to Krakow last night on the overnight train. We were considering the 6 bed couchette, but decided to splash out for the two. Crazy stuff, glad we went for 2 - check out the photo! The carriage was full of other backpackers and we took some photos for our Canadian neighbours. It seemed to be a novelty for most on the train.

We took it easy again today with a wander around town in the early morning sunshine. The day started with a trumpet call, which abruptly rings off mid call to symbolise the trumpeter being killed by an arrow in the 13th Century. The warning call is replayed every hour everyday by a trumpeter in the tower of the Market Square Cathedral.

The market square is enourmous - 200m by 200m. One of the largest in Europe. Its broken up by the Cloth Hall in the centre of the square, which now sells souvenirs and has an art gallery with Polish paintings on the top floor. It was great just to meander around checking out daily life in Krakow. All the school kids were dressed up today for the first day back at school. A bummer since it was at least 26 and sunny all day! (The English obsession with weather has rubbed off!).

After wandering around town we made our way up the Royal Route towards the Castle, which doesn't really look like one anymore, but is still very pretty. Krakow used to be the Royal seat for Poland until the capital was moved to Warsaw. The Cathedral was used for Coronation Ceremonies for centuries. The palace was rather imposing, but we decided not to view the Royal and State Apartments. Seen so many in Europe now, they all just merge into a blur of gold trimmings and red carpets!

I think I relaxed too much in Prague as I now have a sore shoulder. Its put a slight dampner on things but I'm still ploughing on! Power of positive thinking... I'm going for a fully healed and functional shoulder after tonights sleep. (Margie, David, just thought I'd drop this paragraph in for you. Good description of the ailments for you!).

We are off to Austwitcz tomorrow. Not really sure what to say about that except that I think I'll be taking a large packet of tissues with me. We have planned to go to the Salt Mine in the afternoon to lift our spirits....

We're staying in a great hostel - Greg and Tom Hostel Krakow. Just tucked into the free Polish dinner and am now feeling rather full (think sausage, potato, veggies, tomato stew - hearty stuff!). The rooms are really nice and very cheap. Their address: http://www.gregtomhostel.com/.