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I cant believe the only time ive stumped someone so far on the language barrier is when I walked into the ALKOHOL 24H shop and asked for a nice bottle of Frangelico...
"No understand"
Fair enough, I said, I will find and point out, guess what - NO FRANGE!!!
She understood Absolut Citron.
My initial thoughts were on the money, this is really an amazing city. And one which I highly recommend visiting before it becomes too touristy. At the moment the tourists are pretty much European, so the atmosphere and tone is still very much continental.
Surely it wont be too long till the word gets out. Money wise its cheap, you get about 3 Zlotys per AU $, I went to the #5 rated restaurant in all of Krakow my first night, Beetroot Soup, Rabbit wrapped in Proscuitto and two 1/2 litre beers for $62 Zlotys (thats $21 bucks).
And the food was great.
But its no good being cheap if the product doesnt match up, and the city certainly does. Im staying next to the old Jewish quarter of the city called Kazimierz.
My best description of this area would be Polish Surry Hills, apparantley it used to be run down, and is now blooming with classy bars and places to eat. Mood lighting and/or candles and laid back jazzish beats are the themes.
All against a backrop of several hundred year old synagogues and old architecture which all add to the vibe.
Have been to the Schindler Museum which is built into the Enamel Factory where he had many Jews working for him, avoiding being sent off to be killed.
Sobering, but very well laid out museum. Walking through a timeline of not only Schindlers story, but Krakows in general before, during and after the war. Rooms were themed throughout with lots of info, interviews, relics etc... I was probably in there for 3 hours comfortably.
Anyone who visits, put this on your to do list.
The Wawel Castle and Cathedral were next up, I didnt bother touring the Castle, I saw enough in Scotland... But went on a walk around the Cathedral which was impressive.
Up to the belltower, and down to the crypts. This is where John Paul II started as a priest, and there are a lot of references and monuments to him.
Another monument, which ties in to us, is the burial place of Tadeuz Kosciuszco, who we have our largest mountain named after. A Polish and American national hero who fought for both nations.
Off to the main square after that which is just a huge meeting place filled with places to eat and people to see. Another one of those description/photos cant do justice places, you will just have to see it.
Am off to Auschwitz and the Salt Mines tommorrow, then to Warsaw on Friday.
Stay well.
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