Well, I think I can pretty safely say, that after just 2 nights in Krakow, it's probably my favourite city so far.

I arrived here on Wednesday from the Tatras, caught a couple of buses across the mountains then one to Krakow. Staying in a place called hostel Giraffe, which is pretty damn funk (like the rest of Krakow). I got a welcome beer from the bar upon arrival, which really made me feel welcomed.... Cruised in the bar then met 2 of my roomies who are brothers from Canada. Played pool in the bar, did a polish vodka tasting (cost about 4 bucks). Met a few other people from the hostel, and as midnight approached, about 6 of us decided to go out. I haven't really been doing any heavily serious drinking, but that night, well...... Before we left we had to sample the Hostels infamous beverage, called the "Death Star" its 2 50ml shots of vodka, 1 50ml shot of gin, filled up with beer and a squeeze of lemon.

After consuming this not-so-good-tasting beverage, we headed out to some bars and clubs. Krakow is the best place I've seen anywhere for clubs like this place. It has the most clubs per sqaure metre in the world apparently.... There are underground clubs, jazz clubs, hip-hop and funk clubs, death metal dungeons... You name it, and it's here.

For me, Krakow is a lot better than Prague, the layout, people, nightlife, culture. the town square is huge, and filled with flower markets, cafe's and horse carriages. Theres great cheap takeaway food, kebabs, little pasta dumplings called pirogi.. and it's all very cheap.

Yesterday I found a coffee museum, which imports coffee, roasts and has a cafe there. I went in, had a bit of a look, and ordered my espresso (an ethiopian sidamo). I was pretty damn keen to get a decent coffee in me, as I haven't really had any since leaving home. It came out.... and it was amazing.... By far absolutely THE worst coffee I've ever had. No jokes. There was no grinders behind the bar, just little jars filled with the different blends, and the girl spooned the coffee in the basket. Thats what I call free dosing.... The taste instantly reminded me of vommit, and after consuming death stars and having a mild hangover, this was not good....

So an experience nontheless. Australian coffee really is good!!.... even our worst is eastern Europe's best. Last night, after 3 hours sleep the night before, I had planned to have an early one. The canadian brothers had left to Prague, and were replaced by 2 canadian girls, which was pretty funny. I ended up going out with them and an American bloke last night. Another late (or early) one... Had a great sleep in today, had brekkie, and asked my hostel reception for another 2 nights, because there is just so much to cover. Unfourtunately they are fully booked, so I moved to another one in the centre which is probably nicer anyway. Beds in Krakow are expensive, about 55zl, which is a bit more than I was paying for a nice private room in slovakia. But it's worth it this place is awesome. I plan to head to Auschwitz tomorrow, and the other camp Birkanou, which is nearby. There are also salt mines not far away which are apparently amazing, and a monastery and castle to explore on the river. Not sure wheres next, I think I'll leave Poland as I'd like to see a few other places before I head to Greece. I know I'll be back for sure at some point....