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Published: August 4th 2011
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I actually stayed in town today!
I figured it was about time, considering how beautiful the Old Town and surrounding areas are.
I spent most of the day in Kazimiriez - the Jewish Quarter of Krakow. I started by just roaming the streets, enjoying the old architecture and the numerous graffiti - I love taking pictures of interesting graffiti.
I happened upon the "Old Synagogue", and then upon my lunch at Bagelmama haha. Honestly, best bagel of my life: sesame seed, with chicken/celery/mayo/curry powder. So. Good.
I then kept wandering, coming upon a few more synagogues - I wasn't really properly dressed to enter them, and some you had to pay, so I was content to observe from afar.
I crossed the river and headed towards the real aim for today: Schindler's Factory. The factory is now a museum, all about Krakow and the Jewish Community from right before WW2, until a few years after.
I know I say this a lot... but for real, it was one of the best museums I've been too.
There is just so much to see in the museum - I didn't check my watch before I went
in, so not quite sure how long it was, but easily 2-3 hours. Easily. Each period is accounted for in extreme detail, with actual objects (all with explanations), quotes, videos from survivors, etc. It really is something to watch videos of seniors remembering and accounting for their childhood in Krakow when the city was bombed, when the Germans invaded, etc. Very moving.
I particularly enjoyed the final exhibit - the Room of Choices - which looked at what kind of choices people make during a war. Did they lend a helping hand? Help protect? Turn their back? They also had two electronic books - one positive one that outlined stories of friendship, loyalty, love etc. and one negative one that outlined fear, hatred, jealousy.
After that, I slowly zig-zagged my way back to "main" Krakow, and towards Wawel Castle. Beautiful view from the castle - you can see down Vistula River. I only saw about half the grounds today (my toesies were getting tired!) - the rest I'll see tomorrow or Saturday morning. But what I did see was lovely.
I went down into the "Dragon's Den" - moreso as an hommage to the Canadian Dragons on
CBC haha. It was a neat little cavern though... also, a nice break from the heat.
Sidenote: BBC weather sucks at forecasting. It was supposed to be overcast all week - it's been sunny and quite warm! No complaints for that... but fail BBC, fail. I spent the late afternoon walking along the Planty, which is a park that surrounds the entire Old Town. I spent some time on the benches, just writing in my journal and people watching for a bit, before heading back to Old Town for a few pictures. They also had a nice photo exhibit dedicated to John Paul II.
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