Blogs from Lesser Poland, Poland, Europe

We left in the morning, the rain had finally stopped during the night and today looked like a good day for more sightseeing! Typical. I’ve enjoyed my time in Krakow and would certainly be happy to visit Poland again. I would like to explore further, see less touristy areas and the countryside plus whatever wildlife they have. Preferably in the summer. The almost non-stop rain got a bit much, especially as they should have been having snow! I’ve felt safe here and not seen any people living on the streets , however I am aware that we were probably in one of the more wealthier areas, kept nice for tourists. All the guides and service staff have been lovely, although museum staff can be a bit scary! So yes, I’d come again. M... read more

Our short trip to Krakow started in Yorkshire and until very recently I was completely unaware that there’s an airport at Leeds/Bradford, but there is and I think it might be bigger than Liverpool airport. The best part of it is that everyone up here calls you ‘lovey’, which makes being scanned by a lady in security very intimate. ‘Just lift your leg, lovey’, ‘turn around and raise your arms, lovey’, ‘bend over lovey’. Ok, the last line didn’t happen, but it wasn’t far off. The two hour flight last night landed in a wet and dark Krakow, it felt like being home. The customs guy was all smiles, which isn’t that common for customs guys. The airport loos were clean and arty, a good loo at the airport is often a good indicator of what’s ... read more

Krakow - Heart of Poland -Piprey on wheels Krakow is the lovely, old, cultural capital of Poland. Having faced armed invasions from the Austrians, Germans and being partitioned into three, Poland is now unified. The different governances and cultural diversity presented a unique challenge to this nation. Though it joined the European union, it still maintains Polish Zylot (PLN) as currency and not Euro. It is the fast growing nation in the EU while Germany has hit recession in 2023. Not certain if it means that the common people are getting richer though. Krakow is the cultural capital and the epicenter is the Wawel castle. Set on a hill, defended by Vistula (Wisla) river, the Polish people draw their sense of identity from this castle. I was on a business trip and dec... read more

We had a leisurely start then out to Gossip for breakfast before wandering up up to see St. Florian's Gate - built around the 14th century as a rectangular Gothic tower in the city walls this is part of the city's fortifications against Tatar attack - and the Kraków Barbican - a fortified outpost once connected to the city walls. Wandered back down to the Main Market Square with Saint Mary's Basilica and the cloth hall. After a quick browse of the souvenirs we went to look around Rynek Underground museum situated below the market square. This contains remnants of medieval walls, streets and waterworks reconstructions of workshops, the remains of burned settlements, the oldest of which dates from the 11th century. There were also holograms, fog machines and screens to ... read more

http://www.heygo.com 18th February - Jewish Quarter Krakow Kazimierz – the district south of the Old Tiwn was the centre of Jewish life in Kraków for over 500 years, before it was systematically destroyed during World War II. In the communist era it became one of Kraków’s dodgiest districts while gradually falling into disrepair. Rediscovered in the 1990s, thanks to the fall of the regime and worldwide exposure through the lens of Steven Spielberg in the film Schindler’s List Today, our virtual guide Christopher took us around this bohemian neighbourhood packed with historical sites, atmospheric cafes and art galleries, although due to Covid all closed. At one time there were 19 synagogues in this area now there are 7 active synagogues. It was interesting to hear how the Nazi’s used some of the synagogues as stables during ... read more