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Published: August 23rd 2008
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Jewish monument
I think this is too resemble waiting. This site was possibly a ghetto during WWII,a aplce where people were forced to wait before being deported elsewhere I remember my last trip to Krakow well, perhaps not all in terms of visually but physically too. Nine years ago I went to Krakow for the weekend. That weekend didn't start as well as it could of. It might have been the sour beetroot juice or some dodgy polish attempt of pasta, but I got a nasty case of food poisoning. So yes I remember Krakow well!
And how beautiful this city is. I almost didn't want to attempt to photograph it, unsure I could encapsulate the beauty and present it how it really is. Reunited after 9 years with my old roomie Ania,a delay in the arrival of my luggage ensured a morning of lots of eating and catching up. Who better than to spend the next 4 days with, then an artist. Ania has a superb knowledge of Krakow, its history, art and architecture. Krakow is the artists city of Poland and how it has blossomed. I recall nine years ago, not much english language available in Poland, especially Krakow. But don't worry english speakers out there, signs in English and most people working in this city speak it well. You could spend endless days walking through
Wawel castle at night
Everything looks better at night. Now if I can only get this carriage to stop bumping over the cobble stones to take a nice picture! Krakow's old town, Kazimierz (the old jewish district) and other districts. Being with a local, you have the opportunity to experience many unique things - you will not find in a guidebook. Happy to be back in Poland, stocked up on bread, cheese, yoghurt and berries I was in heaven. Anyone coming to Poland in summer, should not miss out trying all the beautiful summer fruits available. Berries galore - my tip wash them first bu you will leave Poland a berry addict.
Sometimes on purpose I like to leave a place without seeing everything, a good excuse to come back. So we touched on a lot of places in Krakow but with plenty of room to return. Yes the old town is a happening place, set around the old town hall (Sukiennice) this square is the centre of the old town and has many of Krakow's sites. A path around the old city is a great way to see Krakow and also leads to Krakow's magnificent Wawel castle on the hill overlooking the old town and Vistula river. A beautiful place at night and to go past by horse drawn carriage as we got to experience. Feeling like
Mariacki Kosciol (church)
Like how it used to be.... a queen and trotting down the narrow cobbled streets past charming cafes, churches, etc. Krakow historically was the capital prior to Warsaw and was also home to the Kings of Poland. It also escaped WWII in relatively good condition. I'm sure the money from the Tourism industry is contributing towards the restoration projects as well.
Kopiec Kościuszki (Kościuszko Mound) is an artificial mound three years beginning in 1820, people of all ages and class voluntarily constructed the Mound to the height of 34 metres (112 ft). At the base of the Mound the Founding Act was deposited in a glass and marble case. At the top, a granite boulder, brought from the Tatra Mountains was placed, bearing the inscription “Kościuszce” (To Kościuszko). Inside the mound urns were buried with soil from the Polish and American battlefields where Kościuszko fought. Kościuszko Mound inspired Count Paul Strzelecki, Polish patriot and Australian explorer, to name the highest mountain in Australia Mount Kosciuszko, because of its perceived resemblance to the Kościuszko Mound in Kraków.
Krakow has a rich jewish history. As for many Polish cities, it had a large jewish population and today this history is visible through synagogues, cemetaries, statues. Krakow's
The popes window
My friend tells me, the pope used to otften given speeches from this window. A picture of him to remember his presence in Krakow old jewish district was used in the filming of Spielberg's "Schlinders list". You can also visit sites for example where Oskar Schlinders factory is, where he employed over 1000 Jews in the factory, sparing they're fate from concentration camps or deportation.
Although spending the last few weeks with lots of rain, I seem to be taking the rain with me everywhere I go. I got at least these last two days of beautiful warm high 20's. I cannot speak more highly of Krakow or Poland in any means, a must destination for anyone visiting Poland. Beautiful city, great company. I finally got to meet Ania's partner of 7 years, Piotr, who is lovely. I can't wait to come back to Krakow where soon they will be building they're sustainable home! People after my own heart. Leaving Poland is hard for me, it runs so strongly in my heart, I had the best time and many wonderful people. The thought of seeing my family again is what I want most. It scares me I could stay in Poland, but my life is in Oz and thats where I want it. As you probably can tell, yes am homesick, am completely
Kazimierz
This is the old jewish district of Krakow. Alot of Schlinders List was filmed here. Beautiful part of Krakow, great cafes and nightlife here also in denial about staying away from them for too long! This is what i do every couple of years, get some crazy travel itch, pack up and leave and then end up coming back in a couple of months. You would have think I wold have learnt by now, a couple of months is my max! Looking forward to a couple of weeks in the States and hacking into credit card debt!
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