Tuesday we spent the day revisiting the Main Market Square and viewing the two highly recommended churches - the St. Mary’s Basilica and the Franciscan Church. We don’t have any pictures to post, as we have discovered that our amateur pictures just don’t capture these over-the-top ‘swanky’ ornate places - so this time just bought a book that best captured the interior. We did see the opening of the Veit Stoss Altar at the St. Mary’s Church - and it was truly spectacular to see the detail of this magnificent monument of Medieval Sculpture. (We can show you the book when we get back).
Our last day here in Krakow, we spent it on a tour of The Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial and Museum. The first two pictures are from Auschwitz I, where little was destroyed by the departing Nazi’s, and we were able to view the barracks and the museum artifacts - again, not many pictures taken as this was a requested out of respect for the dead.
We then drove the 3 km to the Birkenau concentration camp (Auschwitz II). Much of this site was destroyed by the departing Nazi’s to cover up the atrocities committed, but a small representation of the wooden barracks were recreated for historical purposes. These pictures are of the barracks and the main entrance to this concentration camp.
Back in Krakow, we completed our last walk around and shot pictures of the Grunwald monument (this was a monument to the one war the Polish won), and the Barbakan (main entrance to the Old Town), and street performers in the Main Market Square. We took our final walk home via the Planty (which looks quite peaceful without the crazy cyclists whipping by you) to our apartment at 20 Sarego.
April 19 - 20
Sunday we took a tour out to the Salt Mine Wieliczka, and after walking down 54 flights (390 steps - not that we were counting), we made into the mine. It was more interesting than what we had expected. This salt mine had crystal chandeliers that were made from salt crystals, and apparently the largest in the world.
Back in town, we did the true European lunch (2 hours in the sun) and enjoyed our Sunday sundaes. After lunch, we strolled around and took some more pictures, including the Barbakan which was the main outer gate to the Old Town.
Monday, we spent a more leisurely day, and after my late morning run, we toured the river valley, and captured shots of the Wawel Castle. We also managed to find an alternate to beer, in the form of a 1000 ml strawberry daiquiri - perfect for a sunny relaxing afternoon.
After walking by the wall of art work, Scott off-loaded all of our change with the bun vendor - these guys are everywhere and some would even sell you a bagel necklace (kids seem to love these!).
Later that evening we squeezed into the St. Wojciech Church (probably would sit about 24 people maximum), and listened to an entertaining concert of opera, film and tangos. (picture posted on previous update).
April 16 - 18
The train trip from Prague to Poland, was long, bumpy, dirty and boring - take a plane! At our stop in Katowice where we switched trains, and I was still smiling.... it did not last once we embarked (that is all I will say). Good news is that we arrived in Krakow and we are learning with each arrival how to approach it - this time we had a map, the right currency and took a taxi directly to the apartment. Our hostess was phenominal, and made us feel welcomed (or was that the flowers, wine, food, and great accomodations?).
As per usual, our first day here we took a walking tour to get orientated, starting at the Florianska Gate. The tour group was small - us and another couple, and we visited the Main Market Square where the Old Town Hall and St. Mary's Basilica are located.
We had our first supper at a recommended Polish restaurant (Pod Wawelem) and were really shocked by the serving sizes - seriously, my skewer was at least 18 inches long. The food was good, music lively and we did enjoy it.
The following day (Saturday), we spent walking around Krakow, focusing mainly on Wawel Castle. The grounds were the most interesting, and we enjoyed the flowering trees and climbed the stairs of the Wawel Castle Cathedral to see the church bells close up. Scott isn't really holding up this 6000 kilogram bell!
Back in the Main Market Square, we visited the Cloth Hall which contains many Polish souveniers, including hand made products. We also walked by the Wojciech Church. Off course we wrapped up the day relaxing over refreshments (again).
For those interested in what the apartment looks like, check out the owners website at www.luxery-apartment-krakow.com