But why POLAND?
japra | Nov 12, 2008 | Comments 12
Krakow is easily Poland’s best destination: a beautiful, old-fashioned city buzzing with history, enjoyable sights, tourists (note from JAPRA: not many tourists in October–haha), and college students. Even though the country’s capital moved from here to Warsaw 400 years ago, Krakow remains Poland’s cultural and intellectual center. Of all of the Eastern European cities laying claim to the boast “the next Prague,” Krakow is for real.
–Rick Steves, Rick Steves’ Eastern Europe.
The Cloth Hall in Krakow’s main market square. Built in the 1300s, this is a good place to go for souvenirs. See those white umbrellas? That’s a good place for coffee and a little something sweet to eat :-) There is also a museum located in the upper floor of the Cloth Hall (Gallery of 19th Century Polish Art or Galeria Sztuki Polskiej XIX Wieku), but we didn’t have time for it on this trip.
The domes of Wawel Cathedral on Wawel Hill. I have some nice shots of the Castle area that I’ll share another day.
Our visit to Krakow wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the heartbreaking site of Auschwitz. Even though we saw the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site this summer, we weren’t prepared for the scale of Auschwitz.
Yes of course, we enjoyed pirogi! And actually, I was pleasantly surprised with the food selections.
Filed Under: Blog • Destinations • Krakow • Poland
About the Author: JaPRA is an expat Texan living in England with her husband (Mr. DJ), their 17-year old daughter (Roxi), and their dog Trudy.
At last, the Polish photos, so much history and architecture. Looks like you had good weather in October.
Did they serve sour cream with the pirogis?
Yay pictures! I think I definitely want to visit Poland – it looks lovely.
Christine–Sadly, they did not serve sour cream with the pirogis! We first had pirogi in Montreal with sour cream on the side and that is the way I like them. However, I did have a lovely cucumber salad the first night and it had a dill sour cream on top… guess what I did?
Emm–I was surprised by how very “western” Poland seemed. I enjoyed our visit very much.
I always love visiting places out of season. I think you guys were smart in avoiding those warmer destinations and heading to Poland and having the place to yourselves.
You took some amazing photos. I just love looking at your travel photography! I also love that you always include a food shot! :)
Why Poland? Well, it’s obvious to me. You’re here for the history and the culture; the natives, complacent in the knowledge that they can see the European treasures any old time (even though they mostly never do), go for “the sun” every time.
My curiousity was piqued by the chapel carved out of salt. ??
WANT.
TO.
GO.
Alyson–We really do prefer to travel off season. This is definitely one of the pluses of living so close to the Continent.
Bee–You are right about the natives, I think! We have looked into all of the possible dates for holidays for the remainder of our time here and have penciled in possible destinations. Weather doesn’t really factor into our decisions–except maybe skipping the snow (we don’t ski). After all, when we move back, it’ll be to the land of sun (and heat, and humidity). I will post more on the salt mines soon.
BSR–I hope you will go and take your oldest along to carry your photog gear ;-) Krakow opened my eyes to the beauty of Eastern Europe and now I can’t wait to see more. And more. And more!
I remember reading the Diary of Anne Frank and visiting the Hollocaust muesum in Dallas when I was in the fifth grade. I have never ever, been able to forget it and have always felt a special sorrow for what happened during WWII. It must have been very emotional to visit Auschwitz.
After seeing your photos no one would be able to ask, “Why Poland?” I’m glad to see you’ve sorted out your photo-computer problems.
A beautiful place to see indeed… I’m waiting eagerly to go there myself around summer. Being a Pole this may sound a little bit weird, but I’m stuck in the north of Poland unable to travel, at least until Summer :)
Lucilucia–It was surreal and very difficult to really understand.
Sarah–I am so glad we were able to go.
Enso–I imagine summer is a beautiful time to visit Krakow. I would like to see the northern part of your country as well. Hope you’re staying warm!
Most of these European countries are quite beautiful.