A Day in Krakow

September 18

Although cold again this morning, we vowed to spend the day enjoying the sights of Krakow. Armed with bus instructions we dressed in layers and headed out. We missed our stop and went to the end of the line. I asked a young man for directions and he not only told us which bus to take, he took us to the stop. I had a great chat with Damien, a med student as he escorted us to the correct bus. He told me that he started studying English when he was 10 years old, as do most students in Krakow. He now wants to learn Spanish. He said that "new" doctors are not paid well and so he is not sure if he will stay in Poland after he graduates. When we reached our stop I said, "dzidkuje" as best I could, gave him my Canada pin that I had on my bag, shook hands and said, "goodbye."

Krakow is one of the few cities in Poland that was not destroyed during the war and so much of it is very old. In fact, we visited the Wawel Castle that has tapestries, paintings and furniture dating back to the 15th century. We roamed the market square, said to be the largest market square in Europe. Although the market area is beautiful I found it to be a bit too touristy. In fact, I am sure that there were more tourists there than there were local Poles. We did, however, find a wonderful little book store/coffee shop that sold books in English. I purchased two books in English (translations) by well known Polish authors that were recommended to me by a very helpful young woman.

While walking towards the bus stop, I noticed a store that looked like a department store. "Maybe they sell electric heaters," I said...and indeed they did. Forty-seven zlotys later and I am the proud owner of a heater...couldn't wait to get back to Gracie to plug it in.

Our trip back to Camping Clepardia was about the same as our trip into the centre of the city. This time we got on the right bus, but we went in the wrong direction and ended up at another "end of the line." A very helpful woman noticed the "lost" looks on our faces and pointed us in the right direction. People in Poland have been very kind to us.

After a trip to the local grocery store, I dined on perogies and some Polish slaw, while Michelle feasted on Polish bread, ham and cheese. The highlight of the evening was video conversation with Jessica. It amazes me to think that I could give Jessica a tour of the camper in Krakow, while she is in Waterloo.

Tomorrow we head for the hills...The Tatras that is. First we will visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine. I am not sure when we will get online again. After a day or two of hiking in the mountain area we will head for Budapest.

The sense of freedom I feel is quite incredible.....I love being "retired and on the road"...aka Judi.