Picture Us Here in Krakow

We took the bus from Zakopane to Krakow today; only around 2 hours. There were loads of cars going to Zakopane but not many leaving. It's still holiday season so many families spend their vacation in Zakopane. Tina told us a story about her 80 year old neighbors who, during Communist times, would pack up food to take to Zakopane since there were no restaurants there. Now, they just have to take their own potatoes, because, as everyone knows, Krakow potatoes are just better than those in Zakopane.

We have a tiny apartment on the square but when we got here, I had to throw the American-style fit. I had emailed them to give us ground floor because we are old; she took us to a flight of stairs and, noticing my despair, said "It's floor 1." I said that's fine but our suitcases are very heavy, so this tiny girl just picked mine up and carried it. Lola and I carried hers. The girl said when we leave, someone will carry our bags for us.

We went to the square for lunch; it is jam-packed with lots of booths that aren't usually there and various performers. We walked through the Cloth Market (UNESCO World Heritage site) but didn't do any serious shopping...yet. We're scoping out the best amber stores.

Cloth Hall

After lunch was nap time; then we went shopping for breakfast food since we're in an apartment and don't have free breakfast. We met up with Tina for dinner at an Indian Restaurant where "medium" heat means "very hot" in American.  Then, she was just going to show us one street but ended up walking us all over Old Towne. There is a church on every corner, most of them are magnificent.

St. Peter, Paul, and Mary Church (well, maybe not Mary)

Basilica of Mary and the fountain on Krakow Square

We even made it to see two sides of the castle.

Besides the sites, we have located the best chocolate store, the best amber jewelry store, the best pierogi restuarant, and the best potato pancakes in town. So, even though we got a late start, it was a productive day.

Wawel Castle