Theme: European Christmas Holiday Country: Poland Languages: Polish Unit of Currency: Polish złoty Locations: Krakow Year: 2011 Bucket list: Eating fresh Polish pierogi
DO: EXPLORE THE MOST AUTHENTIC MEDIEVAL MARKET SQUARE, RYNEK GLOWNY
Krakow:
- Hanging out at Rynek Glowny for the evening
- Capturing unique photographs around the city
Poland Overview:
1) Europe’s largest and most authentic medieval market square – Rynek Glowny – was one of the highlights in Krakow. All of Krakow sooner or later passed through this area. Rynek Glowny was ringed by Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings and was dominated by the 15th century. With all the ground-floor passages it was really difficult not to keep buying souvenir after souvenir!
2) Wawel Hill was known as the “Symbol of Nation’s Identity” and contains many beautiful centerpieces. For instance, the Royale Castle and Cathedral, combined a majestic complex of Gothic and Renaissance buildings that presided over the city from a rocky hill above the Vistula River.
3) Speaking of Wawel Hill and its amazing views – the sunset was absolutely gorgeous settling into the backdrop of the city’s churches and nestled onto the river. The sunset perfectly illuminated the reflection of the Royale Castle within the river. I have seen thousands of sunsets in all different sections of the world and every single on them are unique, despite what others think. I have never seen a sunset complement a river that forecasted a castle, such as the Royale Castle, like I witnessed on this particular night. Not to mention, an air balloon decided to add to the moment and navigate towards the sunset – this really made a beautiful sunset photograph.
4) Krakow at night – this place was fabulous after the sun went down; individuals bustling with the traffic, castles looking above the city, street lights highlighting couples strolling in the open parks, and a Polish and 2 Americans trying to take it all in!
5) Krakow delicacies – Hunter’s stew in a bread bow with sauerkraut, 2 different kinds of meat (beef and pork), and fried perogies for lunch! Dinner included a Mexican fiesta, complete with exotic margaritas (fruit blend with sugar rimming), nachos with guacamole, salsa, and cheese sauce, and main course 2 tacos with pinto beans, melted cheese, and salsa! Yummy! The locals absolutely loved donner kabobs for a late night snack and crowds were sighted within the earlier hours of the morning.;
6) Visiting with my Polish best friend, Beata – as soon as Elizabeth and I arrived in Krakow, Poland in the early morning, it was off to the club! The atmosphere was amazing – cobbled stones, techno & pop music (quite a combination!), and filled with cool people. It is always great to catch up with good friends in such a friendly and fun city! Needless to say, I had an incredible time in this beautiful location!
Next stop: Prague, Czech Republic!
