Hotel: Galycia, Krakow
Hosting the largest market square in Europe, being close to Auschwitz and looking very interesting we decided that Krakow was the place for us. Also the price sold it to us as well.
When we showed Clare's Dad and Step-Mum what we had booked, they decided to join us as well, and then a couple of weeks later my Aunty and Partner decided that they were long overdue a treat as well. However, they would be joining us later in the week and staying for a few extra days.
A couple of weeks before we were boarding the flight I checked the weather forecast and was a little shocked. There was a wind coming from Russia and Siberia that was making the temperatures drop in Eastern Europe, the current temperature was -17 degrees Celsius. I had never been in temperatures like this, and so the suitcases were emptied of all shorts and tshirts and big thick woollies and thermals shoved in as replacements.
When we arrived, the air hostess opened the plane doors, took a short breath and shut the door again saying, "Are you lot seriously going to get off?" It was a bitter, freezing, -19, and yes we were getting off the plane.
Our hotel was very basic with mainly just a bed, radiator and shower (just what we needed). The radiator was on full whack and the shower nice and hot. Anna, the hotel reception clerk was awesome, so full of information and guides we basically relied on her for all her knowledge.
The morning after, the temperature had dropped further and we sent a little message to my auntie over-emphasising the importance of extra layers. We had become a massive fan of the hot mead and hot chocolate and become experts at wearing all our clothes at once.
The food in Krakow cannot be missed, from Pork Hocks to amazing goulash and not forgetting the Soup In Bread. Every meal we had was a delight, and only cost us a couple of pounds each, food and drink is so cheap in Krakow
We had a couple of trips booked, the first being Auschwitz (Birkenau I & II), Clare, her Dad and I went to the camps not really knowing what to expect. This is probably one of the most eariest and solemn places I have been to. It was an emotionally draining day that I would insist all visitors to Poland must see. The first camp is more of a museum tour showing the early stages of arrival and work carried out till the inevitable chambers, Birkenau II, was so moving. We walked the full stretch of the train line with the tour guide and then he told us to return to the main station and he would meet us there. With the wind chill and minus temperatures, when we reached the designated spot our faces were frostbitten, it was measuring -25. The tour guide reminded us that we were all there in thermals and multiple layers, yet the residents of Birkenau II wore nothing more than cotton pyjama's
Our second trip was to the Salt Mines, venturing miles underground and seeing structures that we could not comprehend this deep down. Terry (Clare's Dad) was always inspecting the supporting joists by giving them a little tap as we went past. This gave us all a sense of how deep we were. The only way out of the Salt Mines was via a cramped elevator shaft, we were packed in and launch up the shaft to the fresh air, which we were all glad to see. Although, deep in the mines we had taken off coats, hats, gloves, jumpers etc, they quickly were replaced.
My Auntie and Partner had turned up in full fluff and warmth and were straight into the flow of the city, Polish beers, vodka shops and gorgeous food, what more could we ask for.
I fell in love with Krakow, the food is amazing, the city is simply stunning and the atmosphere (although very cold) was a joy to be in. I knew I would be returning to Krakow, although, maybe when it was a little warmer
