Krakow, Poland Day 1

Krakow, Poland Day 1

We stepped off the train in Poland exactly on time. Who would'a thought? This was the first time a train was actually on time for us. Too bad, because we had great couchette friends and comfortable places to sleep. Our arrival into Krakow was too early to have a hostel room ready, so we wanted to kill a bit of time before heading that way. We got off the train and were happily greeted by college aged kids working at the info booth. They gave us a map and just wanted to be sure that we had lodging and we knew which way to go. The weather was dark and gloomy, so we donned our rain gear, and headed to the town center.

The town of Krakow has the largest medieval square, which is very spectacular. There is a large building in the middle of the square with shops below. Horses were touring the perimeter pulling open top carriages for tourist rides. All horses were in pairs and dressed in traditional gear. They created a nice rhythm on the cobblestones with their hooves.

We had great news when we got to our hostel. The room was ready. It was 8:15am and they let us inside. Yay for us. We threw our stuff on the floor and racked up another 2 hours of sleep. This hostel called "Seventh Heaven" or "Joker Hostel" is on the NW side of the town just off the town center. It's among some super old buildings that have very great character to them. The paint and concrete is chipped and the roads are cobbles. It's a nice change from the asphalt and molded concrete we have in the states. Sometimes back in the USA the streets, lights, and curbs all look the same and you might have no idea were you are. In New Jersey we had the Belgian Block curbs that added a little style and made the towns have some flavor. I would love it if we kept the cities unique flavor and nuances around like here in the European locations we have seen. I guess the problem might be with building codes. Once it's "safe", or considered that way, everything has to be built like that for conformity. I think it sucks the soul out of construction. Also, in the US, I am sure that is also the cheapest way to go, because why would you want to add an artistic touch to anything anyway?

Now that I am done talking about curbs, I will go on. We woke up from the nap, headed to town again, got some food at a trendy modern restaurant, walked around more, got dinner to make, and came home. We saw some break dancers in the town square that we have seen on YouTube in the past. Funny thing, it seemed that they were doing the exact show that they did years ago. How can you do that? I guess if it still brings in money, you gotta roll with it. Or, is it too much work to risk changing what sells. Whatever happens, the soul is lost and no one is taking chances. I could never play the same show in a pit orchestra for years doing the exact same thing. That would be musical Hell for me. Well, they had some good moves and the crowd loved them, but the rain came and everyone scattered like cockroaches. Maybe they would melt? I mean the entire super huge square of people ran to the perimeter to get cover. We busted out the umbrella and rain jackets. No problem here.

Andrew and I ended the evening with a Cuban cigar while Katherine watched 300 on the iPod. It was all great until the iTunes rental ran out because the Facebook notification wrecked the timing. It went past the 24 hour time and was awakened by the birthday of Anna Dalton and Chris Banker. Thanks guys. Now you have to deal with Katherine not being able to finish her movie. She slept well. Ha!