Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Krakow

Ohh, Krakow. You are so lovely, I never tire of you. Though it hadn't been too long since I was there in July of 2011, I was excited to show Brendan why it's my favorite Polish city to date. The whole of the "Old City" is surrounded by a thick ring of parkland. Inside, the city is 3-4 stories of old brick and stone tenement houses- cobblestones and storefronts. 
Kosciol Mariacki,or St. Mary's Basilica. The church is colloquially named after a tune played from the top of the taller of the two towers. The tune stops midstream to commemorate the 13th century trumpeter who was shot in the throat sounding the alarm during a Mongol attack on the city. Mongols never conquered Poland, a point of historical pride.
This church is a model church for other Polish churches in the Polish diaspora. I believe there is one in Hamtramck, Michigan which is similar, actually.

Plaza at Wawel Castle. In front is the royal cathedral.

Mienta (Mint) restaurant where Brendan had pear and blue cheese perogies (I think that's totally gross, but it was definitely a contemporary spin on a classic Polish food). The wild mushroom soup was just like grandma used to make. Picking wild mushrooms is kind of a family secret thing in Poland. Families covet their mushroom picking spots. 


Inside the Wawel castle royal palace. 


Big recreational park along the Wisla river

Interesting Graffiti, not sure I agree

New Pedestrian Bridge crossing the Wisla river

Kazimierz

We grabbed a drink at this garden/rooftop bar that overlooked a jewish cemetary, nearby there were preserved parts of the Jewish ghetto, which reminded me of the WWII reminders that are all over Berlin, except unlike the many monuments in Berlin it was even more harrowing because of the dilapidated state it was in- burnt brick and broken windows, not a happy place. 

A drunk food circular building in the Kazimierz part of town which I would describe as the hipster part of town with lots of interesting bars and young people.

Sukiennice- a Renaissance shopping mall where traditionally cloth was sold. 

Florian's Gate, Old Town. Notice the cobblestones and lack of cars!

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