One of the best hostels in the world and discovering Krakow’s old town, tea houses and stuffed dumplings.Steve Dew-Jones:
Dobre den – we’re in old Soviet territory now. Following a seven-hour, 450km drive from Prague, we arrived into Krakow at around 5pm, having experienced several firsts along the way. For the first time, our suspension was sorely tested as a forty-kilometre stretch of bumpy, pothole-ravaged terrain ensued shortly after the Polish border; for the first time whilst driving we were pulled over by the police for not possessing the correct motorway authorisation (apparently you need a permit); a small fine later and we were on our way again.
In Krakow we were serenaded by a concert pianist as we sat down to enjoy our first Polish meal – dumplings, potato pancakes and stew encased in bread.
Inside the spectacular – although rather scaffolded – market square, we enjoy a morning cappuccino and croissant. It is stunningly beautiful here in Krakow’s Old Town and we are soon set to explore Wawel Castle before lunch at one of the recommended milk bars (a cheap, no frills restaurant – quite what it has to do with milk, we do not know). We have rather landed on our feet here in Krakow, receiving our own apartment courtesy of Greg and Tom’s hostel, which makes a pleasant change from the rowdy Hostel Elf. Apparently Greg and Tom’s have been voted up to the second best hostel in the world in the past, and we are certainly impressed.
Jo Dew-Jones:
There has been a change in the types of road we are on; whilst today’s journey to Krakow is not actually taking as long as we had predicted, at least half has been on single-carriageway roads interjected with road works and towns to negotiate. However, they are all tarmacked and generally in good shape which is likely more than we will say for future countries.
The whole team seemed fully rested and perky this morning, not suprising considering the
gorgeous apartment we have found ourselves in. The phrase ‘fallen on our feet’ springs to mind – we are occupying the fourth floor of a seemingly empty building a stone’s throw from the old market square -- two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a lounge and kitchen/dining area (complete with complementary cornflakes). The décor is fresh and newly done, and I could certainly picture living there quite comfortably! The staff were very friendly when we checked in, with breakfast and dinner on the house should we choose to partake. Last night we opted for local specialities instead – pierogi (stuffed dumplings), a meat/cheese/potato pancake, stew served in bread.
In Krakow we were serenaded by a concert pianist as we sat down to enjoy our first Polish meal – dumplings, potato pancakes and stew encased in bread.Inside the spectacular – although rather scaffolded – market square, we enjoy a morning cappuccino and croissant. It is stunningly beautiful here in Krakow’s Old Town and we are soon set to explore Wawel Castle before lunch at one of the recommended milk bars (a cheap, no frills restaurant – quite what it has to do with milk, we do not know). We have rather landed on our feet here in Krakow, receiving our own apartment courtesy of Greg and Tom’s hostel, which makes a pleasant change from the rowdy Hostel Elf. Apparently Greg and Tom’s have been voted up to the second best hostel in the world in the past, and we are certainly impressed.
Jo Dew-Jones:
There has been a change in the types of road we are on; whilst today’s journey to Krakow is not actually taking as long as we had predicted, at least half has been on single-carriageway roads interjected with road works and towns to negotiate. However, they are all tarmacked and generally in good shape which is likely more than we will say for future countries.
The whole team seemed fully rested and perky this morning, not suprising considering the
gorgeous apartment we have found ourselves in. The phrase ‘fallen on our feet’ springs to mind – we are occupying the fourth floor of a seemingly empty building a stone’s throw from the old market square -- two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a lounge and kitchen/dining area (complete with complementary cornflakes). The décor is fresh and newly done, and I could certainly picture living there quite comfortably! The staff were very friendly when we checked in, with breakfast and dinner on the house should we choose to partake. Last night we opted for local specialities instead – pierogi (stuffed dumplings), a meat/cheese/potato pancake, stew served in bread.“Excellent for writing poetry”
We have come to a place that’s a haven for tea
Serving every kind of speciality;
Mine is made using a traditional Japanese recipe
Specifically declared ‘excellent for writing poetry’.
This spot is a dream for Sophie
Who chose for us from the menu expertly;
And for Bryn and Steve, who discovered with glee
A lovely chess set, and now play intently.
It’s a warm day outside, but in here it’s airy
With the décor set most stylishly
A carpet or cushion in every cranny
And the tea counter like an apothecary.
To pass the afternoon in such pleasantry
Well, that’s ideal for this company.
With brews from Japan, Ceylon and Turkey
We’re a happy group, that’s a certainty.
Serving every kind of speciality;
Mine is made using a traditional Japanese recipe
Specifically declared ‘excellent for writing poetry’.
This spot is a dream for Sophie
Who chose for us from the menu expertly;
And for Bryn and Steve, who discovered with glee
A lovely chess set, and now play intently.
It’s a warm day outside, but in here it’s airy
With the décor set most stylishly
A carpet or cushion in every cranny
And the tea counter like an apothecary.
To pass the afternoon in such pleasantry
Well, that’s ideal for this company.
With brews from Japan, Ceylon and Turkey
We’re a happy group, that’s a certainty.
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