It was, of course, a welcome relief from the
appalling memories of Auschwitz
and Bergenau to return to the beauty of Krakow.
It is certainly up there
in the top three of European cities that we have been lucky enough to
visit.
This is the Florian gate from the outside of the
'old' city walls.
Most have been removed and there is now a green park
called the 'Planty'.
Dusk in one of the lively shopping streets.
This shop window was just totally full
of teddy bears!
A lady buying something at a street
mobile shop, for want of a better word.
Another day, another sight seeing trip. This time we
were just enjoying the locale of Krakow. This is the market hall from
the outside in the huge market square.
and the ever impressive sight of St Mary's church
behind the furled umbrellas of street cafes.
I get the impression that the owner of
this stylish horse and carriage would far rather have the young ladies
as paying passengers rather than just making a fuss of the engine
department.
Just look at the colour of that sky!
This interesting (?) sculpture lies just outside the
market hall.
The old buildings of Krakow's first university.
Collegium Maius.
This for me, was an almost iconic image
of Poland, what it stood for, and one of its great people: Pope John
Paul. He had addressed the people of Krakow from a nearby window.
Street furniture and an ancient church.
Statues of the Apostles adorn this church wall.
We took a recommended walk around the city.
Wawel
castle was next.
The winter light was brilliant and clear.
I believe that the castle was extensively damaged by
the Russians towards the end of the second world war. Re-construction
did not get under way until the '80s.
All beautifully done.
Then, back towards the Wentzl hotel to rest our feet!
City breaks are usually hard on the end of ones legs...
