Krakow

After Slovakia I hitchhiked to Krakow where I met Liisa. The hitch-hiking trip wasn´t so pleasant, so after I got dropped off, I took a bus to Krakow in Novy Targ. I had some trouble taking money out and buying the ticket, but I managed with my quarter-Russian. Bus cost 13 zl (~3€) When I reached Krakow, I tried to find my hostel where Liisa was already waiting, but I was circling a bit and it took some time. On top of that, I had a really bad mood. I finally reached the hostel, left my luggage and we went exploring.

Das ist The Renaissance Cloth Hall in the Main Market Square, in the Old Town. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978. Once it was a major centre of international trades. In 15th century when it had its golden age, in the hall was sold spices, silk, leather and wax as a exotic imports from the east. Krakow exported textiles, lead and salt. Balls have been held there, now it is used as a centre of commerce

From inside

The main square dates back to the 13th century. With 3,79 ha is one of the largest medieval town squares in Europe

We went out on the second night. Met people from the hostel and went with them (that´s a lollipop)

One guy took us to a party what seemed like a private graduation party (read: we ate their popcorn and gummy bears)

We separated with the guys and found another ones. Presumably they were British and they invited us to their hotel and we decided to go. Halfway there we were like fuck it, too far and it seemed bit suspicious so we went to hostel. Arrived back 4-5 am

Town Hall Tower - the only remaining part of the old Krakow Town Hall. Its cellars once held a prison with a Medieval torture chamber. 70 m tall, leans 55 cm - the result of a storm in 1703

Some people were doing an interview and I just went in the statue for a photo

The lions are carved in the beginning of the 19th century

The entrance to the tower for a student cost 7 zl what is 1,6 €

The town hall, on the right there is the Cloth Hall 

The ceiling was really low, at least for tall people 

On the top we could not get out, so that was disappointing.. We just saw something through the windows

Town hall from above

St. Mary´s Basilica/church in the town hall. Its foundations date back to the early 13th century, 80 m tall. Polish Gothic architecture

After we went to eat vegan burger. 3,3 € + juice 1,4 €

Roaming around the city

St. Florian´s Gate. Gothic, built about in 14th century, part of the city fortifications against the Turkish attack

The best picture!!!! We saw those-people-who-are-trying-to-sell-you-something-on-the-street and they were "selling" bubbles (or whatever their goal was). They made huge balls and Liisa made a selfie with em. During the picture taking one kid fell and she caught it on camera (Liisa has an iPhone so she could captur moving pictures.)

This is our first hostel for one night, Woodpecker hostel

View across out hostel - Juliusz Slowacki theatre, erected in 1893. Named after Polish poet in 1909

Design in the hostel, me likey

We went on a Free Walking Tour, focusing on Jewish Krakow. Guide mentioned Liisa´s outfit because she was the only one who looked like she is dressed for the summer. Man it was summer! It was soo warm. Tour was interesting, but she was all the time talking about Oskar Schindler and about the movie based on his life. Neither of us hadn´t seen it or didn´t know so much about it, so we lacked some info

Old Synagogue. The oldest synagogue building still standing in Poland, one of the most precious landmarks of the Jewish architecture in Europe. It was built in 1407 or 1492, it varies with several sources. Currently operates as a museum. It is a Division of the Historical Museum of Krakow, with particular focus on Krakow´s jews

A footbridge across the Wisla river, it provides easy access across what used to be the border into the Austro-Hungarian Empire

Even though you would have to sit backwards to ride the swing, it looks cool

Nicenicenice

The Ghetto Heroes Square - memorial to Jews on their deportation site. Each steel chair represents 1000 victims (not the best place to smile)

After the walk, Liisa went sleeping in hostel and I went shopping, I did not have shorts so I needed to fetch some.. Found shorts in Galeria Kazimierz shopping centre and also ate in there. Getting out of the centre/galeria was really challenging -.-

Yay ice cream 

I wanted to marry him soo bad! But he was collecting money for HIS engagement so I guess it´s not going to work out :'(

Went to Wawel Hill

Nice sticker

Sandomierska tower, was built around 1460. It was made to strengthen the most vulnerable side. Tower was used to accommodate firearms and artillery. During peacetime, it was often used as a prison. Now it is possible to enter the tower with 137 steps. We did not go

We walked around the Wawel on a hot and sunny day. On the right is Visla/Wisla/Vistua river - longest and largest river in Poland with 1047 km (also in Belarus, Ukraine and Slovakia)

We went down to enjoy the sun and sit next to the birds swimming

3 m high statue of Karol Wojtyla, who became Pope John Paul II in 1978, served in Vatican City from 1978-2005. He is the 264th pope and the first non-Italian in 455 years. 

The Wawel Cathedral, from 11th century

Behind on the right is the Wawel castle. In 1978 it was declared a UNESCO site as part of the historic centre of Krakow. It was the residence of the kings of Poland for centuries, but now it is used as a art museum

One of my next destinations, Innsbruck, was 700 km away

We found a chill place to takeaway some burrito-ish thingies. And ofc atm next to that

There was couple hammocks and in general just with a chill vibe

One of the last evenings, I went on Krakow Free Walking tour - Macabre Krakow. It was really interesting! The guide told stories and legends about witches, vampires, ghosts, murders etc and what they have done in the city. One was really heinous. A uni student went missing in year 1998. In 21st century an investigation was opened because her peeled skin was found. The skin was cut perfectly, not by any rookie. Even FBI could not find any lead. They were suspecting one lecturer, but no evidence was found

At the end the guide was imitating slaughtering 

In the second hostel, we stayed in a room where was about 10 beds. One woman who stayed in the same room with us, she just slept the whole time! During day, during night + she snored.. 

But in that hostel, the breakfast was really good - cakes and sandwiches where you can put Nutella, jam, paste - super nice! 

So cool, you can buy books from a vending machine

Our bus to Ostrava stopped next to Krakow airport, looked nice from outside

Next stop: Ostrava