Guided Tour

Marcin, one of Keith's co-workers has offered to show us around town. We go for breakfast, and meet a traveler from Kentucky! He said it was good to hear our accents! And we sure are pleased to hear him, as well! His day was to include the concentration camps and the Salt Mine. Our private tour begins at one of the oldest education institutions in Europe, Jagiellonian University founded 1364, right here in Old Town.

I asked him about the funeral homes, but "that's a good question". He did take us to the main cemetery and showed us the grave of one of Krakow's most famous artist, Jan Matejko, d.1893. Next stop was the flea market. Saw a couple things that I would have bought, but Marcin says its too much, that because the vendor knew I was American he priced it high. And what do you think I purchased? A magazine about the 30th anniversary of Elvis' death! A good buy for 1 zloty, more proof that he is everywhere!

We drove out to the forest and walked up to a monastery, women are only allowed in several times during the year, and today is not one of them. The forest is beautiful, we saw deer, as we climbed along the paved walkways. Krakow is sort of situated in a little valley, so this forest is hilly. Had a little snack at a cute cafe, complete with a crackling fire in the fireplace.

Also on our tour, was the view from a restaurant that had been used for the SS during the second world war. It sits on a ridge and overlooks the river. It is now used by the University as a Polish culture center, which I think is very fitting.

The Kosciuszko Mound was a windy climb. This is a symbolic burial place for Tadeusz Kosciuszko, Polish general and American freedom fighter. Dirt from Polish and American battlefields where he fought was placed here. I have found new importance to that little hill now! Marcin was giving a narration for our video, but as you can hear, the wind drowned him out. From this mound you can see the castle at Wawel Hill. When it isn't foggy or snowing we can see the Mound from our apartment.

We ended back in Kazimierz, the old Jewish center of Krakow, at a wonderful little restaurant. Our photo is taken by a pair of French girls at our table. poor Keith was bending over backwards to get into the photo. Keith asked Marcin about how the people have changed since the fall of Communism in 1989. He was a young teenager at the time but sees the people as more independent and individually stronger. As we talk and enjoy our Jewish meal, Keith is distracted by a guy waving at him through the window. In a minute he sticks his head in the door to say hi, and it's our solitary traveler friend from breakfast!

There are bars and pubs that have such personality and we peek in a few, as he tells us which ones are the favorites of the beer club at work. Keith is not a member of this, but maybe it's open to spouses? walking back to the car he points out the school where the basketball club plays, it too was used by the Germans during the war. Kazimierz buildings are still scarred from Nazi and Russian occupation and neglect, and it is easy to imagine ourselves in a past decade. Even with their crumbling appearance, this section of town is quite beautiful, and we enjoy wandering through the streets. Marcin still has sights for us to see, and another restaurant in mind for our evening meal, but the synagogues are closed for the day and we are exhausted! He is a gracious host and guide and we look forward to another outing with him!