Wawel's Chakra

We live next door to a dragon, Hank has stated such in his travel blog. And we really do ! And the dragon lives in a cave, under the castle. Wawel Castle's Towers are within shouting distance of our apartment. But the most mysterious aspect of Wawel dwelling is the "chakra stone". To Buddhism, and Hindu followers, I think this would be considered an important site.

Chakra's are energy fields. A place of serenity and self knowledge. There are 7 chakras on the earth. And our dear Wawel Hill hides one of them. Any time that I go into this courtyard there are people standing in the corner, where the chakra is said to be. Or is said to be buried.

All you have to do is absorb the energy. But if you ask the guides about it, they may profess they know nothing about it! This is a Catholic nation, and since there is a national cathedral right here, on the castle grounds, not many believe in the "energy" of the stone.

In the photo, you can see a man leaning against the wall reading a paper. He may be a believer in the energy force. You can see that the area has been roped off. But look to see the wall and how it is discolored where people have been.

All I can say is that when I am there, my teeth rattle.

Music

In this area there is no shortage of musicians. From chamber music to Klezzmer jazz, to street-accordian, any night we can hear talented people. Last night we walked to the Kazimierz district, (in the falling snow) to hear the Klezzmates. They were all business. Not a word was spoken. Not a "hello", "this next song...", or anything! The sound they produced was fantastic. Yet, they didn't offer a CD, nor did the venue where we saw them.

One of the many things we will miss when we return home, will be the music. The tone of the church bells ringing every quarter hour. The trumpeter at St. Mary's, sounding the hour as he has for centuries. And the harmonica man who sits off the beaten path.

the corner

Bogaty Smak!

20 January, 2009

Today we sit here watching the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States. The television is showing Indonesia, Kenya, New York City, and even Memphis. Poland is also watching, with the world.
We are watching with personal interest. Living abroad has opened our eyes to other ideologies, other ways of life. But also renewed our pride of being "Amerikanski" We were proud to send in our absentee votes for the republican candidate. And we are proud to hear our new President tell the world that our country will be strong, and just, and "a friend to each nation that seeks a future of peace and dignity."
This country's, Poland's, freedom was denied them for decades, but not their dignity. Living here has made us more aware of our precious freedom. The peaceful transition of power, is an example to the nations, today Keith's co-workers noted that they had seen the polls that stated 80% of the American people were supporting Obama. It is a strong probability that here, the opposing party would not receive support after an election.
America is a young nation, and I know we will continue to be an example of putting aside our differences, to be united.

minding the store

Souvenir vendor near the castle

A double "toast" to Krakow

These guys walk through town handing out coupons for-

you guessed it - piwo. Hardly ever see two of them together.

And yes, we still have decorations up.

It is still the season, until the 2 or so of February

snowy nap

The river is frozen. Layers of ice were drifting by,

steam is rising from the water.

castle grounds on Wawel hill

I went to the post office on the castle grounds yesterday,
it is quiet there this time of year.
There is a small music shop there and the sound
of classical music made the scene even more calm.
The stacks of reeds are covers to protect the plants
from the cold temperatures.