What makes this day different? The Sun has substituted itself for Bet, who is in Tennessee today. York is sunny and in the forties. This has a generally good effect on everyone and everything I come in contact with today. I’m missing her a lot. She’s my life long valentine. Thank god for the Sun and the wonderful day I’m having.
.... see ya,
While in Krakow, we saw a dozen of the above horse and carriages on and around the square. Back in York, I came across this polish tale of a good man’s dirty work . via the inyourpocket site (read it all there). He picks it up and then gives back. The money quote for me:
The purpose of Mr. Piatek's mission is not only to provide extracurricular cultural events for poor children. He indirectly aims to link people by creating a cycle of generosity. He prefers being paid not in money, but only by what is needed. While Mr. Piatek is essentially a simple mind, he surpasses many intellectuals by recognizing the intrinsic value of even the smallest things and the relative worthlessness of money. He says, "People who were unfortunate in life believe money is the only measure of value." Mr. Piatek learned early on that life offers much more than money. He simply detests beggars who idly sit at church doorsteps begging for change. He knows firsthand that if you are active and willing you can work for what you need. So when the clippity-clop of horse hooves is accompanied by the plop-plop from the horses' behind, rest assured the fast-pedalling Mr. Piatek will soon arrive. To support Mr. Piatek's charities, money can be donated to the Dom Dzieci (Children's Home), collected by volunteers with badges on the four corners of the Rynek. Or, you can try giving Mr. Piatek a donation for his foundation directly. 'Tis the season.
The Krakow city streets and walks which we continuously traveled were mostly free of litter. I did notice lots of dirt work going on in the center of the city. Street construction and renovation were everywhere we went. Like little obstacle courses, we continued on shopping and walking. Everything was alive with people mostly tourists, school children and numerous pretzel sellers. I noticed some graffiti but not many panhandlers. We were not approached by anyone for handouts and felt comfortable just about everywhere we went.
Once we headed to Kazimierz (Old Jewish) Quarter, some of the more run down areas we walked were places we kept moving through. We like everyone else seem to enjoy the churches, castle, merchant hall and plus the general attitude of the polish people we encountered.... see ya,
Yep, just turned 59, can’t believe it. We started my b’day early like 5:30 I think.
George knew something was up. He was laid out in our open suitcases. That look on his face said, “I want a go!” We began our trek. Family unit assembled at the front of Westgate. Taxi to the Red House doggie resort, little george interned till the scheduled Saturday jail break by an accomplish friend Robbie.
For us, we taxied to York Railway Station where we jumped a train to Manchester Airport. A couple hour flight to Krakow, Poland and we’re met by the Polish Driver to take us to the downtown. We speak no polish, but I did learn how to say “Pivo!” polish for beer, self preservation you know. The first pole we met was very patient with us. He spoke only with gestures but listened and pointed well. He escorted us first to the Cash machine then to a taxi out front. For all our travellin’ club buddies, it’s very important to get local money first.
After a twenty minute ride our taxi guy dropped us off at the front door of the Amadeus Hotel. I did get some shut eye, but we’ve been traveling for about fourteen hours. So we were glad to see our room. You won’t believe which big headed Georgia boy photo of an honored guest we spied. I took a snap of his picture but won’t display it here in difference to our democratic buddies. His name has some relation to a lizard.
We immediately made our way down to center city is search of food and drink. There were signs of snow all about. The temperature was at the freeze point and air was cold and filled with mist but it was still warmer here than it was in York, UK. We walked about looking for jazz clubs, evidently a favorite here. We were a little put off because all seemed to be down a small alley and then down underground. So we just keep walking and taking in scenery. This night Krakow was filled with mostly students and couples wandering about.
The perimeter of center city has been renovated with a circle of green space around it where most of the medieval walls once stood. We walked the parks and discovered Café Bunker. A large café of steel, plastic and plexy glass which was built on the side of a museum. We eased on in not sure what we were getting into. It was warm. Now our fluent polish came in handy, you know our order “PIVO and VINO” and got it right. Who knew? Some of my polish coworkers had informed me there was no word for wine in polish, cause they drink Vodka!
We did a one and run. Around the next block or so and we picked a restaurant to explore. You know we are in a foreign country. Apprehensively, we stiffened up and followed the signs two levels below ground through caverns of brick and stone to a big wooden door. We entered a long rectangular room with a large group of guys leering at us. Now we understand, they wanted to make sure we closed the door behind us. We made our way around the corner to other rooms of tables and people, still no, you know hostess. Finally another room, hostess, paintings, flowers, tables, comfortable benches, large jars of unknown brews, wines, bar and great food smells. This we came to find out is Krakow. Most of the bars, restaurants, jazz bars are all hidden away in these under ground caverns of brick and stone.
The menu was no PETA delight. Meat, meat and more meat with then some more game. I had a grilled thin piece of beef, some greens and other veggies. The steak had a peppery taste. Come to find out a garnishment was tiny reddish greens. Wow, what a meal a fat boy’s delight.
We finished the first jammed pack night walking around the city square so to speak. A cool but spooky bugle was playing as we eased around. It was playing and then would stop for a moment and then continue. It emanated from the largest of the Church of St Mary’s stipples on the hour. Bet digs out the trusty guide book and informs me of the legend. Set in medieval times, a lookout would scan the area for invaders or other dangers. At first sight, he would play the bugle to warn. On that night, he was killed with an arrow to the neck as he played. A Moment later another picked up for him and finished the warning melody. Even in our sleep that night we would wake hearing that bugle’s lullaby from our room off the square.
Zywiec is the polish beer, like maybe our Bud. I thought the above signage was interesting all over one door. We passed many doors around the city as we did the shop till you drop thing. I wondered why there were so many money exchange bureaus (Polish: "Kantor wymiany") seemed like there was at least one on each block. Prices for goods and services were excellent, especially compared to the UK’s. We made a few purchases of amber, and glass products. I enjoyed seeing all kinds of Eastern Europe products at the huge Cloth Market in the center of the square.
I was struck by all the priests, nuns, monks and what not religious folks in this town. Poland is 90% Catholic. There are several seminaries, and monasteries located here. There are numerous huge churches all around town. We went to quite a few and peeked in. I’m over this church viewing thing. Between Italy, Yorkshire and now Krakow it seems like I’ve see them all or at least as many as I care to see.... see ya,
