Krakow – Castles,Virgins and Dragons

Enjoyed a nightlife and a whole day in Krakow, Poland. Took a free historical walking tour of the medieval town, scoured for street art, bought souvenir at the night market, and finally enjoyed Polish food!

I was wondering how Mel, our guide would deal and shift the mood of the group after Auschwitz-Berkenau. We were all somber from the experience. Arriving towards Krakow, Mel gave a brief intro, including a brief on the pub crawl for the  night. I was beavering from it, but I really wanted to dance.

Before dinner, Mel had a surprise for us. Three bottles of vodka for the whole group. Each of us had three shots in three flavors: normal, mandarin and hazelnut. One shot after another: nearly killed me! They were pretty strong but the mandarin and hazelnut flavored vodka were really nice! Loved the latter! I was so tipsy, even through dinner. I had fish as usual.

Pubcrawl Krakow Style

And the Poles really got it! Clubs, cafes, restaurants, shops…

First stop was a club with a dance pole. Joe our driver started it. Everyone, nearly, had a go. My turn: never really did pole before, but of course I’ve done burlesque and latin, so that helps. Mixed it with a little hip-hop move. And of course, love just flicking my hair in a ponytail. Well, as a consequence of just going for it, one of the girls asked:
“What do you really do for work? You’re a dnacer aren’t you?”
“Well… kinda.”
“What kind of dancing do you do? You’re a professional aren’t you?” I laughed.
“I do hip-hop dancing.”
“Bullshit! You’re an exotic dancer!”
Ok, now I don’t know if I should take that as an insult or a compliment. Oh well, if someone’s drunk and couldn’t dance…

Second, third, fourth… lost count… stops, were really a series of free shots of various flavoured vodka followed by dancing. I’ve been dancing non-stop; by 1:30 AM I’ve had it. I probably had 15 shots of vodka for the whole night. I was’t drunk, I could probably drink more, but I’ve had my dance fix. Glad to find people to go back to the hostel with “early” as the rest stayed till 5AM. Not bad for my first pub crawl. That said, it’s probably going to be my last.

Krakow Free Walking Tour

Took the free walking tour of Krakow this morning. I was running late, but thought I’ll take a stab. Starts at 10AM, nearly ran and got there around 10:15. The guide was still talking to the crowd. A lot of history and information to take in.

Krakow came from the legend of Krak. In the olden days, the King of the land had to deal with a dragon under the castle. The dragon likes to eat virgins. Finally, the king’s daughter was the remaining virgin and the king of course wanted to slay the dragon to save her daughter. Nobody could slay the dragon. Finally, Krak, a woodmaker said he could kill the dragon. He fed him with lamb stuffed with chilli. The dragon of course got very thirsty and hot, so he drank from the river. He drank, and drank and drank and drank……. and drank, until he exploded!

Guide said, the lesson of the story: know when to stop drinking.

I think the lesson of the story is freakin just get on with devirginising the princess to save her life! The dragon would probably starve had it lived in present time.

Walked through the square, Krakow has two huge plazas. They have a markets Hall in the center of town, a mini-version of Turkey’s Grand Bazaar.

The castle was interesting. Unlike the one in Prague, this is a real castle/palace. It’s pretty much like walking into a fairytale set. It’s a mishmash of architectural blueprint throughout history — baroque, gothic, renaissance, etc.

Saints, sinners and scientists have lived and walked the streets of Krakow. Copernicus studied in the University in Krakow. Pope John Paul II lived in Krakow.

Graffiti

After the walking tour, I went on my own to explore Street Art. On the map provided, there were a few spots identified. They were disappointing. I walked nearly the whole afternoon.

Nonetheless, the things I passed by along the way made it worthwhile. I passed by the Jewish quarter. I passed by a handicraft shop where I bought  a couple of handmade earrings. Crocheted in bright yellow and then in lace-like pattern of red and black.

My street art exploration was redeemed by the very last one I saw: a mural by an Italian street artist, Blu. With a church-bell that is actually a megaphone, and beneath it are thousands of people’s faces looking up to the bell, with one of them inscribed with “Never Follow.”

Somehow that completes my Auschwitz experience.

Polish Cuisine

I finally had traditional Polish food: goulash and perogi. Goulash is a clear red broth made from beetroot. Perogi is a dumpling — I had one with spinach. It was a special kind, covered with rich curry cream!

For dinner, I tried the self-service. I got to choose from a diverse selection of Polish dishes. Deli style, what I put on my plate get weighed and I paid 3 Zloties per 100g. I like that I got to try as many different Polish dishes as I could — and they were all delicious! I could probably make at home the deep-fried crumbed mushroom, it was delicious with herbed sour cream. Finished off with a berry smoothie.

I’ve been well fed and fatter in Poland. Happy. Contented.

Night Market

I only stumbled upon the night market in the middle of the square. There were foodstalls – can smell barbecue in the air! Of course, there were pastries and candies as well. I ended up buying souvenir just to finish off my Zloty.

A night market with medieval architecture surrounding it is a fascinating sight!