Krakow Day 1

Took the train from Warsaw to Krakow.  Polish trains are a bit old compared to other trains in Europe.  Nonetheless, they are reliable and will get you to where you need to go.  It cost just 60 PLN for the ticket and the ride took about 3 hours to get to Krakow.  Checked into the Angel B & B.  Great accommodation with easy access to Krakow centrum.  Note:  I took a taxi, when I could have easily walked from the station.  Headed straight into the old town square.  Krakow is beautiful and was lucky enough to miss out on the German bombing.  It's architecture and historical sites remained untouched.  The most notable site is the Saint Mary's Church  There were many vendors in the square and I  bought some Pirogi and Oscypek cheese.  The pirogis were cabbage and mushroom and were quite delicious.  The Oscypek cheese was a bit salty but very nice.  Next stop was a Polish watering station called Pijalnia Wodki i Piwa.  It is located just north of the square and had a local vibe to it.  Everything was in expensive and truly Polish.  Not very touristy at all.  I enjoyed lots of Vodka with boiled potatoes, pickles and cheese.  After I was filled up, I just enjoyed walking around the city center and admiring all the architecture.  Make no mistake, Krakow is a very European with a bohemian feel to it.  I went and had some tea after my walk at Nowa Prowincja.  This is a great place full of a mix of young and old people.  Definitely a locals spot.  The cafe is owned by a local celebrity singer.  It has almost a cavernous feel to it.  I tried the hummus and it was great.  Went back to hotel and too a nap to rest up for dinner.  Closed out this very busy day having dinner in the old jewish quarter called Kazimierz.  This is a great part of town very lively with Krakow citizens.  Wonderful for cafes, bars and restaurants.  I ended up having a authentic Polish eating experience at Restaurant Sasiedzi..  Enoyed a bottle of Robert Mondavi cab paired with some local foods, which included Kasza, carrot and cabbage salads.  Kept the meal light after a long day of drinking and eating.  Quick cab ride home and off to bed.

http://www.angelkrakow.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kraków_Old_Town

http://www.mariacki.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierogi

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscypek

https://www.facebook.com/Pijalnia.Wodki.i.Piwa.Warszawa

https://www.facebook.com/nowaprowincja

http://sasiedzi.oberza.pl/index.php