Train station conversations, yummy kebabs, and lockers

Polska, Pierogies, and Piwo, part 3

Above, from top to bottom: Out for a walk on the path to the Kosciuszko Mound just outside of Krakow on the afternoon of September 27th; Precariously taking pictures while riding a bike on our way back down from the mound, Sept. 27th; Amanda and I, lacking bike locks, capitalize on our location by hiding our bicycles under a tree in the forest surrounding the Mound, but later realize that everyone saw the bikes anyway. I had only given my Marquette ID as insurance, so we were willing to take the chance; a group of rollerbladers race around the Rynek Glowny at breakneck speed on a beautiful Sunday afternoon; and a bicyclist on Friday night outside Wawel(Va-vel) Castle. 

Having been to Krakow four times, I was most surprised this time by the changes and prosperity in the city. As Amanda said, the poles "seem content and happy with their quality of life. Krakow has not been completely secularized like England has and it seems like people stick to their values here," as she said on her blog. And she's right, they are happy. Happier than ever before. 

Amanda and I experience the happy arm of the law while sitting on a park bench drinking beer and eating a spicy kebab. The kebab, might I add, was made by an egyptian lawyer who studied at Jagiellonian University but couldn't practice due to polish law. So he made spicy kebabs(pita bread filled with meat, lettuce, tomato, onion, sauces and spice). They were delicious.

Anyway, I was under the impression that it was legal to drink in public as it is everywhere in Europe(especially in the east). It's not. Eyes watering and fanning our mouths, we guzzled our smooth Dog in the Fog piwos(beers) as two police officers approached us and kindly asked if that beer was made with alcohol. A variety of smart-ass answers in polish flashed through my mind, including "moze . . "(maybe . . . ) or "oczywyscie, ja zawsze pije piwo w niedziele potem kosciola"(of course, I always drink beer on sundays after church), but I told him the truth. 

Being the nice guy that he was, he smiled and wagged a finger at us as he raised his bushy eyebrows and said "ah, but there is no drinking in public." To which we said "oh, really? I had no idea." We waited till he walked away and guzzled the rest of our beer from our empty kebab sleeves before running away. 

Polska, Pierogies, and Piwo, part 2

As Nowa Europa(New Europe) modernizes in its economic rebirth, Poland's strong culture and national identity will be a major influence on the region and the world's perceptions of it. Krakow, a classical polish city full of culture and untouched by World War II, is bursting with life and is the proud home of Jagiellonian University, the second oldest university in Europe. Expect more of Poland, they are just getting started.

Above, from top to bottom: Polish National Hacky-Sack Champion Matteusz foot juggles a tiny bean-bag soccer ball outside the Sukiennice(or 'Cloth Hall' where tourists shops sell goods) on the evening of September 26th; clubbers wait in line for the Nova Club on the Plac Nowy at 11 pm on September 27th; outside the Galeria Krakowska shopping mall next to Krakow's train station on the evening of September 28th; THE BEST KIELBASA you'll ever eat is on Ulica Gregorzecka between the train station and Kazimierz, the name of the business is 'Kielbasa y Bulka' which literally means "Sausage and Roll" and that's exactly what you get, best kept secret in Krakow and great after a few beers(piwo); and a fire juggler entertains a crowd to the beat of drums and morrocas in the Rynek Glowny on the evening of September 28th.

Polska, Pierogies, and Piwo, part 1

Ah, Krakowie, moj ulubiony miasto. Of all the places I've traveled in the world(26 countries as of this July), Krakow still takes the cake for my favorite cities. The culture of Paris, the style of Rome, and more fun than Six Flags, Krakow may always be my favorite city. Amanda and I had a blast. 

Above, from top to bottom: the Rynek Glowny(ri-nik gwoov-nee; "main square") in downtown Krakow(pronounced "Crack-koov"), some polish bridesmaids admire the queen of the day(best viewed large), two jugglers entertain hundreds of Walk for Life participants in the planty(a ring of gardens and walkways encircling the downtown area), Amanda and me moments after she got off her train, and a homeless man who demanded money(had only Kopecs, Ukrainian coins) at 5 am. 

Pierogi Food Poisoning

From emedicinehealth.com:

Short episodes of vomiting and small amounts of diarrhea lasting less than 24 hours can usually be cared for at home.Do not eat solid food while nauseous or vomiting but drink plenty of fluids. Small, frequent sips of clear liquids (those you can see through) are the best way to stay hydrated. After successfully tolerating fluids, eating should begin slowly, when nausea and vomiting have stopped. Plain foods that are easy on the stomach should be started in small amounts. Consider eating rice, wheat, breads, potatoes, low-sugar cereals, lean meats, and chicken (not fried) to start.

To all: I'm OK, but sick. I cancelled all of my classes today after getting food poisoning from some meat pierogies I ate before I left Krakow. The above pictures pretty much describe my day, but I have lots to post about Krakow. Despite feeling pretty crappy, I had a great trip and wonderful weather! Thanks Amanda!