"Krakow, Poland" a Poland Travel Page by lifeisatrip

For my wedding anniversary last November, I chose to drag my husband to Krakow, Poland, not your usual romantic getaway but then again I am not your usual gal. It was during the week of Thanksgiving. November, we were quick to realize, was not the best time to visit Poland. It was COLD!! Then to find out that Poles do not keep their places of businesses in what we know in the western world as comfortable warmth, didn't help. We almost froze our behinds! However, since we were already there, we were not going to waste our time wallowing in misery. We enjoyed the museums, which fortunately, were kept warmer in most areas than the restaurants. We braved the cold and was out everyday doing touristy stuff. We visited the Salt Mines outside the city, which was truly amazing. One has to see it to believe what the miners did--sculpted several chapels underground! The biggest one is still being used for parties, weddings, etc. And one can not leave Krakow without going to an indoor-outdoor piano concert featuring Chopin music. Venue was indoor but we had to keep our coats on lest we freeze. It was so inspiring and moving. In fact, it was the highlight of our trip.

Whenever we travel, we try to find out from the locals, how they REALLY live. We engaged anybody who's willing to talk about life in general in Krakow-- the tourist guides, the bartenders, the waitress, the hotel receptionist, the shopkeeper, the cab driver, etc.

We gathered, even with the economic growth pains the country is experiencing, the Poles are truly grateful of their freedom. "No more bread lines . . . . ", they say with a smile. And most of them believe that the country is going the right direction. "In a few more years come back", they say with optimism, "and you'll see a prosperous Poland."

Their optimism is truly inspiring.