Day Four - Krakow - Bristol

The last day of my little trip to Poland. This morning I took myself off to the castle which was a ten minute walk from my apartment. I gave myself the luxury of a later start, backing my case before I left. I heard from my hosts as the apartment was going to be empty and I could stay until my flight.  This is always so handy and I was very grateful for the extra time.

The castle was very busy and I spent some time just wandering around taking some photos:

Krakow is so pretty. It really is.  I said to myself that if I ever fall in love again (I know) I will come back again when it is cold and snowy as it would be a romantic place to visit.

After my trip around the castle I took myself off to the Jewish Quarter. Before WW11 Krakow had the 4th largest Jewish population in Poland. Approximately, 70000 Jews made up 25% of Krakow's population.  Today about 140 Jews remain in Krakow, mainly elderly people who get together for prayer and discussion at the Remuh synagogue on Szeroka street. Today's Kazimierz together with the ghetto in Venice are counted as the best-preserved Jewish areas in Europe. Within the area are 6 synagogues and 2 cemeteries, of which the Remuh synagogue is one of the 3 oldest in Europe. There are also many other ritual buildings and institutions.

Memorial in the Jewish Quarter fir the Jews murdered in the camps

I liked the Jewish Quarter. I found it fascinating. I went into a synagogue that told you all about the Jewish faith and also how things used to be in that part of town before WW11. I went for a cup of tea in a lovely Israeli restaurant. Obviously, I didn't have anything to eat but the food did look good. The weather was getting colder and stupid me had gone out without her gloves or hat. So treated myself to some lovely knitted gloves for the pricey sum of £4.00 (all lined too). 

There was still excitement in the Old Town as the Independence Day celebrations continued and the place was really busy. It had a good feel about it.

Krakow Old Town and Square

Time was running out so I made my way back to the apartment to charge my phone and have a warm drink before setting off to the airport. I am always an early bird and would rather get there early than have to rush around being late and getting into a panic.

I had trouble finding the bus stop as they had closed one bus stop but I figured it out with a bit of help from some helpful locals. People are so friendly here and most of them speak some English and are happy to help.  Caught the bus and was at the airport in no time.  Spent time watching the world go by and looking at the flights coming up on the screen. I forgot I was going back to Bristol and kept looking at flights to Gatwick!

Case handed in. Security cleared and before I knew it I was on the plane and flying home.  Usual awful organisation at Boarder Control.  It makes me mad! Finally, cleared that and got my case and it was a smooth trip on the bus to collect my car.  It was absolutely chucking it down with rain and the road were dark. I mean dark. Country lanes with no lights and flooding.  It was a challenging drive home but finally got back home at 12.30am. 

It was a really good little trip to Poland. I liked it there and I would go back. I probably wont as there are 1001 other places I want to visit. But I would recommend it as a weekend break. You wont be disappointed.

Thank you for sharing this journey with me again.  Here's to next time whenever and wherever that may be.

As always, with my love.