Poland: Day 2
Waking up in Poland, I was excited to start my second day in this amazing country. For me, day two is one of my favorite days to go exploring on. You are jet lagged, and your whole sleep schedule is off. If you are like me, you probably wake up early the first few days. I was able to walk the streets while the rest of the city still slept. It is always nice to take pictures, but it’s especially nice with little to no people in the shot. Therefore, I was able to capture memories of all the sights in the historic district of Krakow with no hassle. Plus, I feel like the light in the early morning is always better. I tend to have more #nofilter photos.
My only piece of advice for any day two, pack your backpack before you fall asleep. It is super helpful to have your camera gear, water, snacks and whatever else you may need ready to go. Go ahead and judge me. I know this advice sounds a little parental. I don’t care though. I’m a dad now. Find the nearest grocery store before closing time and buy your supplies. You can thank me later when you arrive on time and miss out on waiting in a very long line.
The Good Life
Traveling solo for my time in Poland was a great decision on my part. Being a recent college graduate during this excursion, I guess I was due for one. It gave me time to reflect on life and enjoy the European lifestyle. Since Krakow isn’t a major city, you’re able to slow everything down. You have no appointments to keep, and you can spend as much time in one spot as you want. I must have spent a good two hours at Wawel Castle. On top of that, I was able to peruse the cloth market at my leisure. Four years later, my wool slippers are still going strong. Nobody even said anything to me when I decided to take a nap before dinner. Bottomline, I had a fantastic day. To top it off, my favorite part was watching the street performers after dinner. They’re all very entertaining and talented.
Fine Dining for Peanuts
Initially, I did not know how cheap the food was in Poland. When I say cheap, I am not talking about the quality. The food in Krakow is exquisite. My hotel had a complimentary breakfast every morning, and I didn’t think twice about it. It was very typical and simple. The hotel served yogurt, cereal, pastries, etc. It was not until lunch that I found out what the US dollar could buy in Poland. A burger, fries, onion rings and a beer cost me a whopping $5. That’s a better deal than any fast food place in America. Even though the exchange rate was in my favor, I thought it could have been a fluke.
Therefore, I decided to test out my theory at dinner. Walking around the city center, I chose the most expensive place I could find. Going from place to place helped to build up my appetite. Luckily, Krakow is a very English friendly place. Every restaurant has a server that speaks English and a menu to match. Finally, I settled on a restaurant. I ordered the Red Herring with potatoes for the main course. It was very delicious. I also had a Polish appetizer and desert, but I do not remember the names. There is something about Slavic languages that my brain does not comprehend. Add in my two beers, and the total was 50 PLN. That equals about $14. It’s safe to say, dining out in Poland is the only option.
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