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Impressions From Krakow
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Saturday March 12th 2005 I leave for Krakow from Aalborg via Billund and Munich. The plane takes off twenty minutes late at 6.50, because it needs a morning shower in de-izing liquid.

Cracow - part I.

Eric
2005-12-08 18:50:07

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Impressions From Krakow

Saturday March 12th 2005 I leave for Krakow from Aalborg via Billund and Munich. The plane takes off twenty minutes late at 6.50, because it needs a morning shower in de-izing liquid.

I am going to attend a conference and past noon the suitcase and I arrive to Krakow airport. Krakow is in southern Poland close to the Czech border. The conference begins Monday, but it is much cheaper to fly Saturday and the added benefit is a bit of time on my own.

In arrivals I find an ATM that communicates with plastic, and 3.25 zloty equals 1 euro. I am spotted by a small unshaved man who asks: "Taxi?" I look at him suspiciously - is he "official"? - but then I nod and follow. The car looks battered like its owner, but there's a sign on the roof and a meter, so there's no need for concern. The driver asks: "Krakow - bizniz?" I nod and confirm: "Yes - business". He speaks nothing but Polska, so it is a short conversation.

The road into town is a minefield of holes filled with water. We drive slalom, but from time to time we hit a hole and send a wave onto the pavement. Pedestrians beware! Krakow's perimeter is dreadful concrete buildings. When we arrive at Sheraton, where the conference will take place, the meter says 66 zlote - not expensive.

The hotel staff is eager to assist, but I am perfectly capable of handling a suitcase on wheels. My smoker's room is a double on the fifth floor with a nice view of the old castle, Wavel.

The Old Town

Click for a bigger image With a city map from the reception I easily find the old town. Where the city wall and the mote used to be is a narrow park all way round. Krakow has miraculously escaped devastation and the old houses are intact and beautiful; if you removed the cars it is almost medieval.

In the centre of the old town is a huge square with a big market hall. Of the old City ...