Krakow, Poland
Krakow has a lovely 'old town' with lots of musical performances, plays, and talented buskers - juggling and mime acts, violin, cello, clarinet, accordian, etc. and even break dancing (young guys who weren't even born in the 80's). Horse-drawn carriage rides are plentiful. Its impossible not to be entertained.
In these photos you can see 13th Century St Mary's Basilica which showcases a magnificent altarpiece and paintings by Matejoko, Mehoffer, and Wyspianksi (I hadn't heard of these artists either).
Many legends surround this building including the bugle call which is played by a fireman in memory of the event when Krakow ws invaded by the Tartars. The fireman, having spotted the army on the horizon, started playing his trumpet to alert the citizens of Krakow and was hit by one of the invaders in the neck, saving the city but losing his life. Someone plays it every hour, right after the church bells. The music always stops short, symbolizing an arrow to the trumpet player's throat.
Krakow is near the home of Pope John Paul II and I went to the church where he held his first mass in 1947.
You may recognize some of these buildings in Auschwitz' concentration camp from movies, ie Schindler's list. The dawing is from the children's accomodations (shed). 
The facts surrounding this place are too horrible for words but I think it was important to go and everyone should see it so we all remember.
These two Irish Eejiots (that's really how they described themselves) showed me where to find great pizza and beer last. Mark told stories, always ending with beer. Ian translated. I felt the luck of the Irish having met them on Auschwitz tour.
Poland has lots to offer and I have lots here yet to see, including Wawel Castle with a history dating back 50,000 years. Ilsa recommends!
posted by Ilsa @ Wednesday, August 16, 2006
2 Comments:
Hi Lisa,
It is amazing that I can travel the world through your your eyes. You have a special talent for describing the sites and history. You should be a roving reporter. I'm sure you could find some sponsors and make this a full time endeavor. Keep up as I am enjoying the view.
Clem
hey thanks for the compliment. By the way, i checked out grainsnthings the other day and ditto. As soon as I can figure out how to add it to the links here I will. I like knowing what´s happening on the farm.
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