Weekend in Krakow

A few months ago I saw a Groupon that included flights and hotels in Krakow, Poland. The price was too good to pass up, so we convinced our friends to join us for a quick city break. What a great decision! Krakow is amazing!

Wawel Castle

I was initially worried about going to Poland in December when average highs are only in the 30s. It was definitely freezing, but totally worth it. The lack of tourists more than made up for the extra layers I had to throw on.

Winter is actually a great time to visit Krakow--especially early December. The Christmas Market in the town square was a huge highlight. I loved seeing and tasting traditional Polish foods, like oscypek, a fried smoked cheese served with a sweet cranberry sauce. Dan and Felicity loved the glühwein that was served out of a giant keg.

Fried smoked cheese

Felicity and Dan enjoying mulled wine

Christmas market at night

I was so impressed with all the food we had in Poland--not just at the market. Pierogi--Polish stuffed dumplings--were plentiful. At only a few cents each, I ate my weight in them! My favorites were the sweet cheese ones; the fruit filled ones; and the pierogi ruskie, which were filled with potatoes and onions.

We went to a really fun beer hall one night. With live traditional Polish music, shots of slivovitz (plum brandy) and liters of beer for only $2.25 (!!), it was a great night. Of course, I abstained from the drinks, but I was more than happy with my free pickles and cabbage.

Wait until you see the food. This was for one person! It should have come with a warning. Although, technically I guess it did. This sign was in the men's room.

A meal for one?!

Though most of our time was spent eating, we did see other parts of the city too :) We took a day trip to Auschwitz and the Salt Mines. I'll tell you more about that tomorrow.

We took a free Jewish walking tour of the city one afternoon. I was a little disappointed in our guide. I didn't appreciate the way she represented a lot of aspects of my religion. We didn't even go in to the synagogues or cemetery. It was sad to see how small the Jewish community is now compared to before WWII. Krakow's Jewry never recovered.

The city is gorgeous.

Notice the creepy eyes

I love the city walls.

It was such a nice, relaxing and delicious trip!