The Old Country

The night train experience was interesting. The cabin was indeed all my own, which is good because there was barely room for me to change my mind. The bed was OK, and once we got moving the open window cooled it down quickly. I was the end cabin, so the WC (toilet) was next to me on one side (the vacuum flush was noticeable at first, but not a problem. On the other side was a young family with a cute but loud little girl. (Encountering children while travelling is becoming a sub-theme, it seems.) The worst part was probably the noise of the train itself, especially with the open window (but locked door). Note: this was a Polish train ... older ... not like the sleek new trains of Germany. If I think of it tomorrow, I may get some ear plugs. It wasn't so bad that I couldn't sleep, but coupled with the fact I couldn't use my CPAP, the night wasn't as restful as it might otherwise have been.

So we arrived in Krakow about 9:30 this morning ... about half an hour later than scheduled, not that it made any difference to me. I came to the hotel and asked politely if it was possible for me to check in, or at least store my steamer trunk so that I didn't have to haul it around till 2pm (the official check-in time). A room was ready so I got in, and was able to take a nice long shower before hitting the streets.

One of the first things I discovered was a pierogi festival in Szczepanski Place ... a sign from God that was I was to be here ... the Szczepanski family name and booths set up all around the little square with folks selling pierogi of all kinds. I tried several different fillings from several different booths ... the deep-fried meat-filled were my least favorite.

Then I took the tram out to the Shrine of Divine Mercy ... Saint Faustina's place. I pretty much spent the afternoon there wandering around the chapels and the huge basilica (dedicated by Pope John Paul II). There was Mass in the basilica at 3:30 (in Polish, of course) so I stayed for that. It was a lovely, peaceful afternoon.

I made my way back to the hotel here and just had supper in the hotel restaurant ... I'm kinda pooped, and didn't really want to go out walking anymore.

Oh, I forgot to mention there's a huge mall across the street from the hotel ... four floors ... just looking at the place you'd think you were in Chicago or someplace in the States ... many American stores.

OK, I'm heading up to my room ... there is a computer here in the lobby for guest use, and it was conveniently available when I came out of the restaurant. I'm looking forward to a good night's sleep in a real bed with my CPAP, because I'm back with Gladys Knight and the Pips tomorrow.