Kraków

Up at our usual time we breakfasted in the hotel restaurant (included). It was time to start our Kraków walking tour. First stop, the moving Grunwald Monument celebrating the Polish victory over the occupying Teutonic Knights. After making a quick side trip to a local Farmer’s Market we backtracked to the Barbican. It is an imposing fortification added to protect the main gate. Through the gate we headed down the Royal Way, noting all the interesting cafes and shops.

Crossing the Square we moved on to St Francis Church which was Saint John Paul II home church when he was the Archbishop of Kraków. Passing Mary Magdalene Square and yet another imposing church, one of 142 churches and monasteries in the city limits, we arrived at Wawel Castle. Climbing the entrance ramp we found the main courtyard absolutely infested with school groups. Liz wanted to find one of the seven yoga chakra points (yoga energy centres) in the world. Having waded through school groups up to our armpits we found the point hidden behind scaffolding. Due to the enormous lineups, we retreated from Wawel Castle and headed back to St Mary’s Church with one of the most decorative alter pieces in the world.