Wednesday July 28, 2010 Rainy Krakow

Rain Rain go away
Come again another day
Jerry and Linda want to play
In Krakow Poland, on this stay

This is the view from our hotel room in Krakow. that is the train station across the plaza. It rained the entire time we were here and the temperature in the 50's. Needless to say, it was too cool for Jerry to go out. We missed the tour to the castle and through the old town, which was all a walking tour. Those who were brave enough to go, came back soaked above the knees. The raincoats and umbrellas couldn't keep their legs dry.

Although we couldn't see the historic part of Krakow, the hotel was only a few yards from a huge modern mall - just what we came to see?

Three levels and huge, with hundreds of shoppers and this was on a Wednesday early afternoon.

We found some "fast food" that was very good. It was a long rectangular slice of breat with sauteed mushrooms, ham, red onions and cheese. The bread was crusty and it was delicious.

We spent most of the afternoon in our room napping, reading and I spent some time on the computer. The rain finally let up and Jerry found the name of a restaurant, Jerema, that was within walking distance and so all was not lost - we had a bit of a challenge finding it, but after directions (not followed very well) and a bit of frustration (on my part), we found it and it was absolutely wonderful. I was agravated because I didn't expect much and didn't take the camera but it was quaint and very typically Polish. The waitresses were dressed in Polish costumes, the food was Polish and the music was two men playing music on a piano and violin. They played classical, pop and some that sounded like gypsy music. They were very good. It was a delightful place and the food was delicious. I had turkey with roquefort sauce, potatoes and Jerry had salmon with a delicious sauce on it and a side of vegetables.

Some things to remember of Europe: No one hurries you when you are dining. The server only comes when signaled. You can stay as long as you like and they don't bring your check until you ask for it. They bring a credit card machine to the table so they don't take your card out of your sight. In all the restaurants we have eaten on our own, they have all been very polite and helpful, even when they don't speak much English. Also, for the most part they don't expect tips and seem genuinely pleased when they receive one.

As it turned out, rain or no rain, Krakow was a very pleasant place to visit.