Hotel System Premium Krakow

... was built in the 1800s in Rotterdam. The food they have been serving us is really good. The kitchen is tiny, it is amazing how efficiently the chef & line cooks work in the tight space. We had dinner on board late last night (9 PM) and breakfast and lunch today. The staff are incredibly friendly, patience and professional. They work long days, and never show it.

I ...

... occupation. He found out I was from the South which he thought was really interesting. The Polish word for South is Zit. It was really cute because he demonstrated with his hands voting (putting a piece of paper in the ballot box) and he was like you vote for Obama! But you no black?! He was very interested in talking about American views on race...apparently white southern girls who voted for Obama should not exist...:) Oh...and I haven't even gotten to the ...

... expect because of impurities in the salt-so if you don't believe it is salt you are invited to 'taste-test' it. Just be warned you may not be the first person in 800 years to taste-test it. haha. The mines are a must see if you are in Krakow. Went on a walking tour of the old city. Saw the oldest synagogue in Poland. It is near 'Ariels' a famous jewish restaurant. Visited the castle and cathedral on Wawel Hill and saw the fire-breathing dragon statue (near dragons cave). Very Cool ...

... played the fool in the front. Flashing the orange caution light on top of van on every time we saw an attractive girl kept us busy and was probably one of the reasons it took so long to find the old town. We parked the car and walked around the main square. Grand, crowded and architecturally splendid the square is regarded as one of the most beautiful in Europe and is where alot of the action in this cultural centre takes place. We strolled around and booked a night in Nathans ...

... the royalty used to walk to get to Wawell Castle, at the opposite end of Stare Miasto. Just inside the Gate is a replica of the Black Madonna, a well-known painting that hangs in a church outside of town. We wanted to go see the original on a side tour, but the church where it hangs wasn't open while we were in town. It's called a "black" Madonna because of the dark tones of the paint. Florianska is a busy street, filled with shops and people and ...

... the day to work with the other prisoners. In the basement were located the "starvation cells"; prisoners incarcerated here were given neither food nor water until they were dead. Also in the basement were the "dark cells"; these cells had only a very tiny window, and a solid door. Prisoners placed in these cells would gradually suffocate as they used up all of the oxygen in the air; sometimes the SS would light a candle in the cell to use up the oxygen more quickly. Many were ...

... Their staple seems to be dumplings with various kinds of vegetables and meats. I had dumplings filled with cabbage and mushroom. We had another meal in a medieval themed basement restaurant. The meal was served on a large (day-old?) bagel looking (only with no hole) bread. Wooden forks and knives were used. Our main purpose of coming to Krakow was to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration ...

... train. Got into the cabin we would be sleeping in and met the other 3 people in the cabin, who were 3 nice spanish lads. We had some drinks with them and crashed out eventually. The cabin was absolutely tiny, with triple bunk beds on both sides, so manuevering around with 6 people was difficult to say the least. The pictures may convey the complete lack of space, but it was fun nonetheless.

... below...... Met up with Marcin and Konrad. Konrad was on top form, went for a pizza an hit the booze. Enjoyed a conversation with Marcin's mum over the phone, not sure what i said, somethin in Polish, hope it made sense. Comment of the day was sadly me, being quoted saying: "Ritchie do you find ******* addictive? After 4 days i'm rocking!" Went back to the hostel and drank some disgusting vodka, Marcin tried to blame it on the lemons, not convinced myself.

Well Let me tell you, the night train is an interesting Heh hem experience to be sure. They called where i slept a "couchette" but it felt more like a bookshelf!! but we made it to the fabulous city of Krakow and spent two great days there before heading to BRNO and then back to Prague. Will send more info later I have closed this place and must get back to the pension while I can still find it Later - Cindy