We returned to England just days after that weekend in the hospital. I heavily moped around the house from couch, to kitchen, to bed; tissues in tow for the weeks before we traveled to Krakow. This was a difficult step for me while still trying to come to terms with my family’s shocking loss. But it was Rob’s 30th birthday trip and for years I had been pining for Poland. My grandfather’s family came from there and it was officially the last country for me to visit from which I have heritage (that I know of). So we went. I would be lying if I said it was all rainbows and smiles. In fact there was very little sunshine, and more than a few tears. But we made an effort.
On the bright side, we enjoyed the lovely European tradition of Christmas Markets in the main square; I put into practice some new photography skills I had learned; we toured one of the darkest sites in recent history; and ate plates upon plates of incredible vegan fare at our new favorite Asian restaurant, Pod Norenami. And to top it off, a month later I got to present some wonderful Polish photos and goods to my Grandfather at Christmas – his pride and joy at the receipt of these will melt my heart each time I remember.
The exchange rate into Zlotys is quite good for us, so we made sure to treat ourselves! Krakow is quite picturesque with stunning architecture, but bundle up in December! Enjoy (in order to share so many photos throughout all of my posts, please note that I’ve shrunk them down quite small 🙂):
