Part 7 of our Adventure has us riding through Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic
You can watch some of the highlights of our trip HERE
Krakow, Poland
After researching about where to go in Poland we realized that Krakow was where we would find the “true” culture as Warsaw was rebuilt due to getting almost completely demolished during WWII. But we still wanted to say that we had visited, so we took a quick drive through Warsaw and then headed straight to Krakow.
Quick picture when driving through in Warsaw
Krakow is one of the oldest cities in Poland and it was fortunate enough to avoid getting destroyed in WWII. The Germans did occupy Krakow, but for the most part they left the monuments and beautiful buildings alone.
Walking through Krakow square, and visiting yet more cathedrals made me fall in love with the splendor of the past and the romance of the slow, simple life.
I am thankful to be born (and living) in the late 20th century, but the cadence of life–even just 100 years ago–does hold it’s appeal, especially when visiting a place that seems to blend the modern lifestyle along with the old seamlessly.
There were gorgeous carriages pulled by magnificent horses, conventional and impressionist artists, musicians of all kinds, break dancers, new modern hostels and old guesthouses, cafes and restaurants that would have served coffee or glass of cold beer to a generation or two older than us.
Having a cold beer at a cafe that was open since the early 1900’s, and still run by the same family…
Krakow is also one of the cheapest cities in Europe so, if you can, stay awhile and enjoy it to the full. We wish we stayed a few more days. ***Most of our activities and meals cost less than in Bangkok!!
Cheap apartment in downtown Krakow…less than 30euros/night
Didn’t make it in the picture, but we had the entire apartment to ourselves. Furnished with a kitchen, washing machine, iron, oven etc..
Another highlight in Poland was visiting the Weiliczka Salt Mines. It was amazing and something you shouldn’t miss out on if visiting Poland.
All these sculptures were carved from rock salt. Some by professional artists, some were made by the miners..
The mine opened in the 13th century and just recently stopped being active in 2007 which makes it one of the oldest and long lasting mines in the world and it was absolutely fascinating. While being guided through a fraction of the 287 kilometers of pure salt corridors we got to see hundreds of years of history being carved into the salt.
Everything besides the mining tools were made from salt. We visited several chapels, a couple of large cathedrals, massive rooms, endless tunnels, stables and variety of decorations, sculptures and furniture completely made of salt.
Chandelier made completely from salt decorates the deepest underground Cathedral in the world.
The Last Supper carved in Rock Salt
Slovakia
We sort of over-scheduled ourselves and we had to drive through Slovakia rather quickly. We only stayed 1 night, but the camping spot we found was beautiful.
The country is gorgeous, and the roads are perfect for those on a motorbike. Straight roads are really boring when on a motorbike, so we truly enjoyed driving through the Slovakian country side which had rolling mountains and winding roads that were just winding enough to keep it interesting but not too steep or too challenging.
Our short experience was enjoyable.
Prague, Czech Republic
The land of craft beer, castles and yes…more cathedrals…
1 Euro craft beer from the tap…they don’t even tell you the name of the beer on the menu…just beer :/
I was amazed by the wealth of the different styles of architecture . Abstract, Minimalist, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque stand side by side.
This was just on the way to Prague…you can find glorious sights every corner you make…
Gothic Cathedral on the outside
Renaissance Statues at the entrance
We spent most of our time in Prague. The Charles bridge was something to remember and strolling down that bridge will take you on an unforgettable journey.
Drone Pic of the Charles bridge over the Prague River
Ok, this one is familiar
And yes, I had to take a picture with the statues with my namesake 😛
The bizarre, yet somehow beautiful statues will probably tell a new story to each and everyone who passes by. I assume that most of the statues have a religious meaning, but most were just too bizarre to understand and I was happy to just stroll by and make up my own understanding of them.
Can you tell me what this story tells???
Grand Prague Castle (apparently it is one of the oldest still-functioning castles) it looked pretty new to us, but it is apparently from the 9th century…
Tired but still smiling after a long day of sight-seeing..those cobble-stoned streets up and down the hills of Prague are tough on the feet so be sure to wear sensible shoes when visiting!