Poland - An unforgettable experience

Poland is going to be an unforgettable experience for my fiance. Why? It's because we missed our flight. Seriously? Oh yes we did. I am sure now you would like to know how. Okay so let me tell you it wasn't because we were late, we reached on time, got through security in time too. In fact, we had enough time to even buy ourselves a hot chocolate, which we relished just where I gate was in view. We decided to have a quick visit to the toilet and when we were out all we saw was the screen flashing final boarding call. We rushed there to find no one at the gate and then to be told we missed our flight. We explained there wasn't any announcement but had to settle for the answer that Luton is a silent airport so they don't make any announcements. We were disappointed at first but then the brain of the traveler kicked in.




What next then? We decided to take the next flight, but as luck would have it there wasn't another flight to Krakow available that day from the same airline so we made the next smart and economical decision, and took a flight to Warsaw. We had to wait for a couple of hours but that was okay as we indulged in more food and made sure to keep an eye on the screens at all time due to the fear of missing this flight too. Finally, after much ado, we boarded the flight to Warsaw. After our arrival in Warsaw we knew we had to take a train to Krakow so were just making plans at the Warsaw airport when we bumped into another couple from UK who missed the same flight as us and were doing the exact same thing as us. Surprised but thrilled, we kept saying No way several times and then proceeded to booking our train tickets together to the train station at Warsaw. We had sufficient time to have a meal together at Hard Rock Cafe in Warsaw and experience some snowfall as well in Warsaw with amazing new friends now which added to the charm. We had a lovely train journey with them talking all about the various travel destinations we've been too and the countries we wish to visit, they shared some of their experiences with us too which helped us make future country choices and exchanged numbers. After a 3 hour train journey we were finally in Krakow, we bid goodbye to our new friends but exchanged numbers and promised to be in touch. So now that we had lost a day in travelling we decided to change the plans of our vacation too. We were supposed to go skiing but decided to let go off it and save it for another country in future (we already know which one it is ;-)) For now we just decided to make the most of Krakow.

We started early morning the next day to make up for losing one day of travel the previous day. We filled ourselves with a full polish breakfast and were super impressed by the quality of food. We then head out to Krakow Main Square and spent most of our time admiring the beautiful architecture of the place including the famous St. Mary's Basilica Church. We then gorged on loads of food, including hot chocolate and Arancio (a local delicacy meat puffs coated with a crispy rice layer). We then also visited the beautiful Wawel Royal Castle and enjoyed spending time in the castle courtyard thou it was a bit windy. The view from the top of the castle is spectacular.

In the afternoon we indulged in more food namely the Zapiekanki (polish open sandwich) which is something you definitely mustn't miss. We then went on to explore the Wieliczka Salt Mines which were breathtaking and beautiful. The depth of them is as much as the Eiffel tower held upside down and the underground chapel made by the miners on their days off left us awestruck. The mines are 7 centuries old and also have a salt mine health resort that can help you discover the healing power of salts. We were also told we could taste the walls of the salt mines as they were rich in minerals and Priston took his chance at them 😄😰 The guided tour was very interesting with all the information it threw our way. We were very impressed by it all. We then got back to the Krakow old town and headed back to the main square to explore its beauty in the dark with the lights. As the Polish don't take their Christmas decor down until the 2nd of February we were fortunate enough to see even more beauty added to the main square in the night with all the Christmas lights sparkling brightly.

The next day we headed out to Auschwitz Museum and Birkenau Concentration Camps and learnt all

about the concentration camps. I was shocked at the extent of damage hatred could do to humanity and the was immediately filled with compassion for the Jews and prisoners of these concentration camps. I couldn't help but shed tears as we moved from seeing their belongings and remains preserved there. The death of millions of people and their stories of courage and hope left a mark on my soul that I shall never forget. It was an experience I wasn't sure I was ready to have but after visiting the place I am glad we did and thanks to my fiance for encouraging me to do it, I shall now be forever grateful for the freedom that we as humans have and always make a conscious effort to choose love over hate without a second thought.

Once we got back to the town we went shopping in the Krakow Galleria and feasted on a lot of Polish dinner which included a lot of various Polish delicacies including Pierogi (polish dumplings) and Golabki (cabbage rolls) which we thoroughly enjoyed. We then shopped at the Karkow Galleria (shopping mall) before retiring to bed and getting ready for an early flight back home the next day. Krakow impressed us with it's architecture, food and history and after visiting Krakow we now definitely know why it is rated as Europe's most popular city break.

To conclude, this trip thought me so much more about travel: the flexibility needed to adjust to sudden changes, the ability to change plans over night, to embrace what comes our way with a positive attitude and most importantly it has deepened my love for travel even more. 6 months into the next vacation and a new country till then Cheerio everyone, hope you enjoy reading this one