Finally have the time to write a trip report for our trip to Poland this past July. We were 2 couples (family) ranging in age from 61 to 67. We traveled to Kraków, Wroclaw, GDANSK, and Warsaw for 15 days. I will break it down by city.
Kraków was our first stop. We stayed at the Hilton a little out of town near Wawel Castle. As I have said before, my husband works for Hilton and got a great deal. I was a little concerned we were too far from the center of town, but it turned out to be a great location. We were between the city center and the Kazimierz district. It was a short walk in either direction. We spent 6 days here and didn't get to everything on my list, but the highlights were:
Pierogi making class through deliciouspoland.com. It was us and a family from Pittsburgh. What a fabulous evening. We mixed, we drank, we stuffed, we drank, we boiled, we drank then ate our pierogis. We made savory and sweet ones and really enjoyed the class and the people Teaching.
The blue van - officially known as the Kielbaski pod hala targowa. A few cab drivers started grilling sausage for fellow drivers at night cause nothing was open and they were hungary. They come out at 8pm with their van, set up a sidewalk grill, and just serve kielbasa, one kind, till 3am. Don't even bother with the kinda stale bread, just eat the sausage alone. We got there at 8:15 and the line was growing. We spoke to the local guy behind us who has been eating there since he was a kid. Closed on Sunday. Our only regret was we went on our last night so we couldn't return.
Schindler Factory - very moving, very well done, very informative. We spent about 3 hours here and left feeling the oppression and suffering the Polish people endured. We had made reservations ahead for 9:15 but there wasn't a line. When we left, the line was very long. It is a don't miss.
Salt Mine - very interesting history and the carvings are amazing. They tour was very well organized and the group not too big. After going down all those steps, there was a lot of walking and a few places to sit for a minute. Was a very enjoyable morning.
We had dinner one night with a local woman, in her 30's through eataway.com in her apt. Also at the table were two women from South Korea, one from England, and two other Polish woman. She made a lovely dinner but it was the company and conversation which was the highlight. We spoke about Poland now and then (from stories her parents/grandparents), work, costs, salaries, politics, etc.
lipoma 3 glassblowing - I had read about this place on line and it was directly across the street from Schindler. When we walked in they had a small store. We asked when the demonstration was scheduled for and they said, you are here, it is right now, and they escorted us to the workshop. There was another couple who joined us and they started their demonstration. The saleswoman explained everything. They then let us try blowing the glass. It was fun, interesting and quick. There was a small museum on the 2 fl. With many examples of their work.
Churches - so many beautiful Churches that I can't even pick one. We attended Mass in both English and Polish and it was standing room only. We always receive a spiritual lift when we attend Mass when we are traveling.
We also made it to the Santuary of Divine Mercy, The Ethnographic museum, the Archdiocesan museum, national Museum, the planty, the Florianska gate and defensive wall, Rynek Underground Museum, cloth hall and gallery upstairs, Wawel Castle and cathedral.
Food - we did not have a bad meal. The only item I ate which I did not like was their soft ice cream. We ate at the milk bar recommended by Rick and it was delicious and cheap. We also had our best meal at Miód Malina on the Royal Way, also in Rick And Lonely Planet guides. It was fabulous, old school service, and excellent wines. And it was very, very inexpensive. A definite must for dinner while in Kraków.