DAY 122 – “A River Runs Through It”

July 19 – Biking Along the River in Krakow

We absolutely LOVE riding bikes, so we were thrilled once again to borrow bikes from our hosts, Anita and Wojcie . They live by a lake so they go often and sail and play here often.

A cool-looking bridge across the Vistula River

This cute little pig is sun bathing on a raft - maybe he's getting ready for a big roast - uh..oh!

Another bridge across the beautiful river.

  We took some snacks and went to Crater Lake.  Years ago, there was a quarry here, but when it started filling up with water, they had to abandon it and it turned into a beautiful lake for recreation.

Such a gorgeous view from up on top...and what a beautiful day it was!

Rich loves to take panorama views when the scene calls for it.

We biked up a fairly steep incline and then DOWN-DOWN.

 I'm always hunting for little gifts for the children and grand-children, so I like to go to flea markets, antique shops, and curios from the locals.  This one was right down in the old Jewish ghetto.

I did end up getting a couple of things - a good buy, too.

Many different kinds of things for sale

 We met Wojeich for lunch as he works not far from here.  I love how our hosts know the BEST places for everything - much better than the touristic places.

Wojcie had Tomato-Basil soup

Rich had a Chicken Alfredo which was amazing

I had grilled salmon with a white sauce.  My favorite fish.

mmm...mmm...GOOD!

We recommend the Warsztat Restaurant in Krakow. -  YUM!

 Time to go to the Wawel Castle.  It was built during the reign of Casimir III the Great who reigned from 1333 to 1370,  and consists of a number of structures situated around the central courtyard.

 People have lived on Wawel Hill at the site of the Castle as early as 50,000 years ago, in the Paleolithic Age. The settlement was apparently bustling with trade, assorted crafts and local farming. When more people began to settle down on the Wawel Hill and when trade became more efficient, the rulers of Poland took up their residence at the Hill as well.

 During the early 16th century King Sigismund I the Old (Zygmunt I in Polish) and his wife brought in the best native and foreign artists including Italian architects, sculptors, and German decorators, to refurbish the castle into a splendid Renaissance palace.

 In the fire of 1595, the northeast part of the castle burned down.  

Such great castle views

Some old ruins were evident here.

 A few more views of the town square since Rich had not seen it yet.

A performer trying to earn a living.

Here is another view of this performer

We prepared a meal together and spent the evening watching a movie with our hosts.

They went to the train station with us - such nice hosts!  Thank-you!