Release the Kraków: My First Time in Poland

Rather than taking the train from Munich to Poland, I opted to fly there instead. Unfortunately, the deboarding process was less than ideal. While I waited to deboard from 7C, men from the back of the plane charged their way forward, cutting off our row. When I realized the man sitting beside me wasn’t going to try and get out, I took matters into my own hands, asking the line-cutters if they’d let us out. I was met with a snarky response from a European dude. And they say Americans are rude…

Once I finally made it off that plane in Kraków, I headed to Das Hostel. Conveniently located within walking distance of major sites in town, the hostel is located in an older building that definitely has that European charm to it. My euphoria soon wore off once, however, when I realized the B.O. wafting through the halls of Das Hostel belonged to someone staying in my room. Thankfully, the staff there obliged when I asked for another room. What made it even better was that I had that other room all to myself (at least for my first night there), and it came with a beautiful balcony that was perfect for working on my laptop. 

Kraków is beautiful and easily walkable. I went to St. Florian’s Gate, Barbican, the Jewish Quarter, Wawel Castle, and Old Town – I would recommend them all! Food-wise, I had perogies, a Polish staple food. I did love that Polish people actually stop for pedestrians, whereas in LA, it's like they're trying to hit you. 

My good weather streak continued into Poland, with sunny skies each day I was there. Even though I enjoyed Kraków, I seem to be a bit much for the Polish people. I don’t think they’re used to upbeat, slightly neurotic Americans.