Poland - Land of Zabka, Bober and Pierogi (Part 1)
Disclaimer: I am in no way sponsored by anyone. I want to express my gratitude for this amazing country I have visited. I also want to share some of my experiences and what I have learned while traveling around it.
Why go to Poland for vacation?
When you think of Poland, your mind almost always either goes to its past Soviet history or Auschwitz. For the longest time, this is where my mind would go as well. But now, being more aware and less closed-minded, I should also add “Zabka” and “Pierogi” to the list…Seriously speaking though, this is what I had in mind that Poland was mostly about. I was wrong to assume so.
How the trip played out:
Krakow - 15-17/02/2024 / Gdansk - 17-20/02/2024 / Warsaw - 20-21/02/2024
Me and my Girlfriend planned to stay roughly 2 days in Krakow, take the train to Gdansk, spend 3 days there, and then head back to the capital where we would spend our final night exploring a bit of the city and then the following afternoon, take the plane back to Thessaloniki. Overall, this trip was surely an eye-opener. I did NOT expect Poland to be such an advanced country. A sense of discipline and planned-out actions is felt as strong as an odor that has weight to it. Poland is surely a must-visit for anyone who loves History and Architecture. The place is beautiful and has something for everyone and every niche. Just make sure to go when the weather is good (sunny I mean) because it does look a bit depressing when it is mostly cloudy.
Krakow:
Day 1: Upon arrival
Krakow center - Taken on Kodak Gold 200
Looking from the window of the airplane, there was one thing in particular that stood out to me, the houses. So many of the houses (not just in Krakow, but also all around the country) were shaped the same way and had roughly the same color scheme. Small to medium-sized brown/dark-red huts with black roofs that resemble the kind of house you would draw as a kid, those with a pointed roof. They are almost indistinguishable from one another but look like they popped straight out of a fairytale. Of course, not all of their houses are like this, but most in the outer parts of Krakow emanate this “fairytale” vibe. Anyway, when we landed, we quickly hopped on the train that takes you right to the center of Krakow - Kraków Główny - the name of the station (which only took us 10 minutes). Upon leaving the train and trying to find our way out, we noticed that the train station was literally part of a massive mall. Initial impressions so far - these people know what’s up. It was a lot to take in, especially for someone who is still waiting for the “Thessaloniki metro” which is still being built and is ONLY 2 LINES. Leaving the train station, we were greeted with the impressive gothic architecture of Krakow. Every corner was sprinkled with a pinch of Poland’s gothic past. The pointy buildings posing high into the stratosphere as if they are trying to touch God’s beard as to receive eternal blessing. For me, these buildings are a peak when it comes to architectural design. They ooze “Human excellence and attention to the smallest of details in the pursuit of perfection”.
After settling into our accommodation, we went out to explore a bit of the city. I stumbled across some graffiti right outside where we were staying that read “Stab, stab, stab, a lot, gently into the spine…” a perfect way to start the trip and something that definitely made us feel safe… After eating dinner at an Indian restaurant that had an exceptionally kind waiter (more than I can say about any waiter I have come across in Cyprus, and yes I know, the first thing in Poland that we ate was Indian, don’t comment, at least it was good though) we walked a bit more around the center and loved every bit of it. I especially love how the complexity of the old architecture blends with the newer, more modern buildings and stores. But, something that always makes my brain itch is the sheer “Americanization” of every single country I have visited. Starbucks, Mcdonalds and anything else you can possibly think of that comes from the US is littered EVERYWHERE. Even as someone who is half American (I state half American because I want to embrace my Cypriot heritage as well), it brings me close to ripping the skin off my head when I see the place is FULL of American chains and corporations (excuse my rant).
After our exploration of the city center, the best part of the day had finally arrived, visiting Zabka… Zabka is Poland’s main convenience store that has just about anything anyone would need. More orientated to pre-made meals that cost less than 3 euros and range from sandwiches with just about anything you can think of inside, to massive salads with chicken, feta (yes feta) and so much more, to pre-made pierogi and warm meals. Chips and drinks plus home essentials along with the best thing they offer, hot dogs…these are not your normal hot dogs, they are the equivalent of every flavor profile maxed out into a pressed panini with whatever sauce of your choosing and a slightly spicy wiener shoved inside the bread. After picking a few snacks and sandwiches, we decided to head back home and watch some episodes of old top-gear specials. Anticipating what was to come the day after…visiting Auschwitz.
The main cathedral of Krakow’s center - Taken on Kodak Gold 200
