I am Wyatt Wang.Com

I dedicate this blog to all who had suffered in World War II, regardless if they are living or dead. How much more should die before he ever learn and listen? Krakow was never part of the tourist's itinerary until Steven Spielberg’s "Schindler's List". His brilliant film brought out what Krakow/Auschwitz can bring to the whole world: a dark reminder of the worst genocide that was committed in the 20th century. However, the film also brought out the courage that human beings can possess in times of desperation and pain. Frankly speaking, it was never part of MY itinerary until I mistakenly thought that it will be nice to take a day trip out of Bavaria (my initial plans were just Munich's Oktoberfest) to visit Auschwitz in "Austria". I tried to look into Lonely Planet Austria but I couldn't Auschwitz. Thought the book sucks, but I have gotten the geography all wrong. Oswiecim (Auschwitz in Polish) is in Poland, not Austria! By then, it was too late as the Krakow travel bug had striked. I stepped into Eastern Europe after a 2-hour flight from London Luton (don't understand why the man sitting beside me is panting throughout the journey). Although Krakow is not the largest city (the largest is Warsaw) in Poland, it was where former Polish kings were crowned and the scientific, cultural and artistic centres of the country. After taking the bus service 192 from the Airport to Krakow Glowny Station (main station), I reached the city in 45 minutes. As I didn't have small change, I was charged €1 (i.e. 4zl) while 2.5 zl was printed on the bus ticket. Finding a place to "get rid" of a heavy bag is of great importance when it is getting dark and one has no place to stay. Finally decided to settle in an 8-men dormitory in Hostel Cinema (junction of Stradomska and Dietta) for 50zl/night. Incidentally, that was my first night spent in a dormitory. I slept alone for the next 3 nights.

		An artist patiently waits for the next coin while people strolls past him in a cool autumn night - Old Town, Krakow.
		I was hungry for some instant noodles and made used of the cooking facilities immediately. Got some instant Pho (Vietnamese rice noodles) from a supermarket at 1.4zl (S$0.70).
		17 Sep 06, 0645hrs. Along the streets of Stradomska, Stradom. Nothing much here though I was more interested on the road sign that seems to suggest parking is allowed and not allowed (at the same time) along the road.
		My first Obwarzanki (I call it the Polish Pretzel), 1 zl/piece. Sold everywhere in Krakow via street carts and kiosks. It is a great snack which offers additional favour when sesame seeds are sprinkled on top of it. It became as hard as a rock when I ate it in the afternoon.
		With the mist among the morning sun (7.15am), it like seems the view was taken out from a postcard. Wawel, Krakow.
		Sensing that there was no one around, I did it in the Castle of Wawel. Pretty silly, isn't it?
		A man was standing motionless at this particular corner (near to Oriental Art Exhibition) for 20mins. There's nothing wrong with this man; this is the location which the Wawel Chakra was closest to. A Hindu legend states that as a gift to humanity, Lord Shiva once threw 7 magic stones on earth and one of them landed in Krakow. What it does is that the location radiates positive energy and people will come from all corners of the world to meditate. Others believe that it was the energy that prevented Krakow from the destruction that WWII has brought to other cities. I stood there as well and thought enlightenment had came when I heard a low beeping sound. It actually came from a nearby security lock. Sigh
		Me and the Wawel Cathedral. I simply had to do what all tourists did.
		The all miracle late 14th century Miraculous Crucifix, Wawel Cathedral. It caught my eye: people were praying and staring at the cross. I thought one of them broke into tears. It was all too emotional for me.
		Fine stained windows in Wawel Cathedral. Beautiful especially when you view them from the dark.
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