September 5, 2010
In the afternoon after our long walk through Krakow we went to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Stan and I were there last year and enjoyed it immensely. We debated if we should stay back so Stan could practice accordion that John Gora had on the bus. John had serenaded us on our bus ride through Krakow to the Salt Mine. Either choice would have been fun.
We did the tour of the mine. It is a challenge for aging knees as there were many staircases going down. The railings were sturdy and plodding along one step at a time seemed to work OK and didn't hold up the group. One very long stair case I didn't start counting steps until were about half way down. I counted 80 steps. Other staircases were 39 to 60 steps long. It was a staircase kind of day.
The most interesting chamber is the one with all the reliefs carved in the walls and giant chandeliers hanging in a magnificent hall. This is used for weddings and Mass. As I think about our visit and what we saw, it still amazes me that miners did all the sculptures instead of some slick laser tooled artisan that was paid to professionally complete these mighty works. However they were done, it is a must see experience.
Toward the end of the trip, I'm almost pictured out. Here are some photos I took the first time through the salt mine. We were wearing the same coats and shirts.
We had our farewell dinner across the street from the salt mine. My vegetarian meal was battered and fried goat cheese with a mound of boiled vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower and carrots). Sometimes I think when you say you want a vegetarian meal the restaurants are afraid you are starving and give you servings to feed a table of six. Stan and other meat eaters had tender roast duck with potatoes and red cabbage sauerkraut. Dessert I remember from last year when we went there was the same this year; a scoop of ice cream floating in a generous serving of fresh raspberry sauce. Pretty tangy and yummy.
We saw dancers getting ready to play for the evening, but they were getting ready for the next bunch of visitors. The restaurant had reconfigured the place to make booths that seated 6 with high backs so it would have been near impossible to enjoy any playing or folk dancing from our seats as you couldn't see over the backs of the booths. Last year they had long tables with lower bench backs that worked well for entertaining crowds.
We all climbed back into the bus. John Gora entertained us with the accordion on the way back to the hotel. He sure can play and sing any song we requested and more. Made for a fun evening to top off the trip.
Next morning we all left to go back home. The long 9+ hour plane ride from Krakow to Chicago and another 2+ to Denver makes for a long day, but worth it in the end.
MON , SEPTEMBER 06 - KRAKOW - END OF TOUR ! Early morning transfer to Krakow airport for flight home .
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Krakow Poland 9-5-2010
Krakow Poland
Sunday September 5, 2010
The group crawled into the bus early in the morning with coats on and umbrellas in hand for a walking tour of Krakow, Poland.
We walked up a pretty steep incline on the Royal Wawel Hill to view the beauty of the outside of the buildings. The cathedral was having mass so no visitors unless you intended to stay for all of the mass. We did go quietly through a chambers in the lower area that had the sarcophagus of the recently deceased President and his wife who were killed in a plane crash earlier this year.
We walked down the incline overlooking a view of the city and turned back to see the magnificence of the spires and roofs of the many buildings that had been added on over the years. Of interest on the drizzly day were the rain spouts made of copper in the shape of gargoyles, dragons heads complete with crowns and ducks which were flush with water that slashed gently from two stories above.
At the bottom of the hill we walked several blocks back to the main square of the city. St. Mary's church had the trumpeter playing out of the top windows to mark the hour. Mass was going on there also. We were on our own to explore the area for a few hours.
I hurried to buy a few things I saw along the way and then we stopped for a quick bowl of soup in a very reasonably priced cafe about two blocks from the main square. John Gora had spotted it on our walking journey. A bowl of mushroom and noodle soup with bread was about 3.6 zloty or about $1.80. Try to buy that in Colorado and you will be sadly out of luck.
One thing of great importance on walking / shopping tours is the finding and using a water closet (WC- Bathroom). The cafe had none of course at those prices. We walked through the updated cloth hall (mall) of shops with upscale Polish crafts and jewelery. No WC.
Finally we went through an archway across from the main square to one of the coffee / beer bars toward the back. It was a cozy, trendy place filled with young people enjoying the day called Figa-2 Kachwa I Wspolnicy Spotka Jawna 31-042 Krakow, Rynek Glowny 7/11. For 14 zloty (less then $5) we had the most relaxing cups of tea, yes with facilities in a very contemporary shop. The beer was served extra cold and the ice formed on the pipes attested to that.
SUN, SEPTEMBER 05 – KRAKOW Half-day tour of Krakow, including: The Royal Wawel Hill , the Royal Route and the Old Town area with the Old Town Market Square, the Cloth Hall, the Barbican, St Mary's Church with 15th c Witt Stwosz Altar inside, Florianska Gate. Afternoon to Wieliczka Salt Mine and afterwards Farewell Dinner . Overnight in Krakow. ( B , D )
Sunday September 5, 2010
The group crawled into the bus early in the morning with coats on and umbrellas in hand for a walking tour of Krakow, Poland.
We walked up a pretty steep incline on the Royal Wawel Hill to view the beauty of the outside of the buildings. The cathedral was having mass so no visitors unless you intended to stay for all of the mass. We did go quietly through a chambers in the lower area that had the sarcophagus of the recently deceased President and his wife who were killed in a plane crash earlier this year.
We walked down the incline overlooking a view of the city and turned back to see the magnificence of the spires and roofs of the many buildings that had been added on over the years. Of interest on the drizzly day were the rain spouts made of copper in the shape of gargoyles, dragons heads complete with crowns and ducks which were flush with water that slashed gently from two stories above.
At the bottom of the hill we walked several blocks back to the main square of the city. St. Mary's church had the trumpeter playing out of the top windows to mark the hour. Mass was going on there also. We were on our own to explore the area for a few hours.
I hurried to buy a few things I saw along the way and then we stopped for a quick bowl of soup in a very reasonably priced cafe about two blocks from the main square. John Gora had spotted it on our walking journey. A bowl of mushroom and noodle soup with bread was about 3.6 zloty or about $1.80. Try to buy that in Colorado and you will be sadly out of luck.
One thing of great importance on walking / shopping tours is the finding and using a water closet (WC- Bathroom). The cafe had none of course at those prices. We walked through the updated cloth hall (mall) of shops with upscale Polish crafts and jewelery. No WC.
Finally we went through an archway across from the main square to one of the coffee / beer bars toward the back. It was a cozy, trendy place filled with young people enjoying the day called Figa-2 Kachwa I Wspolnicy Spotka Jawna 31-042 Krakow, Rynek Glowny 7/11. For 14 zloty (less then $5) we had the most relaxing cups of tea, yes with facilities in a very contemporary shop. The beer was served extra cold and the ice formed on the pipes attested to that.
SUN, SEPTEMBER 05 – KRAKOW Half-day tour of Krakow, including: The Royal Wawel Hill , the Royal Route and the Old Town area with the Old Town Market Square, the Cloth Hall, the Barbican, St Mary's Church with 15th c Witt Stwosz Altar inside, Florianska Gate. Afternoon to Wieliczka Salt Mine and afterwards Farewell Dinner . Overnight in Krakow. ( B , D )
ZAKOPANE –KRAKOW 9-4-2010
September 4, 2010 Saturday
On bus trip from Zakopane to Krakow.
Last evening in Zakopane Poland was a big hit. We walked up wide gravel steps to a mountain goralli restaurant. We knocked at the door and were met with a man with an axe in one hand. He lined up the men as they went in first followed by the women. As we entered the man smacked the hood over the open fire a good one and about knocked our socks off.
We set down at long picnic tables of white wood that was sandblasted to leave that interesting rough finish. The benches were shorter then a normal chair as they were on top of two big logs.
Three musicians played folk music and sang in those extra high voices. One guy played a 3 string instrument bigger than a cello and smaller than a contra bass. We recognized many of the tunes that were adapted to the goralli mountain style of music. John Gora and Diane treated us by dancing to one of these rapid paced dances. Feet moved at double time.
Soup was served in little buckets hanging from a wrought iron holder. My soup included chunks of hard-boiled egg, while Stan’s was more a beef vegetable like goulash. Dinner followed. It was tender chunks of lamb and ham on a skewer with some potatoes, sauteed mushrooms and a snappy pickle. I had potato pancakes with fried mushrooms. Dessert was on fire when it arrived at the dinner table. Ice cream topped with flaming whipped cream.
The waiter and waitresses kept us jumping. Many times they brought out platters of drink and food, then quickly dropped the platter on the rock floor scaring us with a start.
The waitress cut off a customer's underwear using a machete to slice off the underwear on each side and then pulled them out from the back. The male waiter said in Polish- you better loosen your belt and pants or she'll pull your n---- off. Then the guy had to through them up on the rafters which were already full of bras, ties and other underwear.
The next morning replete with food and laughter we settled into our bus seats for a leisurely nap on the way from Zakopane to Krakow. We stopped nearby to drink in the beautiful view of the snow covered peaks of the Tetra mountains and the lush green of the valleys. At a church (Bachledowka) off the normal tourist stopping point, we marveled at the beauty of the hand carved wood. The ceiling of the church was in the shape of a big cross with squares of carvings, symbols of the community. Men in goralli costumes wear these same symbols craved in metal on their belts.
The homes in the area are typical in style with the high peaked roofs most with lacy curtains in the windows and floors cascading from window boxes. The foundations of these homes are adorned with repeating patterns of river rock such as a large one next to two long skinny ones. It must have taken some time to line up the supply of rocks for these interesting designs.
We stopped in a small city at the local Saturday market. It was filled with all stalls of locals selling normal goods such as bags of candy, socks, shoes, coat, pots and pans, bushels bags of carrots, onions and pickle cucumbers. I won’t tell you what the vendor said when I comments on his nice bag of carrots. I don’t speak Polish, but gestures tell it all.
We all voted to skip the rafting trip as the river was overflowing from the recent rains. Riding on a wooden canoe on fast current isn’t as charming for us older folks as it was last year when the river was almost quiet with calm.
We went instead to Pope John Paul II’s church where he was born and became an alter boy in Wadowice. Stan and I went in, sat down and said a few prayers. Up front by the alter were two chair draped in white with a large bow softly tied in the back of each chair. Soon a wedding would take place in this beautiful setting.
We strolled around the square and enjoyed a scoop of strawberry ice cream for about 50 cents or 1.6 zloty. I like that they serve little small scoops at reasonable prices. This gives you a chance to try it out without loads of calories. Some times more is not better.
We arrived in Krakow at the Novotel Hotel. This is the place we stayed last year on our Poland trip. It started to rain again about the time we were leaving for our restaurant in the downtown square. We rode on golf carts in groups of 6 to the square. It is interesting to be on the back with cars rushing toward you. One time we passed a horse and carriage.
We had about an hour until our restaurant reservations. Not so much fun to stroll in the chilled raining air as it would be a balmy evening. We ducked into St Mary’s church. This place is amazing. It is about 500 years old and adorned with so many interesting designs that your mind feels it is inside a kaleidoscope. We visited that year so I have a slight remembrance of this place. Once a day the tall ornately carved and painted doors behind the alter are opened to more magnificent carvings adorned in silvers and gold. The doors were opened this evening. We slide into an empty seat and prayed for a few things happy to be out of the rain.
We walked under our umbrella toward the restaurant across the square and ducked into the shop next door. The back room had a book store. It is definitely more challenging looking through a book store when all the books are in Polish. The rest of the store had an interesting assortment of things in separate room ran by different people. There were earring displayed floor to ceiling on three foot diameter columns. Seriously – every inch had a set of earrings hanging from a hook. I pawed through the scarfs, but just didn’t see anything I wanted. Another room sold T-shirts.
Finally, time to dinner. We went down a couple flights of stairs next door to a cozy place. The exposed bricks on the wall and arched ceilings told of older days that this place might have been some secret hiding place with tunnels. Who knows. The food was great. Pieorgies – freshly made and delicious. Dessert was the Pope’s favorite – flakey crusts with cheese- whipped cream type thick filling.
Back to the hotel, this time in a cab as it was now raining harder. Four of us paid 15 zlotes or about $4.50. Well worth the quick ride back.
Here is music from the restaurant. It was so dark in there you can hardly see the musicians, however the music is worth a listen. Many familiar songs played Goralli Mountain man style. This is the region were many of these song initiated.
Itinerary - skipped the rafting trip due to high, rapid flowing river
SAT , SEPTEMBER 04 –ZAKOPANE KRAKOW After breakfast we leave Zakopane. Rafting on Dunajec River - Dunajec Gorge through the limestone rocks of Pieniny Mountains is one of the most beautiful views in Poland. Sitting comfortably on wooden rafts just admire the landscape and listen to the stories and jokes told by the navigating rafts men. Stop at a local restaurant after the rafting for those wishing to have a snack or light lunch . Afternoon arrival in Krakow. Free time before dinner in the Old Town. Overnight in Krakow . ( B , D )
On bus trip from Zakopane to Krakow.
Last evening in Zakopane Poland was a big hit. We walked up wide gravel steps to a mountain goralli restaurant. We knocked at the door and were met with a man with an axe in one hand. He lined up the men as they went in first followed by the women. As we entered the man smacked the hood over the open fire a good one and about knocked our socks off.
We set down at long picnic tables of white wood that was sandblasted to leave that interesting rough finish. The benches were shorter then a normal chair as they were on top of two big logs.
Three musicians played folk music and sang in those extra high voices. One guy played a 3 string instrument bigger than a cello and smaller than a contra bass. We recognized many of the tunes that were adapted to the goralli mountain style of music. John Gora and Diane treated us by dancing to one of these rapid paced dances. Feet moved at double time.
Soup was served in little buckets hanging from a wrought iron holder. My soup included chunks of hard-boiled egg, while Stan’s was more a beef vegetable like goulash. Dinner followed. It was tender chunks of lamb and ham on a skewer with some potatoes, sauteed mushrooms and a snappy pickle. I had potato pancakes with fried mushrooms. Dessert was on fire when it arrived at the dinner table. Ice cream topped with flaming whipped cream.
The waiter and waitresses kept us jumping. Many times they brought out platters of drink and food, then quickly dropped the platter on the rock floor scaring us with a start.
The waitress cut off a customer's underwear using a machete to slice off the underwear on each side and then pulled them out from the back. The male waiter said in Polish- you better loosen your belt and pants or she'll pull your n---- off. Then the guy had to through them up on the rafters which were already full of bras, ties and other underwear.
The next morning replete with food and laughter we settled into our bus seats for a leisurely nap on the way from Zakopane to Krakow. We stopped nearby to drink in the beautiful view of the snow covered peaks of the Tetra mountains and the lush green of the valleys. At a church (Bachledowka) off the normal tourist stopping point, we marveled at the beauty of the hand carved wood. The ceiling of the church was in the shape of a big cross with squares of carvings, symbols of the community. Men in goralli costumes wear these same symbols craved in metal on their belts.
The homes in the area are typical in style with the high peaked roofs most with lacy curtains in the windows and floors cascading from window boxes. The foundations of these homes are adorned with repeating patterns of river rock such as a large one next to two long skinny ones. It must have taken some time to line up the supply of rocks for these interesting designs.
We stopped in a small city at the local Saturday market. It was filled with all stalls of locals selling normal goods such as bags of candy, socks, shoes, coat, pots and pans, bushels bags of carrots, onions and pickle cucumbers. I won’t tell you what the vendor said when I comments on his nice bag of carrots. I don’t speak Polish, but gestures tell it all.
We all voted to skip the rafting trip as the river was overflowing from the recent rains. Riding on a wooden canoe on fast current isn’t as charming for us older folks as it was last year when the river was almost quiet with calm.
We went instead to Pope John Paul II’s church where he was born and became an alter boy in Wadowice. Stan and I went in, sat down and said a few prayers. Up front by the alter were two chair draped in white with a large bow softly tied in the back of each chair. Soon a wedding would take place in this beautiful setting.
We strolled around the square and enjoyed a scoop of strawberry ice cream for about 50 cents or 1.6 zloty. I like that they serve little small scoops at reasonable prices. This gives you a chance to try it out without loads of calories. Some times more is not better.
We arrived in Krakow at the Novotel Hotel. This is the place we stayed last year on our Poland trip. It started to rain again about the time we were leaving for our restaurant in the downtown square. We rode on golf carts in groups of 6 to the square. It is interesting to be on the back with cars rushing toward you. One time we passed a horse and carriage.
We had about an hour until our restaurant reservations. Not so much fun to stroll in the chilled raining air as it would be a balmy evening. We ducked into St Mary’s church. This place is amazing. It is about 500 years old and adorned with so many interesting designs that your mind feels it is inside a kaleidoscope. We visited that year so I have a slight remembrance of this place. Once a day the tall ornately carved and painted doors behind the alter are opened to more magnificent carvings adorned in silvers and gold. The doors were opened this evening. We slide into an empty seat and prayed for a few things happy to be out of the rain.
We walked under our umbrella toward the restaurant across the square and ducked into the shop next door. The back room had a book store. It is definitely more challenging looking through a book store when all the books are in Polish. The rest of the store had an interesting assortment of things in separate room ran by different people. There were earring displayed floor to ceiling on three foot diameter columns. Seriously – every inch had a set of earrings hanging from a hook. I pawed through the scarfs, but just didn’t see anything I wanted. Another room sold T-shirts.
Finally, time to dinner. We went down a couple flights of stairs next door to a cozy place. The exposed bricks on the wall and arched ceilings told of older days that this place might have been some secret hiding place with tunnels. Who knows. The food was great. Pieorgies – freshly made and delicious. Dessert was the Pope’s favorite – flakey crusts with cheese- whipped cream type thick filling.
Back to the hotel, this time in a cab as it was now raining harder. Four of us paid 15 zlotes or about $4.50. Well worth the quick ride back.
Here is music from the restaurant. It was so dark in there you can hardly see the musicians, however the music is worth a listen. Many familiar songs played Goralli Mountain man style. This is the region were many of these song initiated.
Itinerary - skipped the rafting trip due to high, rapid flowing river
SAT , SEPTEMBER 04 –ZAKOPANE KRAKOW After breakfast we leave Zakopane. Rafting on Dunajec River - Dunajec Gorge through the limestone rocks of Pieniny Mountains is one of the most beautiful views in Poland. Sitting comfortably on wooden rafts just admire the landscape and listen to the stories and jokes told by the navigating rafts men. Stop at a local restaurant after the rafting for those wishing to have a snack or light lunch . Afternoon arrival in Krakow. Free time before dinner in the Old Town. Overnight in Krakow . ( B , D )
ZAKOPANE Poland 9-3-2010
Zakopane Poland
Zakopane is the most interesting place. Houses are distinct here with high pitched roofs to ward off the snow in the winter. This is a ski town with all the charm and vitality of the young people it attracts to the locals happy to bargain and sell their wares.
The main street have a delightful selection of local craft, smoked goat cheese pressed into tubes and other shapes with Polish designs. There are leather coats, scarfs and jewelry to delight the visitors.
At the end of the street is a funicular that goes up to the top of the hill. More crafts along with sausages smoking on a grill. A road goes on the ridge of the mountain. There are horse and carts that you can pay a few zlotys to take a ride.
Across the meadow you can see the cottages nestled in the forest. The snow covered tatra mountains peak out of the cloudy landscape. It is about 40 degrees this chilly day with intermittent rain.
After a brief look around we hurry back down the funicular to the warmth of the shops below.
Stan and I found a bank and exchanged the variety of currency (florins - Budapest, Euro - Vienna and Czech currency) to zloty so we could buy some lunch. We walked up the main street and peered at a few menus. A lady waiting on the steps of a cafe saw us looking and struck up a conversation. She noticed that we were probably Americans. We discovered after a few words and hearing her accent that she was from Australia. It is a small world after all.
We meandered up the street some more and found an interesting cafe that we had heard gorali mountain music playing the year before. We picked a table made of logs and sat down on a well worn sheep's skin draped on the seat. I ordered potato and cheese pierogies which were some the best I have eaten in Poland. Stan had noodle soup. Watching the people pass made the afternoon a delight.
We stopped by a bakery on that way back down the hill and bought a couple of Pushks (Polish name for jam stuffed Bismark type donuts).
Here is some interesting goralli Mountain Man folk music played at a restaurant
Itinerary Rainy and chilly
FRI, SEPTEMBER 03 – ZAKOPANE Breakfast at the hotel. Half-day tour of Zakopane, including: Funicular ride to Gubalowka Hill gives a beautiful view over Polish and Czech Tatras, Tatra Museum, a walk along Krupowki Street. Time for shopping - friendly street vendors will offer local goods (lamb-wool sweaters, walking sticks, wooden figures). Dinner at a bonfire with accompaniment of a folklore band. Overnight in Zakopane ( B, D )
Zakopane is the most interesting place. Houses are distinct here with high pitched roofs to ward off the snow in the winter. This is a ski town with all the charm and vitality of the young people it attracts to the locals happy to bargain and sell their wares.
The main street have a delightful selection of local craft, smoked goat cheese pressed into tubes and other shapes with Polish designs. There are leather coats, scarfs and jewelry to delight the visitors.
At the end of the street is a funicular that goes up to the top of the hill. More crafts along with sausages smoking on a grill. A road goes on the ridge of the mountain. There are horse and carts that you can pay a few zlotys to take a ride.
Across the meadow you can see the cottages nestled in the forest. The snow covered tatra mountains peak out of the cloudy landscape. It is about 40 degrees this chilly day with intermittent rain.
After a brief look around we hurry back down the funicular to the warmth of the shops below.
Stan and I found a bank and exchanged the variety of currency (florins - Budapest, Euro - Vienna and Czech currency) to zloty so we could buy some lunch. We walked up the main street and peered at a few menus. A lady waiting on the steps of a cafe saw us looking and struck up a conversation. She noticed that we were probably Americans. We discovered after a few words and hearing her accent that she was from Australia. It is a small world after all.
We meandered up the street some more and found an interesting cafe that we had heard gorali mountain music playing the year before. We picked a table made of logs and sat down on a well worn sheep's skin draped on the seat. I ordered potato and cheese pierogies which were some the best I have eaten in Poland. Stan had noodle soup. Watching the people pass made the afternoon a delight.
We stopped by a bakery on that way back down the hill and bought a couple of Pushks (Polish name for jam stuffed Bismark type donuts).
Here is some interesting goralli Mountain Man folk music played at a restaurant
Itinerary Rainy and chilly
FRI, SEPTEMBER 03 – ZAKOPANE Breakfast at the hotel. Half-day tour of Zakopane, including: Funicular ride to Gubalowka Hill gives a beautiful view over Polish and Czech Tatras, Tatra Museum, a walk along Krupowki Street. Time for shopping - friendly street vendors will offer local goods (lamb-wool sweaters, walking sticks, wooden figures). Dinner at a bonfire with accompaniment of a folklore band. Overnight in Zakopane ( B, D )
BUDAPEST – SZENTENDRE - ZAKOPANE Poland 9-2-2010
9-2-2010
Our bus voted to skip the tour of the village of Szentendre, Hungary and just go directly to Zakopane Poland. It was still a 6 hour bus trip and we didn't want to add another few hours to a tiring day. At some point another city tour just plan wears you out.
The countryside through Slovakia and Poland is beautiful. Rolling hills turned to skiable mountainsides covered with lush green grasses and pine trees. We entertained ourselves by reading, sleeping or eating food we brought along from the generous breakfasts.
Our Hotel Mercure is at the edge of top high on the hillside with a spectacular panoramic view of the snow covered tetra mountain across the meadow dotted with charming wooden homes sporting high pitched roofs.
We had dinner at a mountain type restaurant with an open fire burning in the center of the room. Folk musicians entertained us as we enjoyed the food. My favorite was the mushroom soup ladled from pots hanging from wrought iron hooks at the dinner table. There is something about the flavor of those Europeon mushrooms that is different and tasty. Food was attractively presented on wooden rectangular platters. One heaping platters per person that included pork roast, pork and blood sausage, sauerkraut and potatoes. I had spinach pieogies (pasta type filled dumpling. Small cakes and pastries were served for dessert to top off the meal.
We have eaten more food in a week then we probably eat in a month. Thank goodness for stretchy waistbands. There is an indoor pool that is about four times bigger then most hotel pools in the lower floor of this building. I am trying to figure out how to squeeze in a few laps before our touring journey. The pool opens at 8 am and our tour starts about 9. It is another cloudy rainy day. We had planned to visit the large outdoor market stalls that line the main street on our way up the gondola to the top of the mountain overlooking the valley and tetra high peaks of the tetra mountains across the way.
THU, SEPTEMBER 02 – BUDAPEST – SZENTENDRE - ZAKOPANE After breakfast we depart Budapest. We visit Szentendre - the town of artists of middle ages atmosphere, which is built between the hills and the Danube, parallel to the river. It has a pleasant atmosphere, with picturesque old streets, 18th century houses and Greek orthodox churches. An artist colony is settled here. For visitors there are many museums in the town: the unique Kovács Margit Ceramic Museum the Marzipan Museum, Open-air Museum, Caprice Jewelry Manufactory. Opportunity for shopping. Continue via Slovak Republic to Zakopane. Dinner and overnight in Zakopane. ( B , D )
Our bus voted to skip the tour of the village of Szentendre, Hungary and just go directly to Zakopane Poland. It was still a 6 hour bus trip and we didn't want to add another few hours to a tiring day. At some point another city tour just plan wears you out.
The countryside through Slovakia and Poland is beautiful. Rolling hills turned to skiable mountainsides covered with lush green grasses and pine trees. We entertained ourselves by reading, sleeping or eating food we brought along from the generous breakfasts.
Our Hotel Mercure is at the edge of top high on the hillside with a spectacular panoramic view of the snow covered tetra mountain across the meadow dotted with charming wooden homes sporting high pitched roofs.
We had dinner at a mountain type restaurant with an open fire burning in the center of the room. Folk musicians entertained us as we enjoyed the food. My favorite was the mushroom soup ladled from pots hanging from wrought iron hooks at the dinner table. There is something about the flavor of those Europeon mushrooms that is different and tasty. Food was attractively presented on wooden rectangular platters. One heaping platters per person that included pork roast, pork and blood sausage, sauerkraut and potatoes. I had spinach pieogies (pasta type filled dumpling. Small cakes and pastries were served for dessert to top off the meal.
We have eaten more food in a week then we probably eat in a month. Thank goodness for stretchy waistbands. There is an indoor pool that is about four times bigger then most hotel pools in the lower floor of this building. I am trying to figure out how to squeeze in a few laps before our touring journey. The pool opens at 8 am and our tour starts about 9. It is another cloudy rainy day. We had planned to visit the large outdoor market stalls that line the main street on our way up the gondola to the top of the mountain overlooking the valley and tetra high peaks of the tetra mountains across the way.
THU, SEPTEMBER 02 – BUDAPEST – SZENTENDRE - ZAKOPANE After breakfast we depart Budapest. We visit Szentendre - the town of artists of middle ages atmosphere, which is built between the hills and the Danube, parallel to the river. It has a pleasant atmosphere, with picturesque old streets, 18th century houses and Greek orthodox churches. An artist colony is settled here. For visitors there are many museums in the town: the unique Kovács Margit Ceramic Museum the Marzipan Museum, Open-air Museum, Caprice Jewelry Manufactory. Opportunity for shopping. Continue via Slovak Republic to Zakopane. Dinner and overnight in Zakopane. ( B , D )
Budapest 9-1-2010
September 1, 2010
Budapest Hungary
This place is awesome especially now that the rain and wind has stopped we have a semi sunshiny day.
Breakfast at the Mercure Hotel located in the heart of downtown was a epicurian delight. Lots of right breads, flake croissants cheeses, ham and sausages filled trays. Cereal was that great granola with right thick milk.
We took a tour of Budapest and across the river to Buda Hungary. The tour was partially on the bus and part walking tour.
We learned a little about Attila the Hun. Mostly I remembered that he had 400 wives. That is a hand full.
On the top of the hill we walked right by the front door of their Prime Minister's home - like our white house. No Guards. No high fences. Our guide said that this man was elected by the people - therefore accessible to the people.
Hungarian language is not understood by many. It is based on mathematics and not similar at all to the romance or Slavic languages.
The tour guide showed us many eye-catching sights. Hungary is really a very nice place with an interesting history. We visited St. Stephens Basilica in Budapest close to our hotel. It was reconstructed from being dark and dank to the charmer it is today with rich red marble and gold adornments above all columns. It was truly magnificent. I'll add some photos once I have access to a computer for a longer time.
King Mathias Cathedral was being reconstructed also. The brightly colors tiles are made of pottery and add to the charm authentic to Hungarian type style.
Hungary was ravages by various evasions over 30 times over the past 50-60 years. We heard the animosity in the voice of our guide that she suffered as a child and her parents endured many times over. The Soviets killed over 2 million Hungarians from 1944 - 1989. Families belonged to the secret police. Their children are reaping the benefits of the graft that was passed so many years ago. When the German's left and the Russian's came in to help the Hungarians, the Hungarian Jews embraced the Communists (now called Socialists). There was a lot of money exchanged hands during the war for a variety of reasons. Over the years this money grew into an empire from many at the costs of freedom for the others. A small group of a few people have control of the economic banks, insurance companies and other business enterprises for years. Regular people are at the mercy of these folks even though this is a democracy. These powerful folks are untouchable according to our guide. There is a law passed recently that does not allow anything to be said about Jewish people or Hungarian citizens will be taken to prison. Soros is the guy who really has the power in the country though now. He lives in the US and a great friend of Obama - Yikes.!.
On a lighter note - Did you know that Funiculars were built to carry fat and heavy general to their palaces on top of the hill? They are pretty good for fat Americans also.
There is a question about the Lion statues around the community of Budapest. Youngsters climb up to see if they really have tongues. I peeked and didn't really see a tongue, but the bus was going pretty fast.
Another interesting tidbit from our guide is about Franz Liszt. He was quite a handsome man at the time and it is said he had over 1,000 lovers. Busy guy.
There are 2 million Hungarians living in Budapest. There are 700,000 Hungarians that live in Cleveland.
Afternoon of leisure included a walk through a two story enclosed market; crafts and food on the top floor, vegetable/fruit and meats on the first floor. I had the most delicious bean soup (butter beans) with a generous scoop of broth, potatoes and tomatoes on top. Stan had stuffed cabbage rolls, sauerkraut and meat chunks. Yummo.
We had an interesting dinner at a restaurant high on the hills of Budapest. The bus could barely make it around the hairpin turns on the one lane steep roads. We were greeted to some sweet wine in cute little porcelain jugs. A guy was cracking a whip in the air. Some of our group tried it, but not much whipping resulted.
We started off with Hungarian Goulash soup and then heaping platters of food including potatoes, garlic noodles, rice, vegetables and tons of meats, schnitzel prepared veal, chicken, roast pork. It was more then we could eat. Dessert was some kind of thinly layered cake topped with whip cream. Wow.!. We have enough food for two weeks instead of one.
The entertainment was the top of the evening. A dulcimer is piano type instrument with the keys missing. Two small mallets are used to hit each string and make the music. It is interesting when played with skill. A violin, viola and bass compliment the music. Then the dancer came out with such rapid dancing I thought my head would spin. Great time and good music.
One of these girls was such a joy to watch as she could dance with the fastest feet ever.
Itinerary - Seems we saw most of it
WED, SEPTEMBER 01 – BUDAPEST
Half-day tour of Budapest: Tour to include: Heroes Square, Millenary Monument, Vajdahunyad Castle, Andrássy Boulevard, State Opera House, Basilica – interior visit, Parliament-interiors, view from Gellért hill, Castle district, Matthias Church-interior visit, Fishermen's Bastion-interior visit, Margaret Island. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner with folklore at a local restaurant .The Courtyard House is 20 minutes from the heart of the city is on the top of the Hármashatár mountain, offers you perfect relaxation and unique experience. Here revives the peace and hospitality of the ancient noble manors. You can enjoy the silence of nature and can take delight in the magnificent panorama from the terrace. All the bridges of Budapest are visible from this very place. The Rosetrellis restaurant that has a full panorama.
Overnight in Budapest. ( B , D )
Budapest Hungary
This place is awesome especially now that the rain and wind has stopped we have a semi sunshiny day.
Breakfast at the Mercure Hotel located in the heart of downtown was a epicurian delight. Lots of right breads, flake croissants cheeses, ham and sausages filled trays. Cereal was that great granola with right thick milk.
We took a tour of Budapest and across the river to Buda Hungary. The tour was partially on the bus and part walking tour.
We learned a little about Attila the Hun. Mostly I remembered that he had 400 wives. That is a hand full.
On the top of the hill we walked right by the front door of their Prime Minister's home - like our white house. No Guards. No high fences. Our guide said that this man was elected by the people - therefore accessible to the people.
Hungarian language is not understood by many. It is based on mathematics and not similar at all to the romance or Slavic languages.
The tour guide showed us many eye-catching sights. Hungary is really a very nice place with an interesting history. We visited St. Stephens Basilica in Budapest close to our hotel. It was reconstructed from being dark and dank to the charmer it is today with rich red marble and gold adornments above all columns. It was truly magnificent. I'll add some photos once I have access to a computer for a longer time.
King Mathias Cathedral was being reconstructed also. The brightly colors tiles are made of pottery and add to the charm authentic to Hungarian type style.
Hungary was ravages by various evasions over 30 times over the past 50-60 years. We heard the animosity in the voice of our guide that she suffered as a child and her parents endured many times over. The Soviets killed over 2 million Hungarians from 1944 - 1989. Families belonged to the secret police. Their children are reaping the benefits of the graft that was passed so many years ago. When the German's left and the Russian's came in to help the Hungarians, the Hungarian Jews embraced the Communists (now called Socialists). There was a lot of money exchanged hands during the war for a variety of reasons. Over the years this money grew into an empire from many at the costs of freedom for the others. A small group of a few people have control of the economic banks, insurance companies and other business enterprises for years. Regular people are at the mercy of these folks even though this is a democracy. These powerful folks are untouchable according to our guide. There is a law passed recently that does not allow anything to be said about Jewish people or Hungarian citizens will be taken to prison. Soros is the guy who really has the power in the country though now. He lives in the US and a great friend of Obama - Yikes.!.
On a lighter note - Did you know that Funiculars were built to carry fat and heavy general to their palaces on top of the hill? They are pretty good for fat Americans also.
There is a question about the Lion statues around the community of Budapest. Youngsters climb up to see if they really have tongues. I peeked and didn't really see a tongue, but the bus was going pretty fast.
Another interesting tidbit from our guide is about Franz Liszt. He was quite a handsome man at the time and it is said he had over 1,000 lovers. Busy guy.
There are 2 million Hungarians living in Budapest. There are 700,000 Hungarians that live in Cleveland.
Afternoon of leisure included a walk through a two story enclosed market; crafts and food on the top floor, vegetable/fruit and meats on the first floor. I had the most delicious bean soup (butter beans) with a generous scoop of broth, potatoes and tomatoes on top. Stan had stuffed cabbage rolls, sauerkraut and meat chunks. Yummo.
We had an interesting dinner at a restaurant high on the hills of Budapest. The bus could barely make it around the hairpin turns on the one lane steep roads. We were greeted to some sweet wine in cute little porcelain jugs. A guy was cracking a whip in the air. Some of our group tried it, but not much whipping resulted.
We started off with Hungarian Goulash soup and then heaping platters of food including potatoes, garlic noodles, rice, vegetables and tons of meats, schnitzel prepared veal, chicken, roast pork. It was more then we could eat. Dessert was some kind of thinly layered cake topped with whip cream. Wow.!. We have enough food for two weeks instead of one.
The entertainment was the top of the evening. A dulcimer is piano type instrument with the keys missing. Two small mallets are used to hit each string and make the music. It is interesting when played with skill. A violin, viola and bass compliment the music. Then the dancer came out with such rapid dancing I thought my head would spin. Great time and good music.
One of these girls was such a joy to watch as she could dance with the fastest feet ever.
Itinerary - Seems we saw most of it
WED, SEPTEMBER 01 – BUDAPEST
Half-day tour of Budapest: Tour to include: Heroes Square, Millenary Monument, Vajdahunyad Castle, Andrássy Boulevard, State Opera House, Basilica – interior visit, Parliament-interiors, view from Gellért hill, Castle district, Matthias Church-interior visit, Fishermen's Bastion-interior visit, Margaret Island. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner with folklore at a local restaurant .The Courtyard House is 20 minutes from the heart of the city is on the top of the Hármashatár mountain, offers you perfect relaxation and unique experience. Here revives the peace and hospitality of the ancient noble manors. You can enjoy the silence of nature and can take delight in the magnificent panorama from the terrace. All the bridges of Budapest are visible from this very place. The Rosetrellis restaurant that has a full panorama.
Overnight in Budapest. ( B , D )
VIENNA – BRATISLAVA - BUDAPEST 8-31-2010
8-31-2010 Brateislava Slovakia
It was driving rain and wind driving to the quaint town of Bratislava Slovakia. I braved it with a few of my bus-mates to view this charming village. On a better day it would have been fun to have a cup of tea at one of their many outdoor cafes or to shop in their cute stores. No time today. Must walk fast to get out of the rain and keep up on these winding street of this little village.
Then several of musicians came around our tables to play requests.
We ate dinner was chicken with paprika sauce traditional for the area. Dessert was cheese cake between tender flake crust. Don't drink water with gas it can create an amazing nightmere up and down your throat.
Here is a sampling of some the great music we heard from the gypsy chamber orchestra. A piano sized dulcimer, contra bass, viola, violin and of course the maestro on the violin played great classical and also folk tunes.
TUE, AUGUST 31 - VIENNA – BRATISLAVA - BUDAPEST
After breakfast we depart from Vienna and travel to Bratislava. The main features we will see are the
Old Town and the Castle, After which we will have time for light lunch or snack before continuing to Budapest where we will arrive in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight in Budapest. ( B , D )
It was driving rain and wind driving to the quaint town of Bratislava Slovakia. I braved it with a few of my bus-mates to view this charming village. On a better day it would have been fun to have a cup of tea at one of their many outdoor cafes or to shop in their cute stores. No time today. Must walk fast to get out of the rain and keep up on these winding street of this little village.
Then several of musicians came around our tables to play requests.
We ate dinner was chicken with paprika sauce traditional for the area. Dessert was cheese cake between tender flake crust. Don't drink water with gas it can create an amazing nightmere up and down your throat.
Here is a sampling of some the great music we heard from the gypsy chamber orchestra. A piano sized dulcimer, contra bass, viola, violin and of course the maestro on the violin played great classical and also folk tunes.
TUE, AUGUST 31 - VIENNA – BRATISLAVA - BUDAPEST
After breakfast we depart from Vienna and travel to Bratislava. The main features we will see are the
Old Town and the Castle, After which we will have time for light lunch or snack before continuing to Budapest where we will arrive in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight in Budapest. ( B , D )
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