Krakow, Poland
From Deutschland I moved on to my final destination, Krakow, Poland to study at the Polonia Institut for next year. Upon arrival in Krakow I was instantly taken by the beauty of the old city and the scenic setting of my place of study. The Polonia Institut is an extension of the Jagellonian University which aims to put persons of Polish decent in touch with their roots. This is achieved with a curricula of Polish cultural studies centered around Polish Language, history, literature and political subjects. Most of my fellow students were at least part Polish from many countries but there were many others studuing at the Institut who were there for their own reasons .
The Polnia Institut as well as the dormitory housing is set in the forest, on a hill, overlooking the Vistula River,outside the city center, near the Krakow Zoo. What an absolutely perfect setting for study. Here you see the Zamek (castle) where some of our classes were held. This building was actually occupied by the Nazis during WWII. The main building where most of our classes were held and where we lived is right next door and out of view in this photo.
View from the Zamek.
One of the main highlights of a visit to Krakow is the Wawel Castle.
Crina Barludeanu
Crina again with Cameron Brunke now known as Cameron and Crina Brunke after their wedding in Bucharest on April 21, 2007.
Wawel Castle is the heart of Poland, it was the seat of the Polish kings for over 500 years and even after the capitol was moved to Warsaw, Wawel and Krakow maintained much of their symbolic almost magical power.
The Wawel Cathedral, a lively mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture is truely the very symbol of Poland. It's here that most all of the Polish kings were coronated and buried along with other persons of note in Polish history.
The Florian gate is all that remains of the 7 original gates and walls which once protected the city from invasions by the Turks and Tartars. Now the old town is surrounded by the Planty, a park which traces the outlines of the original defensive structures.
The town hall tower is all that's left of the 15th century city hall. There is a great bar in the basement below and a branch of the historical museum above.
The Rynek, or town square with the Sukieniece or Cloth Hall in the center.
The arcades of the Sukieniece
Our bench in the Rynek.
We spent a lot of time on these benches.
Ewa Rozwadowska
Przemyslaw Mroz
Giorgus Georgiu
Lunch with wine and piwo (beer) was our usual activity.
Definitely a lot of time on this bench in the spring time.
My favorite pub, U Luisa just off the town square. Krakow is famous for its pubs which are virtually full all winter long with the local student population.
The Mariacki Church
Church of the Holy Cross
The colors of the city of Krakow and Pope Jan Pawel (John Paul) who is from Krakow and happened to visit the city while I was there.
A photo of Pope John Paul as he passed through the city of Krakow.
My girlfriend at the time Beata Malecka and her family invited me to go to see Jan Pawel give mass and speak before thousands at Woijnia. Unfortunately he was ill on that day and it rained the whole morning so he never made an appearance. But as a consolation I saw him as he passed through Krakow while Beata was actually waiting for me at our bench. I have never felt right about that afternoon, sorry Beata I always wished you were with me at that moment.
I can't remember the name of this church in Kazmierz but I attended services here on Easter Sunday.
My roommate Jorgos from Cypress
Spring time in the country side with Margozata Tatar and family. I taught English for Margozata at the Word English School. What a great job!! Ploish kids are really respectful to authority figures.
