Kraków

Day One: Jul 10, 2023

Our trip to Kraków was special for many reasons—it was the first time we set out to vlog our travel experiences. Armed with a selfie stick and an old phone Bobby had at the time, we were excited but a bit nervous about starting our journey into travel vlogging. The flight itself came with some unexpected surprises, as two kids seated behind us were a bit of a handful. However, after landing, we met the family outside the airport and realised how wrong we were to misjudge them. The kids were smart, friendly, and on their way to Kiev amidst tensions, hoping to reunite with their family. It’s a moment we often reflect on, hoping they’re safe and doing well.

Our time in Kraków also brought us an inspiring encounter with a blind astronomer, who was in town for work. We happened to be on the same bus and helped him find his way to his destination. His resilience and success despite his blindness were truly motivating. After checking into our hotel, the Hotel Europejski, we unpacked and made our way to the lively city centre, which was just a 10-minute walk away. Despite it being midnight, the city was buzzing with energy, and we treated ourselves to a McDonald's and a traditional Zapiekanka (pizza baguette). While the night was mostly enjoyable, we did notice someone acting suspiciously near us, so we decided to head back to the hotel around 1:00 AM to call it a night!

Day Two: Jul 11, 2023

On the day we planned to visit Oświęcim, we made the most of our morning by exploring the historic beauty of Kraków. Our first stop was the magnificent Wawel Castle, a symbol of Polish heritage and one of the country’s most important cultural landmarks. Wandering through its impressive grounds, we marvelled at the stunning architecture and rich history surrounding us. The castle’s hilltop location offered breathtaking views of the Vistula River and the city below, making it a perfect spot for capturing memories and soaking in the atmosphere.

After our visit to the castle, we strolled through the lively Main Square, the heart of Kraków. Surrounded by charming buildings and bustling cafés, the square was alive with energy. We took the time to admire the iconic St. Mary's Basilica and the Cloth Hall, soaking in the vibrant culture that defines this city. As we wandered, we couldn’t resist sampling some local pastries and street food, which added to the delight of our morning.

With our hearts full of Kraków’s charm and history, we headed to Oświęcim in the afternoon, ready to delve deeper into a significant chapter of Polish history. The transition from the vibrant life of Kraków to the solemnity of Oświęcim was a poignant reminder of the diverse experiences this region has to offer.

You can read about the trip to Oświęcim here.

Day Three: Jul 12, 2023

On our third day in Kraków, we set out to explore the vibrant city and immerse ourselves in its rich culture. Our first stop was a traditional milk bar, a beloved staple of Polish cuisine known for its affordable and hearty meals. We indulged in classic dishes, enjoying the comforting flavors that brought us a taste of local life. The milk bar atmosphere was lively and welcoming, providing us with a glimpse into the daily routines of the locals.

After savouring our meal, we continued our adventure by visiting the Kraków Zoo. Nestled within picturesque landscapes, the zoo offered a delightful escape into nature. We wandered through the various exhibits, admiring the diverse array of animals and learning about their habitats. It was refreshing to see such well-cared-for wildlife, and our time at the zoo was a perfect complement to our cultural exploration of Kraków.

Later that evening, we embarked on a food tour at the Judah Food Market, where the aromas and flavours of local cuisine came to life. The market was bustling with energy, and we sampled a variety of delicious dishes, from savoury street food to sweet treats. The vibrant atmosphere and the chance to interact with local vendors added an exciting dimension to our culinary adventure. With a mix of culinary delights and animal encounters, our second day in Kraków was a wonderful balance of experiences that deepened our appreciation for this beautiful city.

Day Four: Jul 13, 2023

As our time in Kraków came to an end, we took the train back to the airport, filled with memories from our adventure. On the train, we met some lovely travellers from Bahrain who shared stories about their beautiful country. We struck up a friendly conversation and vowed to visit Bahrain one day, intrigued by their recommendations and the warmth of their hospitality. It’s always amazing how travel connects us with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Reflecting on our first experience vlogging, we recognized that while the quality of our footage may not have been the best, it served as a catalyst for our passion for travel. This trip inspired us to book more adventures and invest in a better camera to capture our journeys. Since then, we have returned to filming in the more raw travel vlog style that we initially embraced on this trip. We found joy in showcasing the genuine experiences of our travels, and we have started to emulate this approach in our most recent vlogs.

As we boarded our flight home, we felt grateful for the moments we had captured and the friendships we had formed. Our journey in Kraków not only enriched our travel experiences but also ignited a renewed passion for sharing our adventures through vlogging. We look forward to exploring more destinations and continuing to connect with incredible people along the way.

We loved Poland so much that we returned again almost a year later to capture better footage as we had invested in better equipment after this trip when we visited Croatia, you can read about our journey to Croatia here, or you can read about our return to Poland where we visited Bydgoszcz from here.