Back in Krakow

Watch Out Ania!!
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Once again I am back in Krakow. Before I returned I stopped off in Warsaw for the day. I had two main goals to accomplish when I was there. The first was to visit the national stadium which has been turned into a large flea market. I think it has lost some of its luster since I read about it. It had mostly women’s clothes and knockoff shoes. It was still interesting to see the people and the different things they had. My next stop was to visit the Technology University of Warsaw to see about their MBA program. I heard good things about the program so I decided to check it out. After talking to them it has everything I want from an MBA but I need to have a master’s degree to start there and write a thesis. I was trying to understand that because it’s different in the American system. But most students in Poland take 5 years and get a master’s degree. Since our systems are different I would need to complete a thesis.

Wawel Castle from afar
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A few weekends ago Ania took me to some places just outside Krakow to visit. The first place we visited was an old rock quarry. There are some great views of the city there. The second stop was a mound on top of a hill. The mound was created many centuries ago by pagans. I found it interesting that there was a giant cross at the base of the mound. We got to the top and it was hard to see much do to the haze but we could see the airport and it was cool watching the planes take off. The next day we visited a castle. It had an interesting museum with all different kind of art work and furniture. Near the castle was some interesting rock formations but I don’t really know too much about them.

We visited the dragon and he end up breathing fire at us.

Different Castle in a Valley
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That night we went out with some of ania’s friends for drinks. They took me to a bar that I doubt any tourist could find. It was down a hallway and had only a tiny sign. We walked down some stairs and we were in a very old cellar/basement of Krakow. It was a really cool atmosphere to enjoy some polish beer. Then we walked around the Wawel castle because it lights up nice at night. We visited the dragon and he end up breathing fire at us.

Again I visited Wawel Castle to see one of the exhibits. I went up the old bell tower and saw the five large bells. The largest is about 8ft tall, legend says its sound can split the rain clouds and bring out the sun. Then I visited the tombs of former king’s of Poland and other famous people. I also got a special treat when I walked in the cathedral. There was some kind of service going on and the man who was leading it was the archbishop of Krakow. He was the right hand man of the pope during his whole time he was there.

Pagan Mound
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This weekend I hope to visit the church in the middle of town square. Also Ania and I are going to Istebna which is her mountain cabin. We will visit Cieszyn which is this old medieval town that I hear is very nice. I will have many pictures of there. Then I may be heading to Prague to meet up with Matt and Doug. Hope everyone is enjoying their summer as much as me.  Many more pics added: http://photos.yahoo.com/moose127