"Albeit the Polish were a wee-bit cold and unfriendly, Krakow, the Polish Jerusalem, reintroduced me to myself; Auschwitz concentration camps stripped me of my innocence while ripping my heart out, but finally, good old Warsaw put me back together again. These three encounters were my ultimate salvation.

- Lynda 'Kechy

Click Photo Below for itinerary of Krakow, Poland

                                   Krakow ~ Little Rome or Polish Jerusalem

The Spotlight's on Krakow, Poland! Have you met her? If not, lean right in to this city! 

Welcome to Poland! The country that broke my COVID-19 lockdown spell. It's August 2021. Poland urshered me in with outstretched arms and welcomed me with a very warm COVID free embrace. Albeit its citizens were unfriendly and a wee-bit ice-cold, I still harbor nothing but amazing feelings for this phenomenal country that welcomed me in - unvaccinated. There were so many cities embarked upon on this "restoration trip" to this "Safe Zone" country. Behold! Krakow! A city once called Little Rome (due to its impressive number of 138 churches) or Polish Jerusalem (because of the once-thriving Kazimierz Jewish quarter). This southern Polish city located near the border of the Czech Republic, is known for its well-preserved medieval core, its Jewish quarter, and its Old Town which was declared the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the world. It was the official capital of Poland until 1596 and has traditionally been one of the leading centers of Polish academic, economic, cultural and artistic life.  

Krakow wasn't all Poland had to offer. There was also Hel - a lovely seaside resort town in Puck County, Pomeranian Voivodeship, in Poland. Located on the tip of the Hel Peninsula. Warsaw - This stunningly vibrant city is now officially the capital and largest city of Poland. It is rich in color and history, yet very steeped in its painful, disturbing past. This metropolis stands on the Vistula River in east-central Poland. This country never stopped giving. The likes of Gdynia, yet another lovely port city on the Baltic coast of Poland which harbors "The Destroyer" a famous ship from WWII will leave you entralled in its wake and by its past. It is also known for its modernist buildings such as the Museum of the City of Gdynia which exhibits local history.

Gdańsk on the other hand, is one the most beautiful port cities on the Baltic coast. This must see city offered many reminders of Copenhagen for me. A sheer and utter delight. At the center of Gdańsk's Main Town (Old Town), which was reconstructed after WWII, are the colorful facades of long markets, houses, shops and restaurants. You are left in a euphoric state upon arriving and leaving this very charming antidote of a city.  For quiet contemplation, complete relaxation and/or a mindful disconnect from our current world's state of affairs, head to Sopot in northern Poland. This ethereal town on the Baltic Sea is only 30 minutes from Gdynia and Gdask, which form the Tri-City metropolitan area. It is known for having the longest wooden pier that extends into the Bay of Gdask. It is also famous for its health spas, its sandy beach and its amazingly fresh seafood. 

A visit to Poland would not be complete without immerseing ones' self in the painful history of Auschwitz's concentration camps. For reflection, venture into the bowels of its uncomfortable hell. Between its solemn walls are the remnants of evil. Become enraged in the cries of its innocent ghosts, as well as the blood that was shed while hideous crimes were committed against humanity. Of the 1.3 million people sent to Auschwitz, 1.1 million died. The few that survived on liberation day in 1945 barely weighed 44 lbs (20 kg). How actual sons of men and women, human beings like you and I can harbor such waggish, black hearts, still mystifies me today. This relentless terror, this evil, this despicable deeds by the Nazi Germans must never be forgotten. All of Polands' cities have a compelling story that needs to be told, and desperately beckons for all to see.

These TE recommended cities must be added to your life or bucket list. You won't regret it. Remember to click all pictures on this page to reveal additional surprise photos or useful links. 

Cheers ~ The Travel Enthusiast.