Musings of an Ukraine Traveler

On January 1, the Tak Girls (Alice, Wini and I) joined group 25 PCV Sherry Williams on our last out of country trip to Krakow Poland. Except for the first night we stayed in a lovely apartment, a short bus ride from the city center.	The heart of the city is Stare Miasto, the old Town. From the center one can reach the train station, Wawel Hill, and many other historic colleges, museums and galleries.
Although there was a light drizzle every day that did not keep the Poles or us away from Rynek Glowny, the largest sqaure of medieval Europe.	St Adalbert's Church is the oldest building in the square and the first chruch to be founded in Krakow. Built in the 10th century Romanesque styel, and reconstructed in the 18th on the old foundations.
The Sukiennice, rebuilt in the 1550s--a vast cloth hall topped by 16th c. attic sets in the middle of the square. In front a Polish band played for the holiday shoppers and tourists.	The old Bell Tower is all that is left of the original Town Hall. The Christmas tree is at the far end. The Poles, too celebrate the holidays through Little Christmas--January 7.
The square is cozy and the side streets lead you on to explore and know you won't get lost.	As night falls more and more people come out into the streets which are lit gently by store signs and Christmas lights. These are pedestrian streets. No cars allowed.