I was in Prague during a hostel conference when I met an American guy & his Polish/American wife
who love to play cards.  So, we did & even though I chose the game & I suggested that we play for money,
it was I that lost every penny I had.  However, he was a generous card shark by offering me one last
“double or nothing” bet.  If I were to win the next hand, he would give me all of my money back.

"If I were to lose the next hand, then I had to follow him & his wife, home to Krakow - Poland’s perfectly hidden little gem of a city, that he swore would become what Prague was suppose to be." Two weeks later, I landed in Krakow, known to many on the travelling circuit as the gateway to [ Auschwitz ]. The card shark from the conference turned out to be Nathan himself from [ Nathan's Villa Hostel ] in Krakow. Thus, my accommodation for my first month was secured. He bought me my first drink, showed me around & got me past face-control at a few discotheques  before letting me loose to explore the city on my own.

Beautiful Locals Degrees of Separation New Friends

I jumped on a [ bike tour ] for a few history lessons about Europe’s largest market square, that hosts free concerts all
throughout the summer & when [ New Year’s ] rolls around, it is filled with a sea of beautiful people & showers of champagne.
We cycled through [ The Planty ] which is a romantic little walk & garden area that surrounds the entire Old Town.  Then,
we entered Krakow’s old Jewish district of Kazimierz, housing an abundance of second hand shops, small galleries,
restaurants, [ Schindler’s Factory ] & enough low-lit pubs & beer to satisfy all your tastes.  Afterwards, I sat with a few
backpackers along the walls of [ Wawel Castle ] that rests on a hill overlooking the winding trails of the Wisla River.
The setting sun silhouetted all the Inline skaters, cyclists & young lovers holding hands. [ Next: page 2 ]

Pauza II

Nathan's Villa

Krakow Nightlife

Kazimierz

Wielopole 15

Map of Krakow

Lost in Krakow  |  Written By: Geo D. Oliver, Alaska for the Spring issue of [ Packed Magazine ]  Photographs © GEOhype, Alaska
PHOTO: The overall mixture of new & old friends coming together at the "Tej, Des & Basia" birthday party  |  Krakow, Poland