Krakow Welcome

Woke at 5.45 a.m. this morning in our hotel room near Bristol Airport and we were on the road at 6.45 a.m. arriving at the airport at 7.10 a.m.  We found a car parking space after a bit of exploration of the vast car parking area and we had dropped off our luggage well before 8 a.m.  After going through security, Tom and I settled ourselves in the Executive Lounge (courtesy of Airport Angels of whom we are members) and helped ourselves to complimentary drinks and nibbles.  We each also bought books in W H Smiths to read.  Our flight was slightly delayed, by only twenty minutes which was easily made up on the way to Krakow and we actually arrived twenty minutes early - how's that for great service, thanks EasyJet - a much better experience than the last time we flew from Bristol Airport with, yes you've guessed it - Ryan Air!  On our arrival at Krakow we were met we a searing 34 degrees of heat although it was much pleasanter than stepping off the plane in Nassau.  The heat was much drier with a slight breeze which doesn't make you sweat so much.  We decided to be adventurous and instead of getting a taxi to take us to the hotel we boarded a shuttle bus to the nearby station and caught a train into the central railway station in Krakow.  We had a slight worry that we would miss our train as the shuttle bus driver seemed more intent on reading his novel than getting us to connect with the train.  As it was, the train was late, he was late and the connection was perfect.  Some Polish logic there I guess.  We walked through n amazing shopping arcade - Tom said it reminded him of West Quay in Southampton - to a tram stop and caught the No. 2 tram to our hotel.  We were told we could pay on the tram but nobody seemed interested in collecting our fares.  The hotel is marvellous - right on the River Vistula.  On arrival we were upgraded to a Club Room on the top floor overlooking the river - fantastic view. We also have use of the club lounge facilities and free wi-fi  (the latter instead of a complimentary drink).  We went out for a walk this afternoon to Wawal Cathedral and Castle and into the main market square where we met a bunch of A-Level students on a trip to Eastern Europe whilst waiting for their results.  Over a beer we chatted with them, took a photograph for them and listened to the famous bugler on top of St. Mary's Church Tower.  Afterwards, we followed the tram tracks back to our hotel and enjoyed a refreshing and relaxing swim.  This evening we walked back into the Old Town and enjoyed pizza (Tom)and shish kebab (me) washed down with Fanta (Tom) and beer (me) in a kerbside cafe with trams rumbling past.  Absolutely lovely evening.  Now back in hotel writing up this blog before going to sleep.  tomorrow we have a walking tour of the Jewish Quarter and Oskar Schindler's factory and museum.  We need to be at a hotel in the Jewish Quarter at 10 a.m. so intend to get up reasonably early and then find somewhere for breakfast on the way.  A busy but enjoyable day - plenty of walking according to my pedometer - earning me 9 WW points.