Last Friday I went to Krakow for a solo weekend of soul-restoration. I try to head off for a weekend alone a few times each year—it’s good for my spirit and always gives me new ideas and inspiration. Although Sopot is lovely, it is a small town and the pace is slow. I miss being in a city and having access to those things cities offer: Museums, culture and that undefinable city energy. So off I went to Krakow, the second-largest city in Poland and one with relatively little damage from the war. (By “relatively”, I mean about 65% of it was destroyed…compared to Warsaw’s 85%.)
One thing you’ll notice about the older parts of Krakow–or indeed, Sopot–is that while many of the buildings have survived and have people living in them, they still ache for a little restoration. I imagine it’s simply a case of having enough money. There’s something still so lovely about these places…just look at the wrought-iron balconies, for example, and the stone detail above the windows. Beautiful.
Just think: What stories could these buildings share?
Happy Friday!
Love, love, love this picture. I can see how a little sojourn here could rejuvenate your soul. Wouldn’t you love to have wander around the rooms!
i <3 your photo, my parents grew up in poland, actually mom was born June 6th 1944. Grandma use to tell me lots of stories. The one that hit me the most was they had to hide my mom in the floor boards because when the german troops came thru the houses they killed all babies …weather Jewish or polish. So true what you said, we dont know what happen behind those walls and I am sure there are many interesting stories
Elizabeth, that’s an amazing story and you’re lucky that your grandmother told you…many times, people who lived through that awful period (or others like it) don’t like to talk about it. I’m always overwhelmed by the day-to-day courage from everyday people who had to live and survive through such terrible things. I can’t imagine hiding a baby and hoping that she wouldn’t cry out.
Thank you for sharing your story.