Last day in High Tatras region
Jane woke me up at 7.30am close to tears (pain, soreness, apprehension,.. not joy), to tell me it was time to do our ten hour mega-hike. Having decided we should probably skip it, we went for coffee, chilled out and decided to walk 1km down the road to some caves.
10km later, we still hadn't reached them and it was pouring. We gave up.
We went to the lake at the other end of the mountains for dinner, not realising it was an hour and ten minute trip. We hurriedly ate, jumped on the last train back, only to find that it went only half way. We ended up 6km from home at 11pm, and found all the bars and restaurants closed. We finally managed to beg someone to call us a taxi.
On the plus side, I found a special 'no Rolf Harris' zone, but worryingly, also a 'Rolf Harris' zone.
Travel day
We set off by bus to Zakopane in Southern Poland, got another bus to Krakow, and finally arrived at our hotel. The first thing the desk clerk said was "I have charged your account already for the entire booking, so there is nothing you can do. You are in a twin room" I was 80pc sure we had paid for a double, but needed to confirm, and Krakow awaited.
We went to Schindler's factory (loads of information, but about neither the man nor factory), and then happened upon a great Jewish restaurant and tried a load of stuff. Dumpling filled with cheese, ham, and yummyness were Jane's favourite. I liked the beef and cinnamon soup.
First full day of Krakow
Having now confirmed that we were not in the room we paid for (though ours had the benefit of a smokey smell, paper-thin walls, loud neighbours, and used tolietries), I started complaining to the rude desk clerk and his intimidating doorman...and then booking.com with whom we have done all reservations.
Booking.com gave us the money back for the three following days, half the money for the night we had spent there, and suggested we try another place they had that was much nicer across town.
Having moved hotel, to what seems now like a galaxy of stars from the first, we went to the world famous salt mines near Krakow. It was good, but was too salty.
Floors, walls, statues, chandeliers....all salt. After 2 hours at 110m below the ground, and a 5d movie (?), we emerged via a proper mining lift, which was probably the best thing about the whole trip.
Final thing to mention... After heading back to Krakow we joined a 30 minute queue for what turned out to be the best ice cream ever. Though since Jane doesn't like this particular dessert, she wasn't impressed.
Chris
(Krakow, Poland)
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