travel with aimee

On the 21st of March we arrived in Krakow. It was a big bustling train station which was a struggle to navigate. We got some food shopping done at a grocery store and then headed to our accommodation.

We had found it on booking.com and it did not disappoint. It was our very own apartment, kitchen, TV, bathroom, balcony, dining table…everything. It felt like pure luxury. And, only £17 a night! Bargain!

22 March –

When we woke up this morning, I had set in my head that today was the day we were gonna get tattoos. We had talked about it for a while so it wasn’t completely spontaneous. I researched many places, checking reviews and finally settled on GoToHell Tattoos. We couldn’t get in till 4pm so we went for a wonder around Old Town first. It was a really cute cobbled street, filled with independent and unique shops and cafes. It reminded me of York. We walked past the Wax Museum which is a B Tech Madame Tussaud’s and met Mr Bean.

We got to GoToHell and signed our forms, sized up our transfers and soon they got to work. I went first, cuddling a frog teddy the whole way through, and the lady was amazing. I got a little coloured tinkerbell on my upper arm as I wanted to match my mum and to always have a reminder of her close to my heart. It was gorgeous. She did such a good job as I was worried at first since a lot of places said they would have to do it bigger to get a good level of detail in. Honestly, it’s perfect and I don’t regret it one bit. Ben was next and he got his motocross number ‘146’ behind his ear.

The lady who did Ben’s tattoo was just as lovely as when Ben stood up after he went super lightheaded. She gave him a little cupcake and allowed him to just sit and chill for a bit.

High on adrenaline, we then went to look around Old Town more. We saw St Mary’s Cathedral which we could go inside of. It was so impressive. We also passed many horse and carriages and little stalls everywhere. It was so cute and the sun being out made it all the better. Some street dancers began performing in the main square too so we stood and watched for while, massive smiles on our faces.

We got back to our luxury home from home and made some food before settling down and watching some Walking Dead.

23 March –

We had such a lazy day as it was rainy outside so enjoyed relaxing and letting our legs rest. Ben made us some lovely meatball pasta for our tea which we both couldn’t finish but it was nice and yummy either way.

24 March –

We had booked on to the Auschwitz visit on GetyourGuide for this day and had an early ride to get to the coach on time. We arrived at Birkenau first which we walked round freely. It was so solemn and quiet. No birds even flew over. We went into many of the dorms were people were kept and were horrified seeing the conditions for ourselves.

After, the coach took us to Auschwitz the Museum, where even more of the original buildings still stand. We saw all the shoes, hair, bags and clothes taken from them and it brought a tear to my eye. We walked in and out of a Gas chamber, read many real life stories and learnt so much while we were there. It’s such a harrowing yet necessary experience when in Krakow as seeing it for yourself is so emotional.

We got back quite late. Tired and hungry from all the walking and so had a quick tea before going to sleep.

25 March –

We wandered more around Krakow and headed up to Wawel Castle. We didn’t go in but we sat and admired the view on the wall for a while. We watched the famous Wawel dragon breathe fire (every five minutes) and strolled, hand in hand, along the river.

Krakow really was a picturesque place.

26 March

Another restful day in Krakow before leaving the next day. We relished in our flat, enjoying all its little luxuries for the final time. It was definitely the best place we have stayed in terms of accommodation.

Krakow surprised me a lot as I wasn’t sure what to expect but it wasn’t parks and old streets. That sort of aesthetic is the type I love so Krakow definitely ranks high on my list. Not only is it beautiful but there’s so much history to learn while you’re there. Don’t miss Krakow on your trip! I promise you, you won’t regret it!

MUST DO’s:

• Auschwitz day trip
• Wawel Castle and watch the dragon breathe fire
• See St Mary’s Basillica
• Wander round the Old town
• Visit all the little stalls in the square
• Try Pierogi (authentic Polish dish)
• If you want a cheap laugh, visit the Wax Museum