We are now in Krakow. We arrived here last night by train from Berlin.  The train spent many hours whisking us through the countryside past long deserted and eerie communist era factories and coal mines.

We passed many towns and villages many with concrete apartment blocks again from communist era.  Very bleak looking.

Krakow however, is absolutely beautiful.  The city dates back to the 4th century.  There is a castle on the hill, Wawel Castle and the legend of the dragon.  The city is divided in the Jewish Quarter, the Ghetto, the old town and the modern town.

The old town is surrounded by a lovely park with big shade trees.  The park is called Planty.  At the centre of the old town is the huge market square, cobble stoned and lined with cafes and restaurants brimming with people.  A large flower market in the centre next to a long building which houses many stalls selling souvenirs, t'shirts and lace.

The Basillica of St Mary towers over the square.  Every hour a bugler plays from a window at the very top of the tower some 54 metres from the ground.  The melody comes from Hungary and was used to warn of fires. There are 7 trumpeters who take turns on the hour every hour to ring the church bell and play the tune.