A Walk Through Old Town [Kraków]

Top [SheIn] Cardigan [J.O.A....last year...new version here]. Pants [Zara]. Booties [Lucky Brand]. Scarf [ASOS]. Necklace [Baublebar]. Sunnies [Celine]. Handbag [RM]

   Hello friends!  I'm back from my travels & now its time for some photos & stories!  I had attempted to post while I was in Europe about my day to day activities & sights....however, when you drink a little bit too much Polish vodka with friends & family, it becomes a wee bit difficult to accomplish posting.  I was happy enough I stuck to my goal of running every other day!  #weddinggoals.

  I was very grateful that we were able to go on this trip.  Wedding planning gets a bit expensive, lol.  We decided to make this trip more chill by going to places that were close, & didn't require too much traveling or new sight-seeing.  But, it doesn't seem to matter if you've been there before, because these places are so old & grand, that there's always something new to see!  On another note, its so fun for me to go to Poland because its become like a second home to me.  This is my fifth year going with the Polish man, & last year was the 1st year I could actually read the signs, & understand more.  Its crazy to think that you can go somewhere & not understand anything around you because the language is so different than English or Spanish.  Its eye-opening once you can read everything.  I feel like a child learning to read...but that was so long ago, I can't even remember that feeling.  Ha.  This year, though, I not only could read, I could communicate & understand 90% of every conversation around me.  It was freaking awesome!  Thus, why I made the commitment to go running  through the cities.  I know my way around by now & was able to go into the market on my own & order food, etc.  I can't explain what a cool experience that was for me this year!  And, I KNOW that it was amazing for the Polish man because he didn't have to translate 24/7. Lol.  

  Luju Euro trip always begins in Kraków.  For those of you who don't know, Kraków was the capital of Poland until 1596.  And, for a country thats been around since 966 AD, thats a loooong time.  Its considered the Royal City, as Wawel is the site of the coronation & burial of the monarchs.  We always stay in an apartment in the Stare Miasto (the city square).  There's something magical about opening our windows to people watch & hear the trumpet call that plays from St. Mary's Basilica every hour.  And, everything we want to see is simply a walk away from our location, including Wawel Royal Castle.  Yes, you've definitely seen this castle before on my blog, but it never gets boring.  The big beautiful gold dome, the bell tower, the powerful architecture...I wish I had enough time to soak in the detail in every brick...but, thats what makes it great being able to go back every year!  I always spy something new!

  Hope you enjoy the photos, there will be more to come over the next week!  Happy Monday!  

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Morskie Oko Lake

Tee [Zara].  Leggings [Hurley+Nike].  Sweater [Zara].  Shoes [Nike]. Cowl Scarf [GAP].  Sunnies [Dolce & Gabbana].  Backpack [Herschel Supply Co.] // The Polish Man: Tee [Riot Society].  Jeans [Levi's 501].  Hoodie [Hurley].  Sneakers [Diesel].  Hat [Hurley].  Backpack [Quiksilver].

  

         Hello friends!  Happy Sunday.  Browsing amongst the hundreds of photos I have makes me wish I was there today.  'There' is in the beautiful Tatra Mountain range that is the natural border between Poland & Slovakia.  We were still in the winter town of Zakopane, but now at the breath-taking lake nestled deep in the mountains.  This lake is called Morskie Oko.
      If I could narrate the photos, it would start with this…we started our 5 mile walk up the mountain with backpacks full of water, snacks & warmer clothes.  And, our Canon of course.  Never leave home without that bad boy.  Maybe a few Żywiec…but who's judging?  Cracking open a refreshing beer every couple of miles is ok!  As we made our way further up the mountain, the air became cooler & we found ourselves no longer on the road, but walking upon the man-made steps of stone amidst the spruce & mountain pine.  (Think Christmas trees & tall skinny trees.)  We finally reached a flat landing where the horse carriages were dropping people off…false alarm.  We weren't there yet!  Now walking on a very steep paved road, we hustled to get to the top.  And there it was.  The most beautiful crystal clear turquoise water surrounded by mountains.  The feelings of accomplishment & awe just rushed at me as I stared at this astonishing sight.  
    One lonely restaurant lies at the top where you can get a refreshing piwo & warm Polish barszcz.  The walls are lined with pictures of Górals from years back who have made this climb.  Most of these photos are of Pope John Paul II making the climb to Morskie Oko since His early 20's.  Bet you didn't know that He is was born right outside Zakopane!  Some hikers travel from around the world to make this hike, not only for its natural beauty, but for the spiritual journey.  Morskie Oko, means 'Eye of the Sea,' from its legend that its connected to the Baltic Sea via an underground passage.  It is recognized as one of the five most beautiful lakes in the world.  And, I'm more than happy to have made the journey there twice in my lifetime.  Trust me, it definitely won't be the last!
   

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Photo Diary of Europe: Kraków

 Sweater: Kirra (similar ombre version here)...Scarf: F21...Leggings: Forever 21...Sunnies: Tom Ford...Sneakers: Ash...& Hobo: Rebecca Minkoff.
***All food Images: Chłopskie Jadło Restauracje.

           Cześć!  I'm back from my travels in Europe.  Yes, I could have posted while I was traveling, but  I decided to stay away from the computer & take in every minute soaking in my surroundings.  For the few weeks left in October, rather than telling ghoulish tales & making ghastly monster brownie recipes, I shall be re-living my journey of the four countries I visited through photo diaries.
        As many of you know, I'm a huge history nerd.  So in addition to my photos, I will gladly be educating everyone with stories from the past.  (You are more than welcome to simply visit MBB for the photos, it won't hurt my feelings.)
      This beautiful location is one of my personal favs.  For a second time visiting Kraków, I have to say it was just as magnificent as the first.  This particular area is the Main Market Square of the Kraków Old Town.  It is full of life, open-air markets, beautiful architecture & art.  The main building seen in four different photos is the Sukiennice. (See 1st photo.)  This area prospered during the Renaissance in Poland.  The 15th century to the 16th century was Poland's Golden Age.  Sukiennice literally means 'Drapers Hall' or 'Cloth Hall.'  International trade & commerce flourished here.  Through Polish exports such as salt & textiles combined with exotic Eastern imports such as silks & spices, merchants traveled from all over Europe to barter in Kraków's Sukiennice.  If only the walls could talk...imagine the stories they would tell!  
      Another splendid part about visiting a different country is tasting the local cuisine.  Some of my personal favorite food from Kraków is pictured above from the popular restaurant Chłopskie Jadło: Polish pierogi, żurek & smalec.  There's really nothing better than hot soup to warm you up on a cold day.  Of course, the Polish man's beverage of choice to wash these down was a brewski- Piwo grzane z konfiturą, a hot beer with fresh jam & spices!  I opted for grzane wino, a traditional warm Polish red wine with spices.  Mmmm...wish I could be sipping on some right now, but its a little too hot in Florida for that.    
   

   

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