Fall always drives me to do two things – buy a new coat and carb-load. The newly felt chill in the air makes me want to get cozy – both in and outdoors. So this October, I took my autumnal habits abroad to Poland, where the air is crisp and the pierogis are plentiful. Being American and of part Polish decent, I’ve been itching to visit this country for years. Rich in history, culture, and cafes, Krakow called to me, along with a new parka.
Before my trip I stopped by my local Jigsaw shop to check out the new fall collection. Among the cashmere knits and wool scarves, I stumbled across a navy parka with black shearling-like fleece lining. Complete with a hood with a detachable grey faux-fur trim, a drawcord waist with leather detailing, and slanted pockets for my often cold hands, I was set for Eastern Europe’s winds.
My first stop in Krakow was to my first-ever booked Airbnb. I usually opt for a hotel, as I appreciate a good concierge. But for this trip I really wanted to stay in the Old Town, affordably. Located right in the middle of the city, one block from the Main Square, this duplex apartment was perfect. Equipped with a lofted bedroom and full kitchen, I lived like an urban local.
After dropping off my bags, I headed to the famous Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz). Once a hub to the city’s Jewish communities, it now exists as a bohemian neighbourhood, filled with historical synagogues, street food vendors, and cool cafes that take you back in time.
Craving a complex carb lunch, I walked through Plac Nowy (New Square). This used to be the quarter’s main marketplace. Among the many booths exists a rotunda of food vendors, selling ice cream, pizzas, and the best pierogis in town. With a full menu of savoury and sweet options, I indulged in the ultimate comfort food, Russe-style (potato and onion) pierogis.
Later I stumbled across the cutest café, Once Upon A Time. After peering into its dimmed windows, I entered the warm space and was immediately transported back to the 19th century. Illuminated by candles, its turquoise walls displayed gilded tshatshkes (that’s Yiddish for kick-knacks), while patrons dined at reclaimed wooden tables made from old garment machines. There I ordered the cheesecake (a local fav) and a glass of sweet white wine.
Then I headed back to the Main Square, which is on the UNESCO site list for being one of the most beautiful in Europe. It was filled with all the usual suspects – from horse-drawn carriages to flower vendors to street performers to pigeons. So I parka’d* it at an outdoor café, where I sipped an espresso while overlooking the square’s beautiful buildings and buzzy atmosphere.
*do you see what I did there?
Thirsty for more fun I visited Wodka Bar, an intimate spot where I indulged in a warming vodka tasting flight. And then on to a disco where I got my polka on… naturally in my parka.
All subsequent pictures have been purposefully omitted from this section ; )
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