Krakow, Poland (day 3)

Prior to setting off on our trip to Krakow we both suffered chest infections. Angela is still coughing now three weeks on. This morning she stumbled into the bathroom for yet another bout of coughing and nose blowing. Too lazy, or perhaps too cost conscious she didn't bother switching the light on. A few minutes later the bathroom resembled a crime scene. Blood on the floor, in the wash hand basin and on the white, yes white towel, fortunately not too much. Yesterday evening she'd managed to drop chocolate on the white duvet cover. Goodness knows what the housekeeping team would think. And what is it with hotels and white towels and linen? Hardly practical is it?  We were a few minutes later arriving for breakfast than yesterday. The hotel seemed busier this morning, especially with young families. The problem with a buffet style breakfast is the, we've paid for it, so we're having it attitude. Plates piled with cold meat and bread adorned many of the tables, most of which wasn't touched. What a waste. We both had the same idea, if this type of behavior was allowed, and nobody did anything to curtail it, then a few rolls and some cheese wouldn't be missed. That was lunch sorted. If you can't beat them, join them. 

For the first time since we arrived the sun made an appearance. The forecast for the next two days is very good, and our new very warm gloves and hats won't be required. But before venturing out we booked an excursion to the Wieliczka Salt Mine for Friday. So that should be fun. The only downside, we'll need to be up early, the transport leaves just after nine. Today we planned to walk down to Wawel Royal Castle, dating back to the 14th century. What a place, grand and imposing standing on a rocky outcrop overlooking the river Vistula.

We walked around the grounds, marvelled at the architecture, checked out the Wawel dragon, a bronze statue standing 660 cm high.

Then stopped at the cathedral where we talked to the guide about the three bones from a mammoth, hippopotamus and whale from the end of the ice age that hung to one side of the cathedrals main entrance.

Myth says, if they fall from the chains that hold them up, the world will end. The last time they fell was the the day before world war two began!

The daylight hours are short here, and as we sat drinking hot drinks at the Christmas market the sky began to resemble burning coals in a grate. Our companions were a young English couple, she was a physiotherapist at Bournemouth hospital. Small world. This evening we have booked a table at a Thai restaurant just a stones throw from our hotel.

Most of the restaurants here seem to serve traditional polish cuisine, Indian, Chinese and Thai restaurants are very few. However Thai  massage is prevalent, hidden down many of the side passages we pass when out walking. Let's hope the restaurant isn't just a cover. Mind you after so much walking, a massage might be just the tonic for our aching hips. Becoming old, isn't for the faint hearted.