May 24, 2009- Krakow Day 1

After the train ride from hell and a terrible night's sleep, we finally arrived in Krakow. We went on a bus/walking tour of the city and visited Schindler's factory, Wawel castle and the Jewish Quarter. Schindler's factory was pretty cool but there wasn't much there. We saw things from the movie "Schindler's List" but the factories were pretty much empty. They are building a museum there due to the increase in American tourists (due to the movie's release in 1993) so soon, people will be able to go up into his office and other rooms. Wawell Castle was really pretty. There wer various styles of architecture due to power shifts and a fire so I thought it was interesting to see the differences between rulers. The Jewish Quarter and the Krakow Ghetto were really different. There was a memorial for the Jews who resided there during the war which consisted of at least 20 empty chairs place throughout the main square. There were authentic Jewish restaurants and we saw the only synogogue that is active in Krakow. After the tour, we had free time so Joy and I roamed around the central square. We saw street performers and went to the marketplace before getting a quick drink and rest in a cafe. When we met up with the group, we went to our hotel, ate dinner and got ready for the night.