After a couple of days looking around Warsaw, we have decide to move on to Krakow a little earlier than expected. There are two reasons for this. Firstly we want to visit Auschwitz before we go to Prague and secondly Warsaw is nice, but I guess it would be a whole lot better if you knew a 'local'.
Although I had thought Poland would appear more repressed and poor than it does,
I must admit Warsaw is rather bleak looking. The city is very gray (the buildings that is) and coupled with the weather we are currently experiencing, I can see why the people in this city don't seem to smile a whole lot. That said I have found the people here to be very friendly and helpful. The hospitality in the hostel has been great. It really does feel like a home away from home. There are few hostels where the staff actually take the time to talk with you and when you do arrive back late after dinner; offer to make you a warm drink while you relax on the sofa. It didn't stop there however; despite that gruff Eastern European conversational approach the people we have met so far are generally warm and helpful despite the language barriers.
Over the last couple of days we have had a walk through the Old Town and the Old Warsaw Ghetto (pictured). This area obviously has turbulent past, which is now hidden by the large cobble stoned square which is surrounded by (surprisingly) colourful bars, cafes and restaurants. It's the part of town you would probably expect to be potentially the most depressive looking, however it's colourful exterior hides the torment of it's past.
The hostel we're staying in currently has another hostel in Krakow. They've organised a room for us and all that is left is to buy our tickets and take the train. Warsaw has been an interesting place to visit, although it hasn't left me wanting to race back here for another visit.
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