Hi Gram!
Rain is forecast for today, so my plan was to get up early and get in a walk before the rain started. I was still restless last night, but once I fell asleep, I slept hard enough to sleep through my alarm. I got up around 8:30, got dressed, and headed out to walk. I had learned before coming here but forgot until this morning that there’s a park/ pedestrian path that circles the city where city walls used to be. The walls were crumbling and not effective against modern weapons by the early 1800’s. The walls were demolished and used to fill the moat, creating first a promenade, then evolving to become a public park, or ring of gardens technically, where statues can be found along with markers of where the old walls and gates stood. It forms a beautiful walking path that rings old Krakow, so I set out and followed the path.

It passes next to the train station with a few staircases, so I stopped each round and got in some stairs too. I envy the locals who have this peaceful garden scape literally surrounding the city. I saw people walking, biking, roller blading, and a few of those irritating electric rental scooters that people suspend their manners and brains while they ride. I’d tried pierogi twice already, but something else that I’ve seen a lot were vendors selling pretzels and dough rings. So I stopped at one of the carts near the train station and sampled a pretzel with white chocolate and coconut as I continued my walk. It was good; not something I would eat often but a nice treat. I kept thinking about how lucky I am to be able to explore new places, have new experiences, and enjoy life so much. It made for a very enjoyable walk.

The clouds kept threatening rain, so as I got to the furthest point on the ring, I turned inwards so I could take a different route back to the apartment. I wandered through a large town square, past a few cute shops, ducking into a covered entryway briefly to get my umbrella ready. A waiter from the restaurant approached, hoping to seat a new patron, but I held up my umbrella and pointed down the sidewalk. We both smiled at the silent conversation, then I continued on my way. I got back to the apartment and took off my shoes just as I heard the rain pick up. I was glad to be safely in where it was dry. Most of the day was just life admin kind of things. Sorted through photos, worked on the computer, made phone calls. I headed out for a small bite to eat for dinner, packed my bags, and went to bed.