Today’s free day in Krakow was a much needed respite from the heaviness we experienced over the past week. After morning reflection and collaboration sessions with our peers, each person was free to explore the city as he or she pleased. Immediately following the morning session, lunch was on our own. Despite the blazing 95 degree heat, a small group of us walked a few minutes out of our hotel to visit the site of Okar Schindler’s famous Factory. Tickets were sold out for the day, but we simply wanted to be in the presence of the famous site. Lunch followed at a nearby restaurant, filled with delicious pizzas, burgers, and pasta.
At 3, many in the larger group traveled to Old Town Krakow for an optional guided tour. We began with a visit to Wawel Hill and the Wawel Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The height provided a beautiful vantage point over the entire city. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable about the city, explaining many of its intricacies as we walked. When we reached the top of Wawel Hill, the group explored the Royal Cathedral of St. Stanislaus, where much of Poland’s royalty are laid to rest. This is also the city where Pope St. John Paul II, as Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, was Bishop. Catholics on the tour, especially those of Polish ancestry, spent significant time in a side chapel holding a first class relic of the saint. Our guide then took us towards the Castle’s courtyard, telling the legend of the Wawel Dragon, before leading us on towards the city.
After leaving Wawel Hill, the group traveled to one of the world’s oldest universities, Jagiellonian University, to watch its famous musical clock. From there, we traveled to Krakow’s Main Market Square, where our guide again provided us with detailed information regarding the history and unique facts of the square itself. Following the tour, participants were free to spend the rest of the evening at their leisure. I and many others shopped for local Polish artisan works and souvenirs in the market, while others explored the Old Town for food options.
While the learning experiences we as a group have been fruitful towards their goals and have opened the eyes and hearts of many participants, the light-hearted free day was much needed for all, and granted many the chance to encounter moments that will surely remain a singular and once-in-a-lifetime occurrence for them. I personally am grateful for the CWB Organizers and Staff for the free time to explore an absolute jewel of Europe.
