Apr 30—Bugles, baguettes, 
and a knight to remember

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Ania, our local guide, takes us back to Rynek Główny, in the glow of morning light.

We meandered past the storied Jagiellonian University, paused into the coolness

of the Planty—where medieval walls were traded for a green ribbon circling the Old Town—

then climbed up to the historic castle district, where Wawel Castle and Cathedral stand proud.​ The highlight? The 14th century bedazzled St. Mary’s Basilica, a brick gothic church next  to the main square. Here, at the top of the hour, a haunting bugle call echoes a 13th‑century hero, cut short by an arrow, and still played in his honor.

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At lunchtime we keyed into local life at Bar Mleczny Górnik: retro, no frills, wallet-friendly traditional fare—definitely a one-time plunge. And just for laughs, Mark donned medieval garb in the square—our “knight” earned more euros than our crowns were worth!​

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​This afternoon, we descended into the fascinating Rynek Underground Museum—a 700-year-old medieval market below the main square, complete with excavated stalls, foundations, cobblestones, and interactive holograms that bring Old Town to life.​ After resurfacing, we wandered to Kazimierz’s Plac Nowy—the Jewish Quarter—and queued up at the octagonal zapiekanka kiosks—choosing the busiest window was a no-brainer. Zapiekankas are open‑face baguettes and a beloved Polish street treat since the 70s—and yes, crowds know best!

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Digging history, devouring street food, living our best local lives— 🩵 M & B​​