Tuesday,Wednesday and Thursday

Our last day in Krakow was relatively uneventful.We did some planning in the morning,then went shopping separately.My rule for myself is one new piece in,one old piece out with carry on packing!Success x 2 pieces.The evening was packing,then heading to the Old Town Square for a walk about and another meal in a traditional Polish restaurant.

And Vicki,you would be in heaven in Krakow ,as there are candy stores every 4 stores on the streets.

Wednesday was another long trip of travel with a train change in the middle.The front half was delayed 35 minutes(making us concerned about missing our connections) and as we entered Germany ,the Polizei boarded the train with their Kevlar vests and guns.They went from compartment to compartment checking passports.We were unsure of the trigger for the boarding.We finally reached the next station,and moving with the crowd,made our next train!

We arrived safely in Hamburg and had Euros ,so could skip new currency.Our hotel was literally across the street.After checking in,hunger drove up out for food….3 doors down for pizza and beer.In the morning we secured seats for the next leg and I finally had a brunch that was not just pastries…..vegetables and protein…..

Our destination for the day was Beatle Platz.The Beatles cut their teeth in Hamburg in a seedy side of town…casinos,exotic dancers and even a male strip club.We were able to take pictures,then head back.It was 30 in the shade,so rehydration and siesta.We had a wonderful WhatsApp video call with much of our family.Good to see all their faces and hear their voices!

We headed out in the evening after packing for the morning.We wandered a bit in the local area.WE saw a very different cultural area.It was a park with a gathering of people with many languages ,refugees and immigrants and a unique sense of displacement.A young intoxicated local expressed the displeasure of some of the population about these decisions by their government.

We returned to our neighbourhood and had a not great meal washed down with local beer.

Tomorrow we are off to Amsterdam and canals…..

See you soon.