Day 120: Train to Krakow

Today was probably my most complicated train journey so far, and the fact it went so smoothly is a testament to how much I've improved with the train system. I got to the train station in Brno around 8:15am, got a reservation for the second stage (of 3) of my trip, and got onto the train shortly after. The wait between trains along the way was pretty minimal, and by 3:30pm I was safely in Krakow.

The hostel I'm staying at in Krakow is mere steps away from the central square, and after checking in and spending a few minutes to relax I decided to wander around and see what was going on. The square is huge and full of interesting buildings and cafes.

I started wandering towards the castle and was recognized by a Finnish girl who was on the last leg of my train ride and we hung out for the remainder of the evening. We checked out the castle, which looked a bit dull from outside the walls but inside was a gorgeous gothic construction of spires and towers.

The legends say that the area was ravaged by a dragon, and at the base of the castle hill they have an unimpressive dragon statue that periodically breathes fire, but infrequently enough that it's hard to get a good picture of.

We went for drinks in a quiet little bar in a basement that was full of incense and pillows. I think we were the only ones there for most of the evening, but it was a pretty cool little place.

The night was a bit rough as the people in my room got in at 4:30am and were very loud for at least half an hour, and then at 8:00am I got kicked out of the room because they were replacing the bunks in it. I'm just going to hang out in town today, and then check out a few things nearby tomorrow.