Bruno and Helga, as an engaged couple, strolled the cobbled street of Krakow, Poland. A horse and white carriage had brought them from their Matejko hotel to this point close to Wawel Cathedral. They decided to snack on a round pretzel and would take dinner at the Szara Ges or “Grey Goose” restaurant later that evening.
The name Krakow is traditionally derived from the legendary founder and ruler of the tribe of Lechitians. It essentially means town. Its early history gives evidence of a Stone Age settlement on the present site of the Wawel Hill. In 1038 Krakow became the seat of the Polish government.
The city became a leading centre of trade. Brick buildings were constructed including a cathedral and a basilica. The city was sacked and burned during the Mongol invasion of 1241. It was rebuilt, but in 1259 was again ravaged by the Mongols.
The first recorded mention of Prince Krakus dates from 1190. In 1610 bagels were introduced and since the guilds controlled all baking, rules were strict as to what made a bagel a bagel. Later, the Polish brought bagels to Manhattan and the rest is history.
It had become high noon in the Main Market Square so the couple decided to return to their hotel and take a rest. Even with the cooler temperature of October, the room was warm and comfortable without further heat. They drank some mineral water and enjoyed some Polish snacks before retiring.
They had read that the 15th and 16th Centuries were known as the Golden Age. Polish Renaissance art and architecture were created including ancient synagogues in Krakow’s Jewish quarter. During the reign of Casimir IV artists came to work and live in Krakow and Johann Haller established a printing press in the city. The first work printed in Poland was in 1473.
At dinner they dressed in their best and walked to the Main Square again. They enjoyed a Polish soup that was hot and delicious. Then they had an apple stuffed with purple cabbage. Their entrée was a dish of fresh caught trout from that day’s catch. Dessert was a sample of sachre torte, chocolate wafers and various ice creams.
After dinner they walked around Szczepanski Square, hand in hand, enjoying their precious moments together in such a beautiful city. Taking the horse and carriage back to their hotel, they decided to sit in the lobby and watch the steady stream of guests coming and going. They enjoyed hearing the many languages spoken, including Italian, Chinese, and Spanish.
Tomorrow they would go to the Renaissance courtyard within Wawel Castle and walk Florianiska Street and see the Cloth Hall. Krakow has been cited as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities and its Old Town was declared the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the world. The city’ population is 780,000 and continues to be a major national academic and artistic centre. In 1978 Karol Wojtyla, archbishop of Krakow, was elevated to the papacy as Pope John Paul II and he was the first non-Italian pope in 455 years. Krakow is home to Jagiellonian University which is one of the oldest universities in the world and Poland’s most reputable institution of higher learning.
When they returned hone Bruno and Helga had their wedding to plan in Warsaw, Poland. It was to be a quiet family occasion with only 50 quests invited. The color chosen for the bridesmaid’s dresses was a soft pink. The menu would be traditional Polish foods, but in good quantity enough to satisfy every guest. They would honeymoon in the French Alps.
“Goodnight, sweet love,” whispered Bruno.
Helga replied with “Sleep well, my beloved.”