Road to Wroclaw

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Today was our drive to Wrocław, but not before we saw one of the most famous sites in the city, Wawel Castle.  I forgot to mention that while Warsaw has been Poland's capital since 1596, it had been Kraków until then and the Polish kings resided in this castle.

Full disclosure--we stayed in the free parts and did not buy tickets to any tours.  We really didn't have time as our checkout from the hotel was at noon, and Wrocław is just over three hours away.  So if you come to town, try to get this in first.  The pictures I've seen of the inside of the cathedral are beautiful.  

Approaching the Castle along the Vistula River

Entrance Gate to the castle

View of the old Romanesque church foundation

Castle Courtyard

Statue of Pope John Paul II.  He celebrated his first Holy Mass here (as a newly-ordained priest) on November 2, 1946.

Side View of the Cathedral

After walking back to the hotel and checking out, it was time to drive to Wrocław.  Just over three hours, and no problems at all.  We both thought that it was similar to driving on I-81 in Pennsylvania.  Similar, not identical.  When driving in Europe you don't hang out in the passing lane--when there's room it's a good idea to move back to the right lane.  We're mostly on highways, and while it's no Autobahn, I check the rearview mirror more often since the faster drivers can sneak up on you on the left.  

I also said earlier that I'd explain some pronunciation.  Warsaw and Kraków are easy, but Wrocław is pronounced VROTZ-wov.  At least as best I can determine.  Polish is hard.  Ha ha.

We are staying at the Mercure Wrocław Centrum, a short walk from the Old Town and near two tram lines.  

Our room

View from our room

After settling in a bit, we walked around town.

Town square

Fe and the Town Hall

Wrocław is known for it's gnomes that are placed throughout the Old Town.  You may have noticed the gnome picture in the hotel room photo

Our first gnome sighting outside the Town Hall.

This guy is turning on the spigot.

The other side of the Town Hall.  It's a magnificent building.

More pierogies for dinner!

St. Mary Magdalene Church

Time to head back to the hotel for the night--we were exhausted by now.  We'll be exploring more tomorrow.

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