Topic: tips for traveling to Krakow

[gregor]

I'm going to be traveling to Krakow in a week.  Anyone who has any tips on sights to see that aren't marked in the usual guidebooks, etc., inexpensive lodgings (I've been looking at rooms in the Jewish Quarter which seem reasonable) and other helpful info would be appreciated.  I'll be traveling alone and will likely be joined by a friend at some point during the week I'll be there.

Part of the trip will be an extension of my project of documenting the current status of Jewish communities in eastern europe.  The obvious sites I'm aware of but if anyone knows of something tucked away that's off the beaten track I'd like to hear about it!

I'll probably take my Leica, polaroid 180, a Bessa II (or a 6x6 camera instead of the Bessa). for roll film I'm thinking I'll take all 125 speed (to lessen risks with airport scanning) and then push it two stops when I develop it.

[sapata]

Gregor,

I went to Krakow about 7 years ago and I really enjoy it but since I was backpacking I didn't have much time to find places other than the turists areas. My only disappointing was having my brand new Canon EOS5+ lens stolen on the train arriving in Krakow, at the time it was common to have thieves targeting peoples bags on the overnight trains, maybe after a long time things have changed...

I did go to Auschvitz as well for a day which is close to Krakow, really worth a visit but honestly It's one of the saddest places I've been to in my life... I shoot some rolls and still got the negatives but never really got the mood to develop the pictures.

[gregor]

Thanks Mauricio.  Last fall I documented a Holocaust massacre site in Lithuania where 100,000 people were killed by single shot rifles or handguns and then buried (alive or dead) and later exhumed and burned to hide the evidence of the atrocity.  Took me a few days to recover from that.  I'm contemplating Auschwitz, but haven't decided yet as I'll be traveling alone. If my spouse or a friend was along there would be someone to communicate about it with - wouldn't necessarily make it easier but at least an outlet to process all that sadness helps...

Good tip on keeping an eye on bags, etc. I've heard similar stories.

Thanks!