Poland, February 2023

Our recent trip to Poland took us deep into a country layered with beauty, emotion, and stories — from the vibrant soul of Kraków to the raw charm of Łódź.

We started our journey in Kraków, and from the moment we stepped into the main town square, we were swept up in its energy. The square is the heartbeat of the city — grand yet cosy, lined with colourful buildings, open-air cafés, and the iconic St. Mary’s Basilica standing tall. Street performers played soft melodies, and locals strolled alongside tourists, all under a sky that seemed perpetually golden.

One of the most powerful experiences of the trip was visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau. It was sobering and emotional, no words can quite capture the weight of standing in a place where so much human suffering occurred. It’s not an easy visit, but it’s an important one. We left with heavy hearts and deep reflection.

Back in Kraków, we found comfort in traditional Polish food, especially pierogi warm, doughy parcels stuffed with everything from cheese and potato to wild mushrooms. They were everywhere, and we tried them all. Alongside the hearty meals, Kraków's coffee houses became our favourite stops — from historic cafés with antique décor to modern espresso bars tucked in side streets. Each offered a quiet moment and a chance to take it all in.

One evening, we attended a Chopin concert in a small candlelit hall. Listening to his music performed live in his homeland was something special — gentle, melancholic, and completely captivating. It felt like a love letter to Poland’s rich cultural soul.

We also visited the Wawel Royal Castle — Kraków’s historic palace, perched above the Vistula River. The architecture, the courtyards, the legends surrounding the dragon’s den,  every corner had a story to tell. It gave us a glimpse into the grandeur of Poland’s royal past. 

After Kraków, we headed to Łódź,  a city often overlooked, but full of character. It felt different, more raw, more authentic. Historic buildings, many bearing the marks of time, lined the streets,  remnants of a once-booming textile industry. There was a creative buzz in the air, with street art, revitalised factories, and a quiet pride in the city’s heritage.