Afro
My Krakow Adventure Begins
Introduction
Who knew a $10 Ryanair ticket could lead to the adventure of a lifetime? As soon as I clicked 'purchase,' my mind was already racing with thoughts of pierogi, medieval castles, and nightlife! Little did I know, Krakow would soon become more than just a destination – it would undoubtedly steal my heart.
Planning Phase
The moment I confirmed my ticket, excitement and anticipation flooded my mind. I immediately began googling and planning my trip. My search quickly led me to the Krakow Party Animals’ pub crawl. The promise of Krakow’s famous nightlife and the chance to meet and party with fellow travelers made it an instant must-do on my itinerary.
I also needed a place to stay, so I booked a room at Let’s Rock Hostel. Its central location and reputation for a friendly atmosphere made it the perfect base for my adventures. Plus, it had a communal kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and organized events, which I knew would be perfect for meeting new people and immersing myself in the local culture.
Initial Impressions
As my plane touched down at John Paul II Krakow-Balice International Airport, I felt a surge of excitement. Stepping out of the airport, I was greeted by the cool, crisp air and the sight of lush greenery surrounding the city. The Uber ride into town only cost me 8 euros! But I did quickly find out Polish drivers care little for speed regulations, so be prepared for that.
Arriving at Let’s Rock Hostel, I was immediately charmed by the cobblestone streets and historic architecture. The hostel was buzzing with energy, and I knew right away that I had made the right choice. After checking in, I took a moment to relax in the common area, where I met many like-minded travelers.
Accommodation
Let’s Rock Hostel quickly felt like home. The staff were incredibly welcoming, and the other guests were friendly and eager to share their own travel stories. My room was cozy, with just the right amount of space to unpack and settle in. The hostel’s amenities, including a communal kitchen and free Wi-Fi, made it easy to connect with others and plan my days.
Expectations
With a full month ahead of me, my itinerary was packed. I wanted to explore every corner of Krakow, starting with the historical landmarks like Wawel Castle, St. Mary’s Basilica, and the Schindler’s Factory. I was also eager to dive into the local culture, with visits to the Rynek Underground Museum and sampling traditional Polish dishes at local restaurants.
But tonight, my adventure truly began with the Krakow Party Animals’ pub crawl. I had read all the amazing reviews about it, and I couldn’t wait to experience the city’s nightlife for myself.
The First Night Out
As the evening approached, I made my way to the meeting point for the pub crawl but found out it actually started at my hostel! What luck! The group was a mix of travelers from all over the world, some from inside the hostel and some from outside, each with their own stories and reasons for being in Krakow. The guides were lively and welcoming, albeit a little crazy – the awesome kind of crazy if you get me – definitely setting the tone for the night ahead.
Our first stop offered an hour of unlimited drinks. And when I say unlimited, I mean unlimited! The atmosphere was electric, with everyone quickly becoming fast friends. I started at the beer pong table and met my soon-to-be best mate, Thomas, who had previously told me he was also rather good at beer pong! So we put our joint skills to the test, winning game after game while also getting drunker and drunker. Drinking beer while simultaneously drinking whiskey and gin – I think I even had a bit of vodka – got me far too excited!
We then went downstairs to Let’s Sing! A karaoke bar which would later become one of my favorite places! We were told we would be in the bar for an hour, so if we wanted to sing, we better go put our songs on the list. While waiting, we all danced to the songs sung by other guests, some great and some really not so great but all equally entertaining. By this point, however, the mixing of all the different alcohols and the fact that I was not an avid drinker decided my fate. My fate was not set to finish this pub crawl.
Reflection
My first night in Krakow set the tone for an unforgettable journey. The Krakow Party Animals pub crawl was more than just a tour, it was pure fun and enjoyment. Even though I didn’t finish the tour, I had more fun than I’ve had in years and I realized I had barely scratched the surface of what Krakow had to offer.
In reflection, I won’t mix my alcohol and I’ll pace myself, hopefully resulting in a complete pub crawl the next time I join. Because no doubt there will be a next one!
Anticipation for What’s Next
With my first night out a success “haha”, I looked forward to the days ahead. My plans to explore Krakow’s historic charm, immerse myself in its culture, and continue experiencing its vibrant nightlife filled me with anticipation.
Stay tuned for Blog 2, where I dive into Krakow’s historic charm, visit iconic landmarks, and continue my nightlife adventures with Krakow Party Animals – maybe getting to finish it this time!