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Fat Thursday in Krakow A Sweet Prelude to Your Pub Crawl Adventure
The Mystery of Fat Thursday Fat Thursday I'm sure you're thinking. What could possibly be fat about Thursday? Is it a day dedicated to fat people or a day dedicated to getting fat? Could even be a day dedicated to losing fat haha so I decided to finally get to the bottom of what today was really about. A Sweet Surprise in the Common Room Went downstairs to the common room to ask the receptionist what Fat Thursday was. But I discovered with my eyes before I could say a thing. I saw where the breakfast is meant to be laid out an entire table of donuts haha so this is what Fat Thursday is all about in Poland. What a beautiful free breakfast I would say, even know there's no protein in this food haha While we ate I found out what's happening. Fat Thursday in Poland guys. So if you were cutting up or in the middle of a diet, it's not the day for you. The Lowdown on Tłusty Czwartek Tłusty Czwartek, or Fat Thursday, is a popular Polish holiday celebrated on the last Thursday before Lent. Apparently my friends celebrate it every week, haha. Still special for us, but I wouldn't be able to do it every week (maybe) It's all about indulging in sweet and fatty foods before the fasting period begins. The main treat of the day is pączki—delicious, deep-fried doughnuts filled with jam or cream and covered in powdered sugar or glaze. Another popular pastry is faworki (crispy, sugar-dusted angel wings). On this day, Poles eat millions of pączki, believing it brings good luck. Tłusty Czwartek is similar to Mardi Gras, offering one last feast before Lent, and is a fun, delicious tradition loved across Poland. The Polish Donut Paradox If you didn't get to celebrate this day don't panic, the Polish have this day each and every week! Which makes me super curious how they are all so skinny. Anyway, I had a couple of donuts (pączki) and went back to sleep as I always do after a heavy pub crawl night in Krakow. Afternoon Adventures: Round Two of Donut Delights Mid afternoon came around and the guys in my room who had slept in wanted to experience this day also. So obviously I tagged along haha why not make the most of this day. First stop Dobra Pączkarnia - Click here for DELICIOUSNESS ! – Famous for its wide variety of fillings and freshly made pączki. And when I say fresh I mean fresh!! This is probably my favorite donut place in the world. Cukiernia Michałek: The Quest for Nutella Cukiernia Michałek - Also Click here for DELICIOUSNESS. Cukiernia Michałek is a popular bakery with delicious pączki and other traditional sweets. We came here next because Dobra Pączkarnia didn't have any Nutella flavored ones and we thought actually our sweet day wasn't over until we had our favorite fillings. And they had em pistachio and Nutella were the favorites. Mouth watering foods of the gods. FAT THURSDAY WOOHOO! Walking Off the Guilt (Sort Of) Afterwards we took the long way back to the hostel to help a little with the guilt that I just ingested around 2000 calories in 2 hours haha oh well I'm sure I'll burn the calories tonight at pub crawl. And if you want to join me in a fun filled night of clubs, alcohol, dancing and fun go grab a ticket. Ticket to FUN!
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Your Krakow Pub Crawl Guides Guide To Hiking in Zakopane's Western Tatras
Your Krakow Pub Crawl Guides Guide To Hiking in Zakopane's Western Tatras A Rude Awakening So this blog is about a hike I did last week. Not about Krakow pub crawls, parties, drinking alcohol or dancing the night away. Nope, sometimes I'm healthy! Throughout this blog as my friends didn't want to be names I will refer to them all as my friend, my friends girlfriend, my friends girlfriends dad, mum sister etc. When I agreed to go hiking in Zakopane, I didn't know that I was agreeing to be awake at 3:30 a.m. But hey, I was nudged awake by my mate in the wee dark hours, and I realized my error. "Get up! Get up, we're going hiking. You said you would come." "What's the time?" I said, half asleep. He replied, "3:30. We leave at 4. Hurry up and get ready." The Journey Begins For those who don't know, Zakopane is often called the "winter capital of Poland". It's a popular resort town at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, known for its unique wooden architecture, vibrant folklore, and excellent skiing in winter. In summer, it's a gateway to some of Poland's best hiking trails. So we're up early, driving to Zakopane. Everything's dark, no cars on the road. Apparently, we're leaving so early because the trail gets super busy. If you get there early, when nobody's around, you'll have it all to yourself. A Chilly Realisation I packed a jersey, some pants, and running shoes, thinking I'd be okay. But as soon as we got out of the car into the Western Tatras (Tatry Zachodnie), I realised my error. Mountains are cold… even when it's not winter haha. Fun fact: The Western Tatras are part of the Tatra National Park, which was established in 1954 and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The park is home to numerous rare plant and animal species, including the Tatra chamois and marmots. Sunrise and Sweet Treats As soon as the sun started coming up, I discovered for the first time how beautiful this side of the mountain was. The Western Tatras are known for their stunning landscapes, with jagged peaks, lush valleys, and crystal-clear mountain lakes. Even better than that, I found out we had treats! My friend's girlfriend's dad is a baker, which is amazing! He made us all kinds of Polish treats like kokardki (sweet buns). The best sweet buns I had ever had! The False Summit We wanted to reach the top of the mountain before sunrise, but we didn't quite make it. The hike was reasonably hard but I've been running a lot so I felt pretty good. Me and my friend's girlfriend's dad got very competitive. The last or what I thought was the last climb I decided to run. I sprinted to the top and looked back over the ledge waiting for everyone that I had just beaten. The top was stunning, clouds everywhere. It felt like standing on Olympus. Very, very cool. The Long Journey Ahead I thought, "That was awesome! Can't wait to head back down and go home." But looking around I noticed that even though we were pretty high there were slightly higher peaks off in the distance. "Nooooo wayyy". So I tentatively asked if we would be heading down now? Everyone laughed at me saying I used all my energy up and we aren't even half way. This was when I found out the hike would be around 42km. For context, the Western Tatras have several peaks over 2,000 meters (6,560 feet) high. The highest peak in this range is Starorobociański Wierch at 2,176 meters (7,139 feet). Our hike likely took us through some of these challenging terrains. Lessons Learned So by the time we got down the mountain, I realised a few things: Pace yourself. Don't show off like an idiot. Bring lots of treats. They make the hike so much more enjoyable. Getting up early is worth it. The trail was empty on the way up, but super busy on the way down. A Delicious Finish Oh, and we capped off the day with a Polish-style pizza topped with bacon, oscypek cheese, and cranberry. Delicious. Speaking of oscypek, I've spoken about it on previous blogs. It's delicious! It's a smoked cheese made of salted sheep milk, and it's a local specialty of the Tatra Mountain region. It's been produced in Zakopane and the surrounding areas for centuries and even has a protected designation of origin status in the European Union. Trying it is a must for any visitor to the area! Final Thoughts This was one of my favorite day trips I've had here in Poland. Made even better by the beautiful Polish family I had the privilege of accompanying. For anyone planning a similar trip, remember that the Tatra National Park has strict rules to protect its unique ecosystem. Stick to marked trails, don't litter, and respect wildlife. Also, always check the weather forecast and be prepared for sudden changes – mountain weather can be unpredictable! And after your Zakopane trip if you're still in the mood to PARTY, don't forget to come join me on the krakowanimalscrawl, till next time!
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Gas Leak Adventure! A Guide to Survival in Krakow
Gas Leak Adventure! A Guide to Survival in Krakow So, I'm writing this little blog more as an instruction manual for people who were brought up after the year 2000 like my girlfriend. My story begins in Kazimierz at the normal time of around 2 PM - the usual wake-up call after a night out on the pub crawl in Krakow, haha. But I digress; pub crawling, partying, and other nightlife antics are not the main topic of today's blog. The Alarm I wake up at 2 PM to some kind of strange alarm. It wasn't a fire alarm, as the beeps were infrequent. Like BEEP!...............BEEP! Instead of the fire alarm which is BEEP BEEP BEEP! Also, there was no smoke, and my girlfriend wasn't cooking (haha). But the alarm was loud enough that I thought it needed investigating. The sound was coming from the bathroom. I went in, opened the little wooden cupboard of the Airbnb we were staying in, and saw the gas mains. Me being half asleep and hungover still didn't click as to what was happening. But I saw the little thing that was making all the noise. Unfortunately, this little thing was also in Polish. I took a photo, translated it, and saw "get out into fresh air." Oh, fk! The Escape I immediately clicked as to what was wrong and yelled at my girlfriend to get out of the house. Told her there could be a gas leak and it's really not safe. I then went and opened all the windows before putting some pants on and going for the door. As I approached the door, I noticed that she had gone to the bathroom. She wanted to have a shower before we left... GET OUT NOW! That's where the gas is! She turned on the shower; I yelled again. Clearly, being born in the year 2000, no one told her that you can die from carbon monoxide poisoning, so I yelled again. She listened this time - wasn't happy, but listened. We then left the apartment into fresh air. Emergency Services: A Language Barrier Adventure Regretfully, I got her to call emergency services as she speaks slightly more Polish than me. Regretfully because, as a foreigner, I didn't really know what to expect from Polish emergency services. The initial phone call was exactly as I expected, haha. We called 992 (gas emergency services) and asked if they spoke English. They said, "We are in Poland, we speak Polish here..." Which I find incredible. Imagine calling emergency services but you don't speak Polish. Oh well, dead, haha... But anyway, she gave us another number where there would be an English-speaking person. We explained the situation, and they sent the firefighters. That number is 112 - the number for all emergency services in Poland. The Firefighters Arrive We could soon hear a siren getting closer and closer. Super fast response. Everyone in the area started gossiping, wondering where the fire was. Me and my girlfriend were standing there a little bit embarrassed, knowing exactly what was wrong. She then remembered how dirty the apartment was and begged me to let her go back in and give it a little clean before they came, haha. Someone doesn't understand life and death. She's a little maniac. But obviously, I didn't let her go back in. The firefighters came, and they were actually rather nice. "Dzień dobry. Mówisz po angielsku?" (Good day. Do you speak English?) "Nie mówię po angielsku. My z Poland." (I don't speak Enlgish. We're from Poland.) But he said this with a kind smile. Then the other fireman said we can talk in English, it's fine. What a top bloke. Problem Solved... Sort Of They went in, fixed the leak - thank God! And thank goodness for this alarm. However, in the process of fixing the leak, they inadvertently unfixed the hot water, haha. So as I'm writing this, I'm listening to my girlfriend struggle through a nice cold Polish shower, haha. Words of Wisdom Anyway, thought I would share some wisdom, and I hope you enjoyed the funny parts of this very hungover day. And remember: If you come to Krakow and you have gas, check to see if you have an alarm. If the alarm goes off, turn the gas off, open the windows, leave the house, and call emergency services on 112 (not 992 unless you speak Polish). And also, if you're in Poland and want the best night out you've ever had, book Krakow Party Animals Stay safe, and enjoy your Polish adventures!
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Best Vegan Burger in Krakow
Best Vegan Burger in Krakow So a long time ago in a galaxy far far away (6 years ago) I was vegan.. And when I arrived in krakow my diet consisted on beans, lentils and all the veges and fruit you can think of. But aside from the drinking my diet was relatively boring. I know now there are all sorts of yummy recipes but that was then and this is now. Anyway the point of this blog is not just to educate all you party people / travelers new to krakow that are vegetarian and vegan about krakow's extensive vegan restaurant range. But to tell you all about my favorite one. Krakow's vegan scene has exploded in recent years, and let me tell you, it's a far cry from the bland beans and lentils I used to survive on. These days, you can find everything from vegan pierogis to plant-based kebabs. But there's one place that holds a special spot in my heart (and stomach). Discovering Krowarzywa - A Vegan Oasis Krowarzywa for example was my first vegan burger joint love. I was wondering the streets recovering from my first pub crawl in krakow and I noticed the logo of a happy looking cow on Sławkowska. I had previously google vegan places but by change just stumbled upon it and so I stumbled in. it was a subway style they make it in font of you type of deal everything looking super fresh and delicious. They even had vegan cheese and vegan mayo which I thought was just the best! Now, let me paint you a picture. It's early morning, the sun's barely up, and you're stumbling around Old Town, your head still spinning from last night's pub crawl. You're hungry, maybe a little (or a lot) hungover, and then BAM! You see this cheerful cow logo, like a beacon of hope for your grumbling stomach. The Cieciorex - A Vegan Epiphany Anyway the lovely lady behind the counter asked me what I would like and after a long and hard plus very thought out decision I chose the Cieciorex A cutlet made of chickpeas, peppers, parsley and herbs. Each of our Burgers contains: curly lettuce, fresh spinach, sprouts, peppers, onions and pickled cucumbers and 2 sauces to choose from and then gave me a buzzer and ask if I would have a seat. After around 10 minutes my buzzer rung and I went and got my food. It looked amazing but I was spektical of how it would taste. SO very F'n good! And super affordable that week I went back every single day. And it became my new staple in my diet. Let me tell you, that first bite was like a vegan epiphany. The Cieciorex was so good, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. The patty was crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with flavor. And don't even get me started on the toppings! they don't skimp on those bad boys. Every bite was a perfect combo of textures and tastes. Still in Love, Six Years Later Fast forward 6 years im not vegan anymore but still very concise of my meat consumption and sustainability. But even though Im not vegan anymore I still love this place. Just yesterday I went and had Vegan Pastrami burger which has inside it Pieces of marinated and baked seitan with spices curly lettuce, fresh spinach, sprouts, peppers, onions and pickled cucumbers AMAZING! Now, I'm not gonna lie, I've fallen off the vegan wagon since then. But Krowarzywa? It's still my go-to spot after a wild night out. Their menu has only gotten better over the years. That Vegan Pastrami burger? Holy moly, it's so very good. The seitan is so perfectly spiced and tender, you'd swear you were biting into the real deal. And paired with all those fresh, crunchy veggies? It's like a party in your mouth, and trust me, it's almost as good of a party than the one that led to your hangover. More Than Just Burgers Plenty of other options to choose from too kebabs, wraps, and salads. The dishes are made from fresh, healthy, plant-based ingredients designed to be both flavorful and sustainable. They've got options that'll make even your meat-loving friends drool. Kebabs that could fool a kebab master, wraps that are bursting with flavor, and salads that are anything but boring. Your New Hangover Cure So if you're vegan vegetarian or even just love burgers go check em out here krowarzywa! Whether you're stumbling in after a Krakow Animals Pub Crawl, looking for a quick lunch, or just want to see what all the fuss is about, Krowarzywa's got you covered. And hey, even if you're a die-hard meat eater, give it a shot. You might just surprise yourself. Who knows, you could end up like me – no longer vegan, but still head over heels for a good vegan burger. And let's be real, after a night of heavy drinking on one of Krakow's infamous pub crawls, your body will thank you for choosing something a little healthier. So next time you're in Krakow, stumbling around Old Town with a hangover that feels like it might actually kill you, look for that happy cow logo. Trust me, it's the hangover cure you never knew you needed. They even do delivery - krowarzywa
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Krakow Night Out WIth Lost Souls Alley
Two Nights at Lost Souls Alley Okay so after living in krakow for a while and constantly hearing from guests about how scary Lost Souls Alley was I decided to put it to the test. So me Mofie, Ben and Sarah went to check it out. Night One. Green Version On our first visit, we decided to dip my toes into the shallow end of terror with the green version. Here's what happened. As I stepped into the dimly lit waiting room, the air thick with anticipation, I couldn't help but notice a guy practically crawling out of the exit, pale as a ghost. "Great start," I thought, my palms already sweaty. The staff briefed us on the rules, minimal touching, no intentional harm, but be prepared for some accidental bumps in the dark. The first room was a mind-bender. Creepy dolls everywhere, a cryptic puzzle, and the constant feeling of being watched. As we fumbled around, I swear one of those dolls winked at me. Just as we figured out the clue, a hidden door swung open, and a figure lunged at us. I may or may not have let out a very manly shriek and Ben pushed Sarah into the man and ran out the room haha. For sure he is never going to live that one down. So just me Mofie and Sarah at this point and as we progressed, the rooms got darker, the puzzles trickier, and the scares more intense. At one point, we were crawling through a tight space when something grabbed Sarah's ankle. She screamed, started crying and asked to be let out. The grand finale? A maze of mirrors with shadowy figures darting just out of sight. Heart pounding, me and Mofie made it out! Green version conquered! Night Two. Yellow Version So needless to say Sarah and Ben did not opt to come with us for the second night but me and Mofie, full of confidence after smashing the green version couldn’t wait. We returned a week later for the yellow experience. And oh, sweet summer child... This time, the waiver I signed felt more like a last will and testament. The staff's warnings were more intense: "We will touch you. We might separate you. There will be discomfort.” Challenge F’n accepted! From the start it was completely different. The actors were relentless, grabbing at us from dark corners, herding us like scared sheep…I’m not going to pretend like I wasn’t exactly this little scared sheep. In one room, they threw a hood over my head and spun me around until I couldn't tell up from down. There's always that tiny little thought in your mind that there could actually be a killer working here and my life could actually be in danger. Overactive imagination I know but it definitely added to the thrill! The puzzles? Forget about it. Try solving a riddle while someone's breathing down your neck and occasionally zapping you with what feels like a static electricity gun. It's like taking an exam during an earthquake. At some point, they separated me from my group. Alone in a pitch-black room, I heard whispers from all directions. Just as panic started to set in, a hand grabbed my arm and yanked me into the next chamber. I'd like to say I faced it bravely, but I didn’t. Not at all. However unbeknown to me Mofie had already asked to leave. Apparently he twisted his ankle and used this as an excuse. But he was completely fine that night on Pub Crawl so I think he was probably so a little bit scared haha. The grand finale this time? A chase scene that would put any horror movie to shame. Sprinting through strobing lights, heart in my throat, convinced that if I slowed down, unspeakable things would happen. When I finally burst out through the exit, gasping for air and shaking like a little lamb. I felt like I'd run a marathon through hell. Alley Versions Pink Version Best For: Groups looking for a lighter, less intense experience with a touch of whimsy. Description: A surreal, dreamlike adventure with pastel themes and minimal physical contact. Rules: Age Requirement: 14 and older. Health Restrictions: Generally safe; minimal physical contact. Contact: Light touch; little risk of injury. Cost: PLN 70-PLN 90 (€15-€20) per person. Ideal For: Groups wanting a fun, introductory experience without too much intensity. Green Version Best For: Groups seeking a balanced level of intensity with some thrill. Description: A forest-themed, eerie experience with moderate physical contact. Rules: Age Requirement: 14 and older. Health Restrictions: Not suitable for those with chronic health conditions. Contact: Moderate; minor sores or bruises possible. Cost: PLN 110-PLN 140 (€25-€30) per person. Ideal For: Stag parties looking for a slightly more intense experience without extreme risks. Yellow Version Best For: Groups looking for a high-adrenaline adventure with significant physical contact. Description: A carnival-themed, high-intensity experience with a higher risk of injury. Rules: Age Requirement: 18 and older. Health Restrictions: Not suitable for those with chronic conditions. Contact: High physical contact; possible bruises and clothing damage. Cost: PLN 160-PLN 200 (€35-€45) per person. Ideal For: Thrill-seeking stag parties that want a challenging and memorable experience. Red Version Best For: Groups wanting an extreme, adrenaline-pumping adventure. Description: An intense experience with high physical contact, pain stimuli, and potential serious injuries. Rules: Age Requirement: 18 and older. Health Restrictions: Strictly not recommended for those with chronic conditions. Contact: Very high; significant risk of injury and clothing damage. Waiver required. Cost: PLN 220-PLN 300 (€50-€70) per person. Ideal For: Daredevil stag parties ready for the ultimate challenge. Tips for Stag and Hen Parties Assess Your Group’s Preferences: Determine if your group prefers a lighter or more intense experience before booking. Prepare for Intensity: If opting for Yellow or Red versions, make sure everyone is comfortable with high physical contact and potential risks. Book in Advance: Popular dates and times can fill up quickly, so make reservations early. Review Health Restrictions: Ensure that all participants are aware of and meet the health requirements for the chosen version. The Verdict Lost Souls Alley is not for everyone, but if you've got a taste for terror and a sturdy pair of running shoes, it's an experience like no other. The green version is a great intro to the world of interactive horror, while yellow...well lets just say the only reason I'd go back in is to trick my unsuspecting friends that it wasn’t that bad. To get to see them all scream and potentially pee themselves haha. There's a red version too but given that 100% of participants have left because of pain i'd say that i'm not enough of a sadist. Remember, choose your version wisely, bring a change of underwear, and maybe don't eat a big meal beforehand. Trust me on that last one. If you’re interested Click here! And as always the best night out you can have in Krakow is right here Krakow Animals Pub Crawl.
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Making the Very Best Pierogi the Way My Polish Friend's Grandma Does
My Personal Experience Making Pierogi with My Mate's Bubcia (Grandma) Introduction: A Spontaneous Polish Adventure Picture this…I'd been out all night partying on a pub crawl with all my mates. I was sitting down in the common room area at Let's Rock, struggling with the idea of sleeping or not, when Michal comes in and says, "It's time!" I replied, "What's time?" He said, "It's time for you to visit my hometown!" Mosinecsa - try saying that correctly the first few times, I dare ya! Anyway, he had beers, so I jumped up and went to the train station where we caught a ride to his hometown. Arriving in Mosinecsa As soon as we arrived, we were greeted warmly by his parents. Not much English going around, but everything was explained to me. We grabbed a few more beers and ventured out into the backyard where we had planned to relax. That's when his babcia came out and asked us in a sweet little grandma voice - obviously in Polish, but I had spent enough time around my grandma that when she pointed towards the lawnmower and then grass, I knew we had a job to do. Earning Our Keep (and Beers) Unlike growing up with my grandma there were no complaints when she asked. As soon as she asked we were off! Was especially hard because It was a rather big lawn, and it was the middle of summer! But with a few beer breaks we persevered. After we finished, we sat back down to enjoy our warm beers. But lo and behold, his babcia had gotten us 2 ice-cold new beers. Worth every speckle of sweat! Delicious. The Pierogi Revelation Afterwards, she brought us her homemade pierogi - sauerkraut and mushroom. Two flavors I didn't even know I liked, but wow! So very good! I smashed a couple of plates and began to wonder how I had been missing out on this glorious taste all my life. Since I was about to leave Poland, I needed to learn how to make them. Would be pretty cool coming back to my family and showing them this beautiful dish. Learning the Art of Pierogi Making After learning how to ask, "Twoje pierogi były najlepsze, jakie kiedykolwiek próbowałem. Czy możesz mi pokazać, jak je zrobić?” (Your pierogi was the best I've ever tried. Can you please show me how to make them?) I went up, nailed the sentence, and she was thrilled. We began right away. Mushroom and Sauerkraut Pierogi Recipe Ingredients: For the dough: 3 cups flour 1 fresh egg from the farm ( but any will do just won't be as good) 3/4 cup warm water 1/4 cup sour cream 1/2 teaspoon salt For the filling: 2 cups sauerkraut, drained and chopped 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped ( she had picked her own mushrooms! ) 1 onion, diced 2 tablespoons butter Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: Prepare the dough: Mix flour and salt in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk together egg, water, and sour cream. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry, kneading until smooth. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes. Make the filling: Sauté onions in butter until translucent. Add mushrooms and cook until soft. Mix in sauerkraut, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes. Let cool before using. Form the pierogies: Roll out dough on a floured surface. Cut circles using a glass or cookie cutter. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold over and pinch edges to seal. Cook the pierogies: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Drop pierogies in and cook until they float (about 3-5 minutes). Drain and serve with caramelized onions or sour cream. Now you can make these beautiful pierogies as well. But don't thank me, thank Michal's babcia! Conclusion: Your Own Polish Adventure Awaits If you ever want to end up in this position, you first need to join a pub crawl - Krakow's best way to spend a night out! click here! And who knows, you might end up in a Polish village making pierogi too!
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