For the month of October I plan on being in a different country every weekend. Seems a bit ambitious for a girl who gets lost on the subway in her own city. But, I’ve got to remind myself, you’re only studying abroad once, you’ve got to make the most out of it. So far, so good. I started off in Munich, Germany for the first weekend and for my second trip I went to Krakow, Poland. I came at the perfect timing, might I add. After weeks of enduring bitter cold rains in Prague, the sun finally showed out and joined me on my trip. How lucky I was to have experienced such a gorgeous city while also getting a boost of Vitamin D!

It was seven long hours on bus from Prague to Krakow, the same amount of time it takes to get to my college back home. It’s safe to say I’m a pro at long bus rides. However, I’m no expert at staying awake after getting to my destination. Upon arriving to Krakow, I settled in to my lovely Airbnb, which had an exposed brick ceiling. I’m boasting and I’m not ashamed-it was so cheap! One of the many perks of visiting Poland was how affordable everything was. Once I was comfortable and cozy in my weekend hut, I fell asleep excited for what tomorrow would bring.

Bright and early the next day I went to an all-day breakfast cafe and enjoyed a filling (and cheap) breakfast. As I walked around the city’s main square, I noticed how the architecture, with it’s cobblestone roads and gothic churches, was similar to that of Prague’s. The main difference, however, was how peaceful the city was. There were less tourists, less crowds of students and much more space at tram stops. I quite enjoyed the empty parks in the early morning. Nonetheless, as morning turned to afternoon, the city became more lively especially with the abundance of markets it had to offer.

I’m not one to shop when traveling, but this one square of markets sold everything from winter jackets and pumpkins to fresh flowers and fake Rolex’s. I couldn’t resist. A single blue, train-conductor style hat was calling my name. I tried it on and posed in the small, foggy mirror the vendor held up for me. I think I stood posing for about 15 minutes before I decided to just walk away. As I walked away, I could hear the little blue hat calling my name “Sabrina…Sabrina…oh come on! When will you see an adorable hat like me again? Surely, you won’t feel the same gratification buying one of me at Forever 21”. Anyway, I bought the hat and I don’t think I stopped smiling even once afterwards. The more I explored the streets of Krakow, the more markets I visited. I saw vintage jewelry, traditional and handmade Polish apparel, and handbags with intricate designs. In other words, I was in paradise. I’d go into more detail but as my brother reads my blog I wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise I got him!

After enjoying the day strolling around the city, and the night sipping on Poland’s Warka and Brackie beers, I set off to the mountains. I’d wanted to visit the Zakrzówek lagoon ever since I bought my bus ticket to Krakow. I’m probably the wimpiest hiker you’ll ever meet. I’m deathly afraid of slipping on uneven cobblestones in Prague, let alone a mountain trail in Krakow. Here’s where my mantra comes in handy, you’re only studying abroad once…make the most out of it. Despite my hesitant leaps up some hills, and the slippery rocks that had me holding on to my friend the majority of the time, I made it up the mountain. Breathtaking! Figuratively, and literally seeing as my infamous elementary school asthma attacks were kicking in from the hike. When I finally caught my breath, a rush of gratitude came over me.

The weather was comforting, warm with a slight breeze which cooled us off as we trudged through the forest. The season was setting into Autumn as we witnessed trees with leaves of red, orange, and yellow. When we reached the top, the sun was setting giving us a skyline with changing colors of blue to pink. The lagoon was still yet it’s presence was immense. There were friends drinking wine and beer, listening to music watching the lagoon trickle slowly against the wind. A few couples posed for photographers cuddling their newborn, or dressed in formal attire for what would soon be their engagement photos. We were all taking in the magnificence that was the Zakrzówek view. What’s more, was our joy that came from witnessing the view on such a lovely, Fall afternoon.