Most attractions in Warsaw have to do with the WWII, and the horrible things which happened there, but Warsaw did not have that ”eery vibe” which can come from a hurtful past.

The city had started again from the beginning, rebuilt the city for the new era, and rebuilt the Old Town to make it look exactly like it did before the war.

For that very reason, Warsaw has the nickname of the Phoenix City: because it has also risen from the ashes.

To read more about our time in Warsaw, make sure you check out:

• Warsaw, Poland – The Phoenix City

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The Phoenix is one of the most loved mythical creatures, it is wise, strong and powerful – and it rises from the ashes.

For that very reason, Warsaw has the nickname of the Phoenix City: because it has also risen from the ashes.

Before the invasion of Poland 30% of Warsaw’s population (over 400 000 people) were Jewish, there were over 400 Synagogues and the people lived in harmony together.

During WWII the Jews were forced into ghettos, crammed into 2.4% of the space of Warsaw, and already before the Nazis started deporting Jews to death camps and concentration camps, 100 000 Jews had died from starvation and disease.

Despite the many hours of history lessons in school and exams about WWII, I learned far more about the situation and what really happened there by spending a few days in Warsaw.

Most attractions in Warsaw have to do with the WWII, and naturally we started discussing and talking with each other about what happened then and what is still happening today.

Experiencing things like this, awakening discussions and thoughts, is the part of travel where you learn more about yourself, other people and life in general.

In some awkward way, being reminded of what other people had to go through, how terrible their lives ended – makes you appreciate being alive, and it brings you right to the present moment.

But Warsaw did not have the ”eery vibe” of the hurtful past, and in contrast to Sarajevo, there were no bullet holes in the buildings.

Warsaw had started again from the beginning, rebuilt the city for the new era, and rebuilt the Old Town to make it look exactly like it did before the war.

The famous shopping street was buzzing with life.

But it’s not like they have put their backs against the past ignoring what happened:

Monuments, statues, museums and the Jewish cemetery tell the story of the dark ages of Warsaw, and gives the visitor a sober reminder.

Our day in Warsaw was a grey and rainy one, which probably didn’t bring out the best and most beautiful side of the city, but the friendly, slightly shy people and the hearty Polish food warmed us up and really made our time in Poland wonderful.

There are a variety of places to eat in Krakow, catering to all types of tastes, as my friends and I discovered on a girly holiday there a few months ago.

One of the restaurants loved by all was ‘Al Dente’, a delicious Italian place in Krakow’s Kazimierz district. All their dishes are made with fresh ingredients and prepared by an Italian chef.

The pizzas are mouthwatering, but so beautifully crafted that you feel as if you’re eating pretty healthily!

They also offer a number of traditional Sardinian meals and some beautiful wines, all at very reasonable prices, resulting in six rather tipsy women by the end of the meal.

The staff didn’t seem to mind though and were very hospitable, even offering a coffee and drink on the house, which we happily accepted.

For a more Polish dining experience I would recommend ‘Bohema’.

As a musician I especially loved this place, and we were lucky enough to catch one of their folk music concerts, which was such a thrill for the ears and eyes!

The restaurant is also in a cosy cellar, which is decorated with fancy furniture that really adds character to the place.

As for the food, it is scrumptious and inexpensive, I had the salmon with capers, which was well presented and very filling!

Some of my other friends sampled the Goulash and absolutely loved it, they did not stop talking about how well the meat and vegetables had been cooked.

It’s also worth mentioning that this place is ideal for big groups as it is quite spacious and offers a good variety of Polish delights.

For a Krakow dining experience to write home about, I would highly recommend ‘Momo’, but be warned, if you are a meat fanatic this place is definitely not for you. The restaurant prides itself on the fact that they don’t use meat, fish or eggs.

However the menu still manages to be huge, offering dishes from all over the world!

I decided on the Southern Indian spinach pancake and some Tibetan dumplings, which was a bit ambitious but completely worth the guilt of gluttony!

I also had some carrot cake for desert, really pushing my stomach to the limits, but I was so overwhelmed by the food I couldn’t help myself!

For lovers of all that is wholesome, this is the place for you.

After a great, and varied, week of eating I can confidently say that Krakow is an exciting adventure for the stomach and would highly recommend it! For more info visit my destination Krakow.

Guest Post By Jessica Carmody.

(photo credits: RobotSkirts - jugglerpm - louis bennett)