Krakow

Over the years we have had some very memorable tours. Having had earlier trips to Wales and Weybridge we decided in 2011 to go European and specifically Krakow, Poland. Of course, following this we have had some highly memorable trips to Rome, Vienna, Calella Spain, and almost to Sweden (Coronavirus casualty), but this WILL happen in time. We will have memories on these tours in the future, but for now, a few reflections on Krakow.

Our party of 34 departed Waterford/Tramore on 23rd of February for an overnight in Bewley’s Airport Hotel. An early night was called for as we had an early start the following morning – it kind of worked! Our flight arrived in Krakow mid-morning, where we were met by our guide, Gosia – and an ambulance for Ollie! He had been unwell during the flight, was taken off by stretcher into the ambulance. As we waited in trepidation in the terminal building, the door suddenly swung open and in walked Lazarus (sorry, Ollie). After booking into our hotel, and lunch we had a 3 hour bus tour of the city. A very different night followed at a restaurant in the Jewish Quarter where we were entertained by a super Klezmer group.

The following morning we went to the unforgettable Salt Mines in Wieliczka. We had the honour of singing in the beautiful King’s Chapel deep in the mine. Most descended to this by lift, but Jim Doyle, then only a boy of 86 years, insisted on using the steps! After a rehearsal that evening we did a joint concert with Schola Cantorum Culinarium in the quaint little Arts Concert Hall. Chairman Jack made a presentation to the Polish choir and spoke in Polish. Nobody in the choir knew what he was saying – neither did the Polish audience!! Having consumed a Polish type dinner we repaired to the hotel for one of our great sing songs.

On our final day we had a sombre visit to Auschwitz and Birkenau. There we were guided by “Anna”, whose mother and grandmother had both been guides. She became quite emotional, as she had been very close to her grandmother, who had passed away the previous week. It was obvious from the expressions on people’s faces that the group found the visit to be a very sober experience. An abiding memory is our singing of the “Our Father” and Jim Casey’s haunting rendition of the “Cualann” on his mandolin.

Later that day, we sang at Mass in the modern, but beautiful Church of Divine Mercy. Colm decided on Confession. With having no Polish, and the priest no English they decamped to the sacristy and “Google Translate”. Colm emerged claiming he got absolution on line!

The day ended with a great Farewell sing song, where all individual talents were on show. A special thank you to “The Band” who, as always led the way.

We departed Krakow the following morning having really enjoyed the trip and already asking “where next”. Well, the “next” was Rome, but that’s for another day.

- words, Jack Stephenson