Enchanted in Krakow.

I just told Amber I could live here! So far its been a fabulous experience. Just this morning we moved out of our 'Sun" apartment, into a smaller 'Grand' apartment. These two apartments were last minute arrangements suggested by 'Apartments Apart' in light of my recent error of reserving an apartment for 2011! Just as well I requested a confirmation email whilst in Prague and they revealed my mistake. It was a bit of a hassle to move over this morning, but we got a discount for our troubles and we're living in a different part of town (near the Jewish quarter).

Last night we did our evening vipassana hour early to walk in Krakow twilight. Serendipitously, while walking along the northern Planty (unique stretch of gardens surrounding the town center), Amber and I were approached by a friendly lady who told us about a piano recital being held in the Barbacan (a fortified tower over a drawbridge) in a few minutes. This one in particular is the largest military structure of its type in Europe. It was a magical evening in a magnificent historical structure, unlike anything I've experienced before. The performer was by Bartlomiej Kominek, an accomplished scholar and musician and his selected pieces were a tribute to the famous Polish composer Chopin. My experience of watching and hearing sounds coming from the grand piano were absolutely divine, and I observed in myself a heightened appreciation of all 105 minutes of his masterful performances. (*Papa, i've heard you playing Chopin's Nocturne and Polonaise umpteen times before and I'd LOve if you taught me how to play one when we're in Singapore!)

Here is a clip of him on youtube performing a piece we enjoyed last night. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjqvNp_K1Eg

Totally inspired.

Old Town Square at night