I had forgotten until just now, but there’s supposed to be one of Earth’s main life energy sources here in Krakow:
Adherents to the Hindu concept of chakra believe that a powerful energy field connects all living things. Some believe that, mirroring the seven chakra points on the body (from head to groin), there are seven points on the surface of the earth where this energy is most concentrated: Delhi, Delphi, Jerusalem, Mecca, Rome, Velehrad…and Wawel Hill [in Krakow…] The Wawel administration seems creeped out by all this. They’ve done what they can to discourage this ritual (such as putting up information boards right where the power is supposedly most focused), but believers still gravitate from far and wide to hug the wall. Give it a try…and let the chakra be with you. (Just for fun, ask a Wawel tour guide about the chakra, and watch her squirm—they’re forbidden to talk about it.)
Rick Steves
I have this approach to language transitions that I learned last year: if someone comes up to me and asks me something in another language I don’t understand, I reply with “Sorry, English?” That always works – they either shrug and walk away, or they ask their question again, but then in English. Recently, a lady approached me at a tram stop and asked me something I didn’t understand, so I said “Sorry, English?” She paused, and seemed to say the exact same thing again. With a moment of reflection I realized that she had been speaking English all along, but with a very heavy accent. I was actually able to answer her question (can you buy a tram ticket onboard the tram itself). I felt sort of bad about asking her to speak English when she had been all along! Ha ha
While in the US, people often tell me that I walk really quickly, too fast for them. But I’m a relative slowpoke in much of Europe! People pass me by the droves, even when I’m doing my brisk walk mode — young or old, male or female, it doesn’t matter, many people walk faster than I do or would even be comfortable with. Given that I have a built-in anticipation of my ability to pass someone or time my meeting them as they approach, I require recalibration here because I often underestimate others’ speeds, and I at times have to stop or get out of the way so as to not run into someone if we’re crossing paths or to move aside so they can pass.
Ukrainians continue to gather every day on the main square, where they sing, shout, and ask for money and help. One chant yesterday was “Russia is a terrorist state!”
I received my first Thai massage on Friday. I really liked it overall, and it was less than $23 for 60 minutes! It’s like a combination of massage, forced yoga moves, and chiropractic work. I enjoyed everything except the chiropractic work.
Today’s dad joke: What is a dive into the icy winter waters of Krakow’s river?
A “Poler” plunge
Today’s travel quote:
Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.
Jack Kerouac
Major Meander 
Well, how’s the energy there in Krakow?! Thick accents can be really challenging can’t they? I’ve had that challenge too, it usually takes a moment to recalibrate my listening and then it makes sense.
Glad to hear you’ve met your match with fast walkers. Perhaps city life in general lends itself to faster walking, especially in cold climates.
Perhaps I need to stand above the chakra emitter, because otherwise it’s maybe average, though that may be im-Pole-ite to say….
If you get tired from all the fast walking, just go and hug the wall to recharge.
Good idea! If only.
Perhaps that person at the tram stop was from Manchester. Even people from the rest of England can’t understand Mancurians. Interesting that Krakow hasn’t leaned into the new age stuff like Glastonbury and other places have—especially if you’re only one of 7 places globally with the chakra alignment!
Yeah, Krakow should invite a whole new set of visitors. Glastonbury, Sedona, and the like have really profited from that. Re Manchester accent, you’re right, and how about the accent from Sunderland! (See the post from Oct 4)