Coffee in Krakow

Krakow, y’all. I do not know where to begin. To say that Krakow is wonderful is an exercise in redundancy. This city is the universal baseline for all things wonderful. Remember that first kiss with your one true love? Hell, remember your most recent kiss from your one true love? Remember finishing that perfect book and wondering if you should flip back to the first page and read it again? That is Krakow. It is a cuddle from a puppy. It is that time you got bumped up to first class. It is not the Amsterdam or the Paris, but it is the Krakow all its own.

I was talking to my pal Piotr last night and he asked me how Krakow has changed since the first time I came here. I told him there is coffee now. The first time I came here, I had to buy black tea to get some real caffeine in my American blood. I remember when they put a Starbucks in the Galleria, and now there are two Starbucks in there. There are cafes all over the place. I am doing my best to give them all my money. Another thing that has changed is so many people speak English. I’m not all, “Sup brah, gimme an extra shot and pour half of the milk on the floor,” but I am definitely, “Hello, may I please have a latte.”

                                                         These folks make coffee for me.

Afterthought: a barista in Kiev asked me if I wanted my coffee strong or soft. No musician from Albuquerque has ever gone to Kiev for a soft cup of coffee.

 For my most recent Polish lesson, I am trying to learn the phrase: “Oh really? Because your eyes tell me a different story.” I can think of many situations where this could come in handy. Polish phrases I already know include:

You look pretty.

I like your shoes.

I only speak Polish.

Pardon me, I am a redneck from America.

My Polish friends seem to particularly enjoy when I say that last one. My Polish is somewhat limited, but I have a good time. Speaking of good times, there are two shows left. Fingermouth is happening at 8:00 and The Reptilian Lounge is at 10:00. I have it on good authority that today is Thursday, but you can never be too sure about these things.

                                  This chick really wants me and Drew to go to the strip club.

You know how it is August so it is really warm in Albuquerque? Well, it is apparently not August in Krakow. It is almost October here and water keeps falling from the sky like Seattle in the autumn or winter or spring or summer.

How good is Polish food? The answer to that question is 100. Polish food is 100 good. I would describe it to you, but that would just make you mad because look at that stuff you’re about to eat. Shame on you. You are in Albuquerque. Go eat something good.

I’ll tell you more later.

Gator.