Just returned form another cycling trip - this time in Poland around the Tatra mountain range and border with Slovakia.

We flew into Krakow and stayed in the city for one night at the beginning and at the end of our 1 week stay. It's a pretty city; not too dissimilar from other Eastern European cities in so much as the city-centre squares that, over the years have witnessed such political, economic, social and religious turmoil, now fall victim to Britain's latest export - "The Stag-do." And whilst the purpose of this blog was not to rant, can I just say that it's bad enough that "booze-britain" is a recognised anti-social phenomenon in this country; so let's not take a perverse pride in turning that into a global reputation. "Stag dos should stay in Britain!", subject for a future blog no doubt.

Krakow, was interesting, but the remote Tatra Mountains and their surrounding countryside were worlds apart.The countryside at this time of year is simply breath-taking - and the strip farming regime using horse drawn ploughs and carts, transports you to a time a century or so ago when cars, electricity, and cycling helmets weren't even dreamed-of. It was strange to think that although I felt I was looking at scenes from a past era, this sustainable, environmentally friendly, self-sufficient approach to life could also, quite easily, be a glimpse of our future.

Loads more to say about Poland - too much indeed for a single blog, but I thought I'd round-up on a piece of Polish folklore…

The seven rocky out-crops (pictured above/left) were once seven Hungarian monks who peered across the river at a Polish princess who was bathing. As punishment for their lustful thoughts God (or the FSM - depending on what you believe)  turned them into the rocks you see today. And for leading them astray - the princess was also turned into the rock face on the opposite bank (pictured right).

Personally,  I think she looks fairly plain, cold and rough around the edges - so I struggle to see what the monks saw in her - but those were the days when the winters were long and dark and opportunities to ogle a princess of any description were few and far between… I suppose