Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland, May 2025

After my return from Caracas in April 2025, I had the joy of reconnecting with two places that are closest to my heart—Nowy Sącz, my hometown, and the historic city of Kraków. These quiet moments in southern Poland were a welcome interlude before continuing onward to new adventures. In between our travels to Malta and Uzbekistan, Mum and I spent a couple of lovely days in Kraków, which turned out to be especially memorable, as our visit coincided with 3rd May Constitution Day—a national holiday rich in symbolism and meaning for Poles everywhere.
 
Nowy Sącz – Where My Roots Are
 
As always, being back in Nowy Sącz brought a deep sense of grounding. The town’s location in the foothills of the Beskid Mountains and its layered cultural history make it a place where tradition and memory live side by side. Its Old Market Square, the family home, and the nearby hills are not just landmarks but emotional signposts that connect me to who I am and where I come from. This is a place where every street evokes stories—of childhood, family gatherings, friendships, and life’s turning points.
 
Kraków – A Pause with History and Celebration
 
Kraków, with all its splendour, greeted us with festive elegance. 3rd May is one of the most important holidays in Poland, commemorating the adoption of the Constitution of 3 May 1791—the first modern constitution in Europe and the second in the world, after the United States. It was a bold, visionary attempt to reform the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, strengthening democratic governance and civil rights at a time when absolutism still dominated much of Europe.
 
Although the constitution’s effects were short-lived due to the eventual partitions of Poland, its legacy has remained deeply symbolic. For generations, the 3rd of May has represented hope, reform, and a proud moment of Polish intellectual and political courage. During communist times, celebrating the holiday was forbidden, and yet it remained alive in people’s hearts. Today, it’s an official public holiday and a cherished occasion for national pride.
 
Being in Kraków on this day made it all the more special. The city was buzzing with a gentle kind of festivity—Polish flags fluttering from balconies, choirs and orchestras performing patriotic songs in the open air, families enjoying the spring sunshine in the streets and parks. It felt like a celebration not just of history, but of continuity and resilience.
 
We focused our time on Kraków’s city centre, exploring the heart of the Old Town, which is one of the most beautiful and historically preserved medieval city centres in Europe. We admired the majestic Wawel Castle, once home to Polish kings and still a powerful symbol of sovereignty and nationhood. From there, we wandered along the Royal Route, through the Rynek Główny, with its Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and St. Mary’s Basilica, both icons of Kraków’s grandeur.
 
A particularly meaningful stop was the Jagiellonian University, founded in 1364 and one of the oldest in the world. As we stood in the courtyard of the Collegium Maius, I reflected on how this very institution had nurtured the minds of thinkers, scientists, and leaders—including Copernicus—and how it continues to play a vital role in shaping the intellectual fabric of Poland.
 
A Meal to Remember
 
As the day warmed, Mum and I enjoyed a long and relaxing lunch at a Czech restaurant just off the main square. The food was comforting and generous—dumplings, hearty sauces, and cold drinks—and the setting gave us time to slow down, talk, and simply enjoy being in the moment. These shared meals in beautiful surroundings are often the memories that linger the longest. It was one of those small but perfect travel moments—unhurried, joyful, and full of connection.
 
A Perfect Pause
 
These days in Nowy Sącz and Kraków were not just a pause between travels—they were a return to the source, a reminder of what grounds me before continuing forward. Being back in familiar places, especially with Mum by my side, reminded me that home is not only where we come from, but where we feel known, rooted, and whole.
 
This visit also reminded me of the beauty and richness of Polish history, and how important it is to hold on to the moments of pride and resilience, just like the 3rd of May Constitution Day invites us to do.

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