As in most places where tourists go, Poland offers lots of souvenirs: woodcarvings and other folk art; jewelry, especially made from Baltic Amber; dolls of various kinds, and special ceramics with multi-floral designs and geometric designs. On my trip last week, I bought little, but found the shop windows very enjoyable.
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| Nesting wood dolls are made in Poland as well as in Russia |
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| The folk-art market in Krakow, shown here in the evening, offers dozens of stalls with a wide selection of souvenirs. |
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| Inside the Krakow market |
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A flower market, with both fresh and dry flowers, was in the square outside the Krakow market
when we walked by on Saturday morning just after arriving by train. |
Carvings of caricatures of old-style rabbis, Jewish musicians, and Jewish workmen are also very common in both Krakow and Warsaw. None are depicted here because I find them insensitive and offensive, considering what happened to the people who inspired them. Figures of Polish peasants and other subjects seem less objectionable.
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Wood carvings also frequently decorate shops and restaurants in the Old City.
I like these modern figures. |
I think you can imagine I would be right there, first thing at the morning -- and probably a lot less restrained in the shopping than I think you were!
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