The absence of bright light along with thick morning fog gave a stunningly atmospheric view of the old city


Kraków, 
Poland
19 September 2001

I was attending a short course at The Callan School of English in Kraków, Poland.

The cheap hotel I was staying at was close to the Kościuszko Mound, an artificial hill that supposedly gave a good view of the city.

One morning, perhaps my last in the city, I finally resolved to climb the hill before lessons started.

So I got up early and started climbing.

When I got to the top I was stunned. The sun hadn't yet risen but was just about to. Or perhaps it was hidden by a long, low strip of cloud?

Anyway the absence of bright light along with thick morning fog blending with poisonous smog gave a stunningly atmospheric view of the old city that spread out before me. Intricate plumes of smoke rose up from all the tiny stick-like chimneys. Warming up all the tenements and larger buildings in the chilly early morning hours.

I snapped some photos on my 35mm Canon SLR, just before the harsh sun came out and ruined the view.

Then I headed back down towards the city.

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