Road to Steemfest 3 (part 5): My expectations of Krakow and the social activities during Steem Fest

I feel like I'm playing catch-up with these content-focused blogs and so this one is only three days after the previous '3 facts' post - number 4 in the series. If you missed the first three posts, you can view them here 1, 2, 3, if you wish.

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This week, the topic is based around expections of Poland and the city of Krakow, and also expections with regards to the social events that take place each evening. As I was an attendee at last years festival, I have a choice here whether to start with the totally unknown, or let my memory guide how I expect the evenings to unfold. Ok, let's do Poland and Krakow first.

Without opening google for a research session, I do expect that in November, it's going to be quite chilly. Having lived in the 'Med' for a couple of years now, this is likely to be a bit of a shock. I'm not a fan of the cold at the best of times (part of the reason I said goodbye to the UK), but going from what will be a rather temperate Majorca, to potentially freezing at night, yeah that's not going to be awesome, unless I have plenty of warm clothes in the suitcase. I'm not even sure where my warm clothes are, I've only worn shorts and t-shirts since May!

A few weeks ago, I met a girl via Tinder and her friend who happened to be Boznian and Montenegrin (?), and live in the city of Krakow. Clearly this was for Steemfest 3 research purposes only, and not to have a few drinks with two ladies from eastern Europe. And so it was from these guys that I did find out that it will most likely be cold, and it could well be rather smoggy in the city in November. Apparently, there are still a reasonable number of households and businesses that use coal. I don't know why, but I was pretty surprised by this information. The UK phased coal out in the late 80's and early 90's, as many households, including ours, switched to central heating. We did have a coal fire for years, and I remember the smell, and watching with anticipation as my mum lit the fire in the morning, freezing my ass of in a house with just this, and a small electric heater on the wall. In some ways, if the chimneys in Krakow are bellowing out smoke in November, I hope to be reminded of those cold winter days back home - but only for a few minutes or else my teeth will start to chatter.

The girls did offer to show me around Krakow, but we'll see. I'm sure there will be enough explorer types at the event, this guy called @anomadsoul makes it his business to get lost in new places - just got to try and catch him on his shower day I guess :D

Google tells me that Kraków also spelled Cracow or Krakow, is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. Situated on the Vistula River in the Lesser Poland region, the city dates back to the 7th century.1. Also, it is known for its well-preserved medieval core and Jewish quarter. Its old town – ringed by Planty Park and remnants of the city’s medieval walls – is centered on the stately, expansive Rynek Glówny (market square). This plaza is the site of the Cloth Hall, a Renaissance-era trading outpost, and St. Mary’s Basilica, a 14th-century Gothic church. 2

Back in the UK, I used to buy Polish beer from the local shop, and so I suspect they have refreshments covered. I also assume they are not short of food, and that meat (sausages? - boo) could be a popular choice. Google also tells me Poland has its own currency, zloty, which is the nation's legal tender. Nevertheless some establishments, notably hypermarkets, accept payments in euros.

How many zlotys for 1 STEEM?

1 Poland złoty equals 0.27 United States Dollar and 1$ / 1 STEEM at present

So, just under 4 zlotys for 1 STEEM, in case anyone (probably no-one) was wondering.

Social Activities

Steemfest is one big social event, and this side of things is not reserved for the evenings. At least that is what I learned from last year. There was plenty of time throughout the day to chat, particularly at lunch and between speaker sessions.

However, come 4/5pm, folks are getting a little low on attention and you can sense that a beer and some food is what's required bring a second wind of energy for the evening ahead. This is exactly what happened last year following the talks, as we moved to dining locations serving local food and drink. After this, and if following last years agenda, is when people really get to unwind. 'Comedy' events, pubs/clubs, and a Pool hall were part of last years agenda, and I think this worked pretty well.

I would be happy to play Pool again - hopefully this year there will be more people that can give me a game :P This time of day also allows for the most mingling, you never know who you may bump into at the bar. I remember chatting to @getonthetrain, @anomadsoul, @acromott, @gmuxx, and even a drunken conversation with @dollarvigilante regarding advertising, or lack of, Steem. Could well be having the same conversation again this year then?!

My main expectation is that I expect to talk to more people. As stated in previous #roadtosteemfest posts, I was unwell for some of the event last year, and hope that this time around I'll be on full form, know faces which will help early apprehension subside, and have more time to meet with new attendees, and the ones I didn't get chance to speak to last time.

I'm looking forward to the event. A new city to visit, and lots of people who are positive about the future for Steem.

Have a great day all!

Asher