Poland Remembers Michael Jackson

[china]

Poland Remembers Michael Jackson
Staff journalist | 26th June 2009

As news spreads of Jackson's death, we gauge Poles' reactions
As Poland woke this morning, the main topic on most people's lips was Michael Jackson. Every morning news show on television mentioned the King of Pop's death, as the story quickly spread through the Polish news media.

"I think it's a big loss for the music industry, especially his fans," said 23-year-old Kaska, a student. "My first reaction was shock. He did a lot for music."

Her friend, Nina, 20, added: "It was strange to me, as he was only 50 years old. I'm not a big fan, but he did a lot for music so it's a loss."

Shopping in the Sukiennice, John, 38, a tourist from Newtown, Pennsylvania, stated: "It's sad in that he lived a tragic life, and more than any other musician, most fans seemed to separate his art and performance from his personal life."

Joanna, 20, a stall operator in the Sukiennice, added: "My sister was a big fan, so I'm sure she's sad. I was not excessively moved, but as he was so young, it's a loss."

However, it was Andrzej, 66, who put things into perspective: "There are more important things to think about than the death of a pop star;" he cited Poland's 1.4 million unemployed as one of them, as well as pointing to the makeshift shrine for victims of the recent violence in Iran that Cracovians had constructed on the square.

Michael Jackson has had an interesting history with Poland. In 1997, news spread that the pop star intended to build a theme park in Warsaw. In May 1997, he returned to Warsaw and signed a "preliminary letter of intent" stating his desire to develop the "Family Theme Park", and rough estimates placed Jackson's intended contribution at $100-300 million. However, an agreement was never reached with city authorities, and nothing came of it.

Jackson performed in Poland only once, on 20 September 1996, as part of the HIStory World Tour. The tour included a total of 82 shows, and was attended by a record-breaking 4.5 million fans. 120,000 people attended his concert in Warsaw's Bernowo Airport, which was the second largest audience of the tour (his concert in Prague drew 127,000 fans).

His comeback tour, titled "This Is It", was scheduled to begin in July of this year. Jackson was pronounced dead last night at 22:36 Polish time (GMT+1).
Photo: the original ticket for Jackson's only Polish concert

 

[china]

[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]The Rynek (Market Square)[/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]The Rynek was laid out in 1257 after the Mongol hordes swept through Cracow. At two hundred metres squared, it became the largest market place in Europe. It really is vast - and beautiful - to say the least. And yet it never feels too big, as the Cloth Hall, which runs right down the centre, provides a sense of balance. Some of the great dramas of Poland's history were played out here, and it remains one of the most vibrant and inspiring places in the country.
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From its beginnings, the Market Square was the commercial and social heart of Cracow. It was an emporium of the Black Sea trade, and a spring-board for Poland's links with the West. Besides this, it was a place of festivals and public gatherings. Although people are rarely executed there today, the Rynek is still used as an arena for parades, both religious and secular. Above all, the Square is the place for Cracovians to meet, young and old. In this respect it is the city's drawing room. The phrase 'Pod Adamem' meaning 'under Adam' (this being the statue of Adam Mickiewicz - Poland's greatest bard and a serial philanderer) is regularly used to mean 'meet up under the statue'.

The Rynek has a great sense of majesty about it. And to lap this up, there are several vantage points from which one can view the square. Many of the buildings are very grand, as the aristocracy wanted their palaces here. They went to town in this respect, lavishing money on their architects. During the summer, when the cafes bring out their chairs, the entire ring pullulates. It is a good place to sit and watch the world go by. Indeed, with its buskers and flower-sellers, its mad pigeons and mime-artists, its wonderfully lively and varied architecture, the Market Square is never a dull place. It is one of the real joys of Krakow.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]add your comments[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]"The Rynek is amazing. My favourite square in all Europe"[/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Jake
[/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]United Kingdom
May.28.2009
rates this page [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]5/5[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]"Krakow was recommended to me by several friends who had previously been there, and what a shock I got, it was a fantastic city, very much up to date with fashion and technology but still reasonably priced unlike the eurozone cities. It has many world famous and infamous attractions all of which are well worth a visit, dining out is inexpensive with good quality fare. The beer is locally produced to a very high standard and if like me you enjoy beer then your home from home. I have travelled extensively around the world having been in most european cities, but I can tell you this is a jewel that needs to be experienced to be believed. Go book a trip before the world catches on and the prices shoot up."[/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Ricky
[/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Ireland
May.25.2009
rates this page [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]3/5[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]"Fabulous city. Have been there several times now and will go again in September. As others say, Oswiecim is a must and Zakopane worth a visit. Stick to public transport, cheap and reasonably reliable. The train to Wieliczka is a must (slatted wooden benches and views over the grotty Communist era buildings) and cheap at 4zl each way. Only bad experience we had was my son's girlfriend having her camera stolen from their apartment in Grodzka Street."[/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Mike Zawadzki
[/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]United Kingdom
May.22.2009
rates this page [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]4/5[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]"Also stayed in the Old Town Apartments, Florienska street. Well worth the money, litrally 2 minutes away from the square."[/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Hannah
[/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]United Kingdom
Feb.27.2009
rates this page [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]4/5[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]"I love Krakow. We had 6 days there and the people are so nice. Its dead cheap too. I would actually move there if i could."[/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Hannah
[/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]United Kingdom
Feb.27.2009
rates this page [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]4/5[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]"heyaa i LUV POLAND SO MUCH! i am currently learning polish thats how much i love this awesome country. Kochem ciebie!"[/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Loola Belle
[/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]United States
Feb.22.2009
rates this page [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]5/5[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]"Crakow is fabuous,well worth a visit.we had 1 night there after skiing in Zakopane,really enjoyed it,buildings are fabulous.Bought an amber pendant for 157z..it's a fab atmosphere.we got a bus from zakopane to crakow for 20z, really good value, took just over 2 hours.Takes you from bus station in zakopane to bus station in Cracow.you can get a good kebab in crakow for 11z.got an appartment to sleep 10 for 500z in crakow centre(based on 5z per £)"[/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Heather
[/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]United Kingdom
Feb.05.2009
rates this page [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]4/5[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]"My sister and I spent 4 nights and 5 days in Krakow.... fantastic place! We were lucky enough to stay in the old part close to the old square at a wonderful Hotel called The Pollera ... we also booked a great guide who took us to Auschwitz/Birkenau and then along to Lamsdorf where my dad was a prisoner of war for almost all the second world war ... a beautiful country. The square is wonderful and everywhere so cheap especially the amber jewellery. Would love to return ....friendly people - what more could you want ..."[/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Val
[/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]United Kingdom
Jun.17.2008
rates this page [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]5/5[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]"I loved Krakow! As soon as we stepped off the plane into the Polish sunshine, I knew my Stag Do would be a success. We did very little by way of tours etc (apart from Auschwitz - Birkaneu which was interesting). However, sitting in the main market square drinking a nice cold beer is the way to live here! We went to some great bars and restaurants too. Roosters is a great place to eat and the Irish Mbassy was good to watch the footy in. There are some great kebabs and pizzas available too. We stayed at the Bluebells apartments which aren't much but they were cheap and cheerful at £14 per person per night. It's a five minute walk from the square. I'll definitely be going back soon!!!"[/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Leroy B
[/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]United Kingdom
Jun.12.2008
rates this page [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]5/5[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]"I came here in November 2007. Had a great time and there were mounds of unmelted snow. It was definitely polo neck, gloves and scarf weather. It was still a very bright and lively place. Felt very safe in this city, lots of great bars to suit all tastes. I am visiting again in June 2008 it was so good, bringing my girlfriend this time. We have booked a table at Pod Krzyzykiem on the main square. Will report back on this. Last time we tried this bread and dripping type appetiser - definitely recommended. Can't wait to come back."[/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Dave Stoker
[/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]United Kingdom
May.29.2008
rates this page [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]3/5[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]"Very nice place to just sit and watch the people. Bought some amber at this place."[/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Bren Buenaluz
[/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]United States
May.14.2008
rates this page [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]5/5[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]"just got back with lads 7 in total weve been everywhere in europe this place is the buisness. where definatly going back one day cant wait........."[/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]gaz cat
[/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]United Kingdom
May.10.2008
rates this page [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]5/5[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]"what a fabulous square. The several days I spent in and around Krakow last May and particularly the Square will remain special in my memory"[/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Barry England
[/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Australia
Feb.08.2008
rates this page [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]4/5[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]"just got back from a wonderful chilled out trip... wow the market square is fab... didn't realise how big it was!!! yes mind out for trams and horse and carts! Favourite part... grodzka oh and cafe pietro's cocktails! what a birthday night that was! "[/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]zoe
[/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]United Kingdom
Feb.03.2008
rates this page [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]4/5[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]"Had a blinding time in Krakow. A visit to Auschwitz/Birkenau is a must. Take a trip down to the Winter capital of Zacopane as well. Booked to go back again in March 08 & again in August."[/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Jan
[/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]United Kingdom
Nov.08.2007
rates this page [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]4/5[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]"just back from short visit (Oct 20), people great, city beautiful and the market square is at the heart of it all - just mind the trams!!!"[/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Stevie O
[/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Ireland
Oct.21.2007
rates this page [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]4/5[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]"after all my years in Krakow, you still can't beat a walk around the Market Square. I lie - you can have a drink on the Market Square! Na zdrowie"[/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Big D
[/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]United Kingdom
Sep.27.2007
rates this page [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]5/5[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]"Stevie from Australia is dead on . This is what a city centre should be . We visited during June 07 , and will definitely go back . Just make sure to visit Auchswitz during your stay in Krakow."[/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]John O NeillI
[/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Ireland
Jun.20.2007
rates this page [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]5/5[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]"The Rynek is one magically place in winter and spring. Love to return again and have more fun. "[/FONT]

 

[Risus]

Does anyone really give a crap?

 

[Kreskin]

after all my years in Krakow, you still can't beat a walk around the Market Square.

That's the first thing I thought about when the news broke.

 

[lone wolf]

Farrah Fawcett kept no secrets of her fate. MJ died the secret death of a druggie. Which one deserves to be celebrated?

 

[Risus]

Farrah Fawcett kept no secrets of her fate. MJ died the secret death of a druggie. Which one deserves to be celebrated?

Exactly.