Raw Travel Season 2 Episode 1 Krakow, Poland

Raw Travel is a travel series that focuses on destination trends, sustainable tourism, local culture, and adventure. In the season 2 premiere, host Robert Rose takes viewers to the historic city of Krakow, Poland, to explore its rich history, thriving art and music scene, and diverse culinary offerings.

The episode opens with Rose exploring the cobblestone streets of Krakow's Old Town, marveling at the well-preserved medieval architecture and learning about the city's past as a royal capital and cultural center. He visits the Wawel Castle, a stunning complex of Gothic and Renaissance buildings that once housed Polish kings and is now a major tourist attraction. Rose takes viewers on a tour of the castle's state rooms, chapels, and gardens, highlighting the art and design elements that reflect centuries of royal patronage and political power.

Moving on from the castle, Rose ventures into the Kazimierz district, a vibrant neighborhood that was once the heart of Krakow's Jewish community. He meets locals who share stories of the district's rich cultural heritage, including its role in the production of Jewish folklore and traditions. Rose visits the historic Tempel Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in Poland, where he learns about the unique customs and practices that have sustained Jewish life in Krakow for centuries.

As the episode continues, Rose shifts his focus to the city's arts and music scene, starting with the ultra-hip district of Tytano. The area was once an industrial district but has been transformed into a lively hub of independent shops, galleries, bars, and breweries. Rose visits several of the district's creative spaces, including an art gallery housed in a former tobacco factory and a recording studio run by a local musician. He learns about the challenges and opportunities faced by Krakow's artists and entrepreneurs, who are trying to balance the demands of commercial viability with the need to maintain authenticity and integrity.

Krakow's music scene is another highlight of the episode, with Rose exploring the city's rich tradition of classical, folk, and contemporary sounds. He visits the Krakow Opera House, a stunning venue that hosts world-class performances of opera, ballet, and theater. He also meets a local folk band that plays traditional music on handmade instruments, and a young rapper who is using hip-hop to convey messages of social justice and cultural pride. Throughout the episode, Rose highlights the diversity and energy of Krakow's music culture, which is rooted in tradition but constantly evolving.

No visit to Krakow would be complete without indulging in its many culinary delights, and Rose makes sure to sample as many as possible. He visits local markets to try traditional snacks like oscypek (smoked cheese) and zapiekanki (open-faced bread with toppings), and then heads to a hip vegan restaurant to sample some modern takes on Polish cuisine. He also meets with a local chef who is committed to using sustainable and locally sourced ingredients in her dishes, and explores the growing trend of craft beer in Poland.

Overall, Raw Travel season 2 episode 1 showcases the many facets of Krakow, Poland, from its rich history and cultural heritage to its vibrant arts and food scenes. Robert Rose's engaging and informative commentary, combined with stunning visuals and lively local perspectives, make this a must-see episode for anyone interested in travel, culture, and adventure.