Lunch in Zakopane

There is no easy way to get from Budapest to Krakow it turns out.

First, I had considered driving. Then I learned that you can’t rent a car in one country and return it to another with a $900 fee. Next, I looked up a train. Then I learned that the train is via Vienna and is a 10 hour train ride. What about flying? Should be a quick flight! Nope….no direct flights from Budapest to Krakow. So where does that leave us? A private transfer! Aron from Euro Bus Ways will drive us from one city to the next for $400. Not bad considering the alternatives. And he allowed us to stop and have lunch in Zakopane—a little snowy mountain ski village at the south of Poland.

Knowing we had a 6am departure, I picked up some pastries and instant coffee the night before for a 5:30am breakfast before we left. At 6am, we piled into his van for a 6 hour car ride to Zakopane. Of course, when we stopped for gas I immediately hopped out, ran to McDonalds, and picked up a 20 piece McNugget meal and 5 cheeseburgers at 8am. I actually am starting to get used to the 6 meal a day feeding schedule. SMH.

As we drove up the mountain, there was a bit of a snow storm which made aunt mare very nervous. We survived the storm and the views were so beautiful.

When we arrived in Zakopane, we were all hungry and charmed by the cute little snow town. I had found a restaurant that was noted for the best view and great food. When we arrived, there was a line. It was a little scary to see a line knowing it was past Johnnys feeding time.

Luckily the line went somewhat quickly and it was so pretty from where we were seated!

The lunch spot was amazing, delicious, efficient, and inexpensive! Christophe ordered French Toast topped with goat cheese and figs, Aunt Mare had a Croque Madame, and I ordered an egg with bacon, sausages, vegetables, and a salad.

After lunch we had a little wander up and down the street. I wish we had more time in Zakopane but had to continue on to Krakow. It would definitely be a place to come back to if I liked skiing! The town reminded me a bit of Hogsmeade from Harry Potter :)