Krakow threatened by Floods again.
KRAKOW TOURS – The weather this summer has gone from one extreme to another. Unbearable heat turned to rain almost overnight, leaving some of us shivering like autumn leaves.
Some areas of Lesser Poland have been on alert since yesterday. The Dunajec in Sromowacach Wyżnych and Szreniawie in Biskupicach have risen to “alert” levels, other Wisła tributaries like Raba, Skawa and a few others in the Lesser Poland area are expected to rise considerably after the heavy rains that fell overnight. Three anti-flooding alarms and four anti-flooding emergency services have already been issued, and five rivers have passed “alarm” levels while 20 are on “high alert”.
Krakow’s Prokocim neighbourhood began flooding when the Serafa River spilled over its banks during the night. “We received information that Serafa was threatening to spill over as early as 2:00 am and have been working to remedy the situation since we received the news,” the spokesperson for Krakow’s Fire Department told Gazeta Wyborcza.
Other regions of Lesser Poland seem to be in worse situations. The Czarny Dunajec River in Nowy Targ exceeded its “alarm” level by 28 cm and the Lepietnica River in Ludźmierz exceeded its “alert” level by 61 cm. Within the last 24 hours Kasprowy Wierch in Zakopane experienced heavy rains of 60 litres per squared meter, which will further raise water levels in surrounding areas.
Meteorologists expect another rainy day today.
Historical Accuracy Demands A Cave Beneath Your Castle With a Brothel Caveman Ghosts
via The Mule Abides
Roman Polanski Free After Switzerland Rejects Extradition
KRAKOW TOURS – One of Krakow’s most famous sons (well sort of), is now a free man.
Find out more about Polanski and his incredible links to the Krakow Ghetto when you visit Poland with Krakow Tours.
via Hannab11’s Blog
What’s New From Krakow Tours
KRAKOW TOURS – Are pleased to announce three new tours available in and around Krakow.
We have now formally introduced the very popular ‘Auschwitz and Salt Mine in a Day‘ tour. This may seem like a lot to fit in to one day, but rest assured we make it extremely comfortable for you.
And for the kids we now have a ‘Kids Day Out‘, this tour can be tailor made to suit the kids’ favorite activities, a selection of which are detailed here on our website.
Finally we have started a ‘Mystery Tour‘, to show you some of the many delights the region around Krakow has to offer. You see a national park, at least 3 castles, an amazing little chapel which in theory doesn’t exist, caves and even a real life desert.
Webb Abuse – Priceless
KRAKOW TOURS – In an exclusive interview with Przeglad Sportowy this week, English football referee Howard Webb expressed his hope to be refereeing in Poland at Euro 2012 despite becoming something of a hate figure for a decision he made at the last Euro championships.
Webb awarded a controversial penalty to Austria which ultimately eliminated the Poles and had PM Tusk spitting,
“I wanted to kill him!”
Reminded of this, Webb replied diplomatically,
“I heard about that. It means your PM is very interested in football, that he cares about the team. That’s good .”
Asked if he now considered the decision unjust, he elaborated,
“My interpretation of that event was as it was. As far as the Poles are concerned, I don’t think it’s me they hate, rather they hate the decision. I assure you I have no problem with the Poles. I hope I’ll meet you in two years at Euro 2012. Or even earlier. It’s not impossible I may officiate at a friendly in Poland before then.”
Poland decides on new President today
KRAKOW TOURS – The people of Poland are voting in a run-off election to determine the country’s next president. Observers say the final result between Bronislaw Komorowski and Jaroslaw Kaczynski could be close.
Mr Komorowski has been acting president since his predecessor, Mr Kaczynski’s twin brother Lech, was killed in a plane crash as he travelled to Russia in April.
Results are expected to be released on Monday.
The election has been dominated by the crash. Poland’s first couple and 94 other people died when their plane came down in Smolensk on 10 April as they flew to attend a memorial ceremony for the World War II Katyn massacre.
The contests pits the business-oriented Bronislaw Komorowski from the ruling centrist Civic Platform against the conservative Jaroslaw Kaczynski of the main opposition Law and Justice party.
Mr Komorowski won 41.5% in the first round and Mr Kaczynski 36.5%. Eight other candidates were eliminated.
Final opinion polls before Sunday’s voting got under way suggested a close call, with floating voters certain to be pivotal.
Komorowski’s support ranged from 45 to 54%, and Kaczynski’s from 42 to 45%, AFP news agency reports.
Mr Komorowski’s supporters see him working well with Prime Minister Donald Tusk in trying to curb fiscal deficit.
Mr Komorowski, 58, said at his rally on Friday: “You have the choice between a politician who harbours resentment and grudges, and the future, with an optimistic vision of Poland.”
Mr Kaczynski’s supporters hope a victory for their candidate would curb cuts in public spending.
He said on Friday: “This election began with a tragedy. I hope it will end with a great success for Poland.”
Mr Kaczynski, 61, served as prime minister but was voted out of office in 2007.
The BBC’s Adam Easton in Warsaw says Mr Kaczynski has tried to present himself as a changed man, prepared to compromise with opponents, in the wake of his own personal loss.
The Polish president has a role in foreign affairs and the power to propose and veto legislation, although policy is set by the prime minister.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton avoided taking sides during her visit to Poland on Saturday.
“Whichever candidate is chosen, the United States will continue to be your friend and partner,” she said.
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