Walking around Krakow I am always amazed at how much construction work there is going on. From new roads, to footpaths, to new sewage instalments, to the renovation of old tenement houses. I remember reading somewhere years ago that Sydney Uni spends some 65% of all its money on the maintenance of its old buildings that were erected in the 19^th century. Krakow has treasures from the 1400s and its Old Town is listed on the World Heritage List. I wonder how much cash must be pumped into its walls on a monthly basis, given the harsh weather conditions, the pollution and the general illsuitability to traffic and population expansion! During the commy era almost nothing was done to preserve the old structures. So when you walk around the place these days it feels like the town is in a constant makeover stage. Michal’s mum, who used to study in Krakow in the 70s, says she feels strange walking around the freshly repainted facades and shiny new footpaths. To her Krakow was always grey, dirty, unkept and mysterious. The new colour scheme makes her feel uneasy. I like it. I especially like watching the specially trained heritage building restorers. They’re often students studying conservation, young women with special tools, on their knees working the fine stone with meticulous detail…

The Christo effect on all the buildings under constructions

This is the main cinema that I go to most frequently, called “Pod Baranami”, meaning ‘Under the Sheep’. Since arriving its facade has always been under renovation. Maybe they’ve run out of dosh.

The latest project is new underground piping. The old early 19th century water pipes are being gutted out due to all the leaking. Their rustiness is pretty impressive. Alas no picture.

And this is just thrown in for a kick. Scafolding in Hong Kong. Out of bamboo sticks!! Michal and I stared at this for ages. Who would have thought bamboo to be so sturdy.