So today I left Minsk for Poland, I am going to Warsaw first which is the capital. I am going to Krakow too which I am looking forward to. I have never been to Poland before so I am excited to see the country, I really wanted to go to Gdansk too but it was too awkward travelling wise to go to all 3 cities.

I got a taxi to the airport around lunchtime and it took me ages to get through passport control again, you have to get registered by the hostel/hotel you are staying in while you are in Belarus, which mine did but they are also meant to give you some kind of receipt to say they have done it, which mine didnt! The lady on security was, suprisingly, really nice and friendly though and told me not to worry while she made some phonecalls and finally I got my exit stamp and was allowed through! Phew!

Luckily, the plane was a normal sized plane and not tiny like the one I got into Minsk and I managed to sleep on the way - missing free drinks and snacks which isnt like me!! As we landed, the captain said the temperature was 7 degrees above - the warmest it has been so far!!

I got the tram to my hostel which is right on what is called the Royal Route which is the main street that goes from the new town to the old town.

The hostel was up 6 flights of stairs which was hardwork with my backpack! I got checked in and had a bottom bunk! Yey! The room holds 5 bunk beds so sleeps 10, but my bed is kind of round a corner with another bunk so a bit more private. As soon as I went in though, I got told off for putting the light on by an old woman who, judging by how much stuff she had set out, seemed to live here! I have been suprised how many locals are in the hostels I have stayed in so far, maybe its just cheaper to stay in a hostel than rent somewhere?? I find it strange though! This old dear sounded like she was on her last legs mind you, the way she was coughing! In fact, I couldnt quite figure out how she had got up and down the stairs as it was quite a long way and she shuffled about and had a walking frame! Bizarre!!

I was still feeling a bit poorly so just had a shower and then walked down to the old town for an explore. It was going dark and the whole street was lit up with Christmas lights still, and on the way to the old town I even saw Santa! It is so pretty in the old town, with a big Christmas tree in the middle of the main square and loads of tourists taking pictures. I think I am going to like it here!