We have not done any shopping because we can’t carry any more stuff. That’s why I avoid eye contact with vendors especially those who look like they’re selling their own handicraft or art because I feel guilty that I can’t buy from them after they’ve taken the time to tell me about their work. So, I usually keep my distance from the stalls in market squares, or on the sidewalks.

That also allows me to see if there’s a “No photo” sign. I’ve seen vendors yell at tourists. That probably cost themselves some business. We got yelled at by an old lady in St. Goar, Germany for taking pictures of the merchandise she put on the sidewalk. We didn’t see any “No photo” sign.

The vibe at the Krakow Old Town this afternoon was very different. Dating from 1257, the Old Town Square in Krakow is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. Everything feels open and spacious. Most people were very cordial.

There were many vendors sitting behind their stalls making more of what they were selling. I saw someone’s camera pointed at a vendor carving something on his lap. At first glance, I thought, “What the hell are you carving? There are children around!”

At second glance, he was smiling at me. Doh! I couldn’t just walk away. Since he was smiling, I decided to take a photo. He got up, and showed me a bird he carved. It was nice, but nothing special. Twenty Zloty (20 zl / USD $5.50). I wasn’t going to waste $5.50 on something I didn’t want, so Kenric and I seriously considered his other pieces.

We decided on a Santa that doesn’t take up much space. He wrapped it, double-bagged it, and handed it to me with both hands. Yes, I will take very good care of it. Kenric handed him the cash. He shook Kenric’s hand, and then mine. A handshake. It felt special.