At the STOP café in Krakow, the words on the wall say “STOP HATING yourself for everything you aren’t and start loving yourself for everything you already are”.
Walking the passageway leading into the Klezmer Hois restaurant in the Kazimierz district of Krakow, I had to navigate round piles of literary magazines. The tables are set amongst well-stocked book shelves.
Here there are nightly performances of Klezmer, the instrumental folk music of Ashkenazi Jews. When I was there, they played a song so well known that even I (two generations estranged from this heritage) know and play it. Hevenu Schalom Alejchem translates to We Brought Peace Unto You. Listening to this suddenly felt like an emptiness, in this place, with this history. I am wrong. Here, in the summer, takes place the largest annual Jewish Cultural Festival in the diaspora. The 31st season is June to July 2022. Watch this clip for a flavour.
kestrelart 
So many worlds contained in both books and music. (K)
So much was also lost. Irreplaceable.
Yes, every single life.
That middle sketch of the tables and shelves has me feeling like I’m there. All the work you’ve posted lately makes a strong impression. Thanks for sharing it, and for sharing your journey.
You are very welcome, it’s made a strong impression on me too.
I love this post. Your story; theirs. And your sketches, which are so delicate, yet so strong.