Krakow, Poland

I have always wanted to visit Poland. There was never a particular City I wanted to visit but going to Poland was always a ‘must do’ on my list. I’m not sure why? I don’t speak Polish, know the history nor know what Pol’s eat but Poland has always been on my mind. Maybe it’s the ‘what ifs’. What if I enjoy the City? What if I like the Polish language? What if the people appeal to me so much that I would want to live there one day?

It was only Eileen and I on this trip. First trip was out to the Auschwitz Concentration Camps; the largest of Nazi Germany's camps. The place was Airy, soulless and with a feeling of enmity.
The number of deaths at this camp is known to be around 1.3 million and of that, 1.1 million were Jews. We were unable to take any photos inside mainly as a sign of respect. But obviously you will always have disrespectful tourist snapping away so they can show it off to their friends as a sense of achivement......

The gas chamber was gloomy, we learnt about how people were tricked into going into the gas chamber at their own will. The firing line, different torture methods were also explained.
It is hard to list everything, it is the kind of place that you really have to visit to understand the affliction.

Next stop was the Wieliczka Salt Mine. It was only in 1996 that mining was discontinued. The mine has a depth of 327 metres with paths exceeding 300km. We were only able to get as far as 135 metres though. Miners would live down there for years at a time and eating nothing but salt. They weren't allow to bring any kind of food down there as it may attract vermins. Numerous sculptures were also created by these miners. Their talent would make todays artist look like little school kids.

Deep inside the mines, an aura shines toward you as you approach St. Kinga's Chapel. Yes a chapel sculpted by miners! It is 18 metres wide, 10 metres high and stretches for 54 metres.
The surrounding walls are covered with historical and biblical carvings. Being in that room really makes you wonder 'What have I done with my life?'
There was so much to see. Check out this link for more information.

Even though Krakow is part of the European Union, they are still using their own currency. £1 = 5 polish zloty. Beer is 4 zloty, steak is 16 zloty. We ate and drank like Kings! The city is lively during the day with plenty of entertainment during the evenings. Yes, Krakow does have a past that we would like to forget but the city still radiates with joy. I will be back, oh yes........I will be back.

Sam




Eros Bendato Head








St. Mary's church from afar








Auschwitz








Auschwitz II/Birkenau








St. Kinga's Chapel