Roo and I had the chance to get away together and we could go anywhere in Europe. We chose Poland. In February.
Yes, it was cold. And at times the atmosphere was very depressing, but overall it was a joy for us to have time together and discover a new place together. And it was even more of a joy for once to be the people on the plane WITHOUT children. In fact, flying without children felt like a morning at the spa. I sat and read a book and didn't get stressed out or mad at anyone once! It was wonderful.
Under a dirty white sky and dirty white snow, Poland was initially an array of dilapidated grey textures to me. The pall of communism still hung over almost everything, even the people, who seemed grim. Yet this thrilled me--I wasn't there to experience Western Europe or America or some sunny resort; I was there to experience something new.
Our first stop was the Wieliczka Salt Mine. One of the oldest and deepest mines in Europe. The tour started with a trek down a million winding, wooden stairs and lasted for three hours in the mine.
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| Looking down the middle of the stairs on our way down. It was very, very deep. (We took an elevator back up...) |
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| The mine was full of impressive sculptures carved from the salt. |
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| This was an impressive and massive chapel (more like a cathedral) carved out of the rock deep in the mine. People are often married here. |
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| Even the chandeliers are made of salt. |
After miles of walking through the mine, we were exhausted. We drove
into the city of Krakow, with its beautifully preserved Old Town, and
found our hotel right on the square. It was so lovely. And nothing is a more welcome sight on a romantic getaway than a lovely hotel room... And after our second day in Poland (post to follow), to see something beautiful and lovely, even if it is the shape and color of a throw pillow, was vital.
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| Our hotel |
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| Our pretty bedroom, which somewhat restored my faith in humanity after an emotionally exhausting day at Auschwitz. |
We walked through the beautiful Old Town at night to eat some authentic Polish food.
And we snapped some blurry photos of the town square before scurrying back into our warm room.
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| Market stalls |
6 comments:
You guys are getting to do some really awesome stuff over there! Glad you got a getaway. And I hear you about the flying without kids. I think it is better than a spa day.
That was me, not Jim.
Poland is probably not on my must see list, but there are definitely some interesting places to see there. The Salt mine is neat as museum, but it must of been h-e-double-toothpicks to work in.
Can't wait to read more about this trip! Glad you had a charming hotel room to brighten your spirits.
I am impressed that you would choose Poland for a romantic getaway. But in addition to that what you learn and experience will last forever.
I am impressed that you would choose Poland for a romantic getaway. But in addition to that what you learn and experience will last forever.
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