Krakow

We went to a large system of salt mines and took a tour. It was really cool. The mines are at least 700 years old and extend over 300 km. During their spare time, the miners would carve things from the salt - there are gnomes, lots of religious figures, modern looking scultpures, and even several entire chapels! The main chapel was carved by a group of guys over a 4 year period and was incredible. The cristals in the chandeliers were even made from salt, the floor carved to look like tiles, and 3-D bas relief of various religious themes carved into the walls. Absolutely incredible. Apparently they actively use the space for mass on Sundays and they hold weddings and concerts in there sometimes. We did the really tourist thing and ate in the cafeteria they have cuz Jason was so giddy with excitement at the prospect of eating 300ft below ground.

That night we hooked up with Drew and Kevin and went out for some drinks and dancing. We found a place with a DJ and a small crowd (but what do you expect on a Tuesday?) and had a great time. Too good. We both were a bit hungover yesterday and didn't get out to see the city as we had planned. But honestly, at this point what's another castle?

Today we are off to Auschwitz concentration camp and then a stopover in a place called Lodz. Tomorrow we head up to the Mazury Lakes region in the NE of Poland for a 6 day decompression. Not sure about the internet access there and all, so you may not hear from me for awhile.

Oh, and I almost forgot. As we were about to leave Czech, Jason was pulled over! He was totally speeding and we didn't have the toll sticker, but somehow he managed to talk his way out of it. He shouldn't have been able to and I for sure thought we were going to be fined (they usually demand payment on the spot) and of course we had just topped off the tank to get rid of our Czech crowns. But he did it - playing the dumb tourist. Amazing!

Last but not least, I added a link to Jason's web album of pics. I am too lazy to go through and create my own album of his pictures, so you have to put up with looking at his. He only does a few pictures from each place, but at least it is something. Enjoy!