Wieliczka Salt Mines

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This was one of the sights that I wanted to see while here in Krakow. It was such a snap to get to that it didn't matter that my coffee this morning was instant coffee here in the room. I just didn't want to spend the time looking for real coffee, so chugged the instant stuff and promised to not do it again.

I had been met at the airport last night, so had an idea of where the bus stop would be. But let me say, having someone standing there holding a sign with my name is just the way to arrive somewhere. I have had that both times this trip and like it. I am thinking that when friends pick me up, I will ask them to make the sign and hold it for me. Pattie, Barbara???? Any takers? lol Kind of doubt it. I also remember when my nieces and nephews each had a sign but were in the wrong order, so it read Welcome Brendan Uncle Home. Was still cute.

Anyhow, back to the story. I found the bus stop, asked which bus to take and made it easily to the mine. The city bus goes right past, so it was a snap. Only had to wait about half an hour for the English tour. The guide was great. She had a good sense of humor and knew the mine very well. We walked down 308 steps, about 64 meters to start the tour and went for over 2 hours underground. The mine was started back in the Middle Ages and was mined until 1996. It was just huge. I won't go into all the detail, but let me say that this was worth the trip out here.

I missed my stop on the way back, so ended up walking through the Old Town and doing some sightseeing. My guesthouse is only 2 blocks from the Cloth Hall, so I will be back out there again before I leave. It was cold and rainy today, so I took the afternoon to rest in my room a bit. I have been on the go almost nonstop, so it was nice to just sit without waiting for a plane, train or something. For dinner I had the most wonderful chicken noodle soup again. Homemade noodles and a consomme with vegetables. It was perfect for such a damp evening. I was going to have the borscht, but this was only served on Sunday nights, so I ordered in instead. Had pork pierogis. At first I thought they were garnished with diced dried apricots, but it was crisp unsmoked pork instead.

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