We drove north and into Poland. We’d decided staying in a big city wasn’t for us so chose an area called Zakopane. 

We arrived to a very beautiful area in the mountain. Very Queenstown-ish we thought. 

And it was cold! 16! All the central heating was on. We’re not carrying winter jarmies so I hunted through the cupboards for extra blankets. 

The following day we decided it was time for a water park. The area we were staying in is known for its mineral pools. Polands biggest and most famous was 15 minutes away.,

We purchased a 4 hour pass and had a lovely soak. Being a Sunday afternoon it was busy but we could always find somewhere to linger. We had fun on the hydro slides, in a whirl pool, a pool with disco lights. 

We’d brought sandwiches and water with us so inhaled them then BK bought hot chips and drinks (at resort type prices!) to top us up. It was a lovely time and something different to do.

The next day after that we missioned up to Krakow. What a pretty city! Not what I expected. Google reviews found us some cheap parking and we wondered round the old town enjoying the sights, the architecture, the art work for sale. We then went over to the Jewish quarter and wondered round that. I wanted to go into a Jewish bookshop but it appeared closed.

Topped up on thickshakes we made our way back to the car and drove 20 minutes to a salt mine. Again, came across some cheap parking and lined up ready for our tour. It was a beautiful hot day but I changed to jeans, grabbed my hoody and my beanie and ended up wearing both!! The tour started with 400 steps downward!! Took ages!! Once we were at 110m below ground and the guide started with the history and information. It was fascinating, the use of wood is extensive. The guide joked there was several forests of wood in the mine, I’m sure she wasn’t wrong! The salt would damage and weaken any other substance but with wood it makes it firmer, like stone/concrete. 

We walked through tunnel and mine shaft. We saw lakes of brine, so beautifully blue in colour.

We walked a total of 3km over 2 levels, apparently only 1% of the whole mine! Crazy! 

Once the tour was over we caught a lift up to the surface. It spat us out not anywhere near where we went into the mine, so after finding our car, getting massively long donar kababs it was the long drive back to our apartment. 

One very full touristing day!!

The next couple of days BK worked. 

The kids and I rested.

We popped into the Main Street which was so pretty. I found someone selling deep friend potato curls on a stick. Yum.

I also drove for the first time in 12 weeks!! I needed to get some practice in for later in the week. 

Poland you were lovely but now it’s time to turn west for a wee side mission of returning our Peugeot.

Till next time,

Claire 

 

Ps I’ve added a few photo’s from inside the salt mine. A carving into the wall – you can guess what it’s of! A chapel for the workers of the salt mine back in the day. The track for carts to be pushed along. Fascinating. Never been anywhere quite like it.