More of Krakow

Today was set aside as a free day in Krakow. There are a lot of museums, shopping opportunities, and other churches/historical sites to visit. This morning a group of five girls went to the Schindler's Factory museum in the area of town that used to be the Jewish Ghetto. If you aren't familiar with the book/movie, Oskar Schindler ran a textiles factory that employed Jews. He was instrumental in saving the lives of many Jews by employing more than necessary, and doing everything in his power, including sacrificing everything he and his wife owned, to prevent the deportation of his workers. The museum was just opened in 2010, and walks visitors through years 1939-1945 in Krakow, specifically. The main focus is not on the factory itself, but attention is given to how the factory was influential in the city. I learned today that Poland had just celebrated its 25th year since its declaration of independence the month before Germany unexpectedly invaded. (No declaration of war was made.) In the museum I didn't want to leave the between-wars section. Krakow, and all of Poland was so optimistic going into the 1940s. The country was growing in population and economic stability. People were happy! The Jewish population of 25% was well integrated into society. Obviously, things began to change quickly. I won't give a history lesson, although the museum did a great job of moving through the years with a multi-sensuous technique. It was interactive, and the colors, lighting, sounds, etc, established an appropriate mood in each section. We could have spent a lot more time in the museum, but had planned to meet for lunch back in the old town. 

After lunch we took a bus out to nearby Wieliczka to see the 700 year old (and still in use) salt mines. That was an adventure in its own right! Krakow has mini buses that are more like large mini vans or shuttles, that barely stop when letting passengers on and off and the bus driver didn't speak English. However, there was a friendly Polish women on the bus that was very helpful. When we got to the proper stop, it was unclear where we were supposed to be, but we found the ticket kiosk and purchased our tickets just in time to join the 3:30 English tour. 

I am so glad we visits the mines! The underground architecture, machinery, and salt carvings were incredible. We started by going down 360 stairs (which I thought might take the whole 2 hours) and emerged 64 meters underground. Over the course of the tour, we continued going down to a depth of 135 meters, which is only the third of nine levels deep! In fact, on our tour today, we saw only 1% of the mines! One of the main attractions of the mines, and my favorite part, was the chapel. Entirely made of salt carvings, the chapel was huge and decorated with chandeliers and artwork. It was very beautiful! Apparently it is used for mass every Sunday. How would you like to go to church 110 meters underground every Sunday?! 

Tomorrow we depart Krakow (noo! I could spend so many more days here!) and drive to Budapest! But now, I sleep.