traveltales: WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE

WIELICZKA SALT MINE

The famous Wieliczka salt mine is not far from Krakow, Poland. Claustrophobic me has sucked it up a couple times to go underground, but for some reason I was really looking forward to this adventure.

We descended three levels by elevator, then we were left with 420 steps to walk down. The steps were wide, rather shallow, had hand rails and were really very easy to navigate. Eventually we reached 1100 feet, nine levels below ground. The mine is huge so I really didn’t feel closed in.

After the steps there were many pathways with small rooms holding sculptures and carvings along the way—all carved from salt. All the sculptures were carved by miners over many years.

Rock salt was discovered here at the end of the 13^th century, and the mine is 800 years old. I understand mining stopped sometime in the first decade of 2000. There are 200 miles of tunnel in the mine.

It took us a good while to reach the Chapel of the Blessed Kings. Along the way we were like a bunch of kids oohing and ahhing at the sights along the way. But nothing prepared me for the highlight of the fair sized church measuring 1755 X 55 feet with a ceiling 39 feet high!

Everything in the room, chandeliers, altarpieces, showcases, and sculptures are carved from salt. The showcases even contained all the articles one would find in any china cabinet. Over a 30-year period, (1895-1927), 20,000 tons of salt were removed from that room! When this masterpiece was completed in 1964, 70 years had lapsed from start to finish. Even the floor looked like flagstone, but it’s made of salt too.

In a back alcove stands a life-size salt statue of Pope John Paul. It is a very good likeness of the Polish son who became pope.

This was an amazing visit to a subterranean museum. Nearly a decade later I happened onto a TV program showcasing the mine. Unfortunately I did not get the beginning of it, and keep hoping for a rerun. This is one place definitely on a revisit list.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.