Good Morning, We are in Zakopane but ready to leave soon and head south because we can't find a place to charge the PC, plus Mom needs to do laundry. We will head south towards a new country, hoping to see what we need.

Yesterday we were in Wieliczka Salt Mine a fascinating world 12 million years in the making. 

I wasn't allowed to go down the mine even though Mom could have used me to keep her calm since she's not very good in closed spaces underground

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There was no flash allowed inside so pictures aren't that good.

Opening more than 700 years ago, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is Poland’s oldest business.  There were tens of generations that worked to bring the three square miles of mining tunnels to life, and it’s a testament to the ingenuity and tenacity of the Polish people.  It ceased mining operations in 1996, and then its table salt production in 2007, as one of the oldest continuously operating salt mines in the world.  Today, it opens its doors to over one million visitors each year (which helps to employ 200 miners.)

The guide spoke great English and was very funny

The Wieliczka Salt Mine reaches a total depth of 1,073 feet and even features an underground lake amongst its rooms and cathedrals.

Often referred to as “The Underground Salt Cathedral of Poland,” the Wieliczka Salt Mine has four cathedrals, multiple carvings, and ornate salt chandeliers. You wouldn’t think of a salt mining operation as beautiful, but certainly is. And it’s because of this beauty that it captured the imagination of millions. As such, the salt mine even has a large reception room to host weddings and other private functions. It’s also what’s attracted such notable visitors as President Bill Clinton, Johann Wolfgang, Nicolaus Copernicus, and Pope Jean Paul II.
St. Kinga’s Cathedral is one of the most breathtaking sites in the Wieliczka Salt Mine. You enter near the ceiling of one side and then descend a massive staircase to reach the floor. Most notable are the large chandeliers, as well as multiple carvings (including one of Pope Jean Paul II.)

A carving of The Last Supper in St. Kinga’s Chapel.

Sculptures of gnomes working in the mine are scattered throughout its passages.

Very salty brine

Built in 2014, the Wieliczka graduation tower, with an area of 7500 square meters, is the largest facility of this kind in southern Poland. Located right next to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, and resembling a medieval castle, it attracts tourists primarily for health and recreational reasons. It is a massive structure filled with blackthorn bundles with salt running down the structure's wall

Weather is great and at 8 am we're continuing our trip

Wet kisses 

Henry