Where have you been?

The Monastery is a bit strange in that it is both an active holy site and tourists attraction at the same time. There were many of the faithful praying quietly while the sightseers (like us) were snapping photos, pointing, and gawking in general.


As such I felt quite comfortable wandering the grounds looking to see what there was to see. In one area we found a pictorial history of the Black Madonna (which is where the replica is situated).


In another area there was a sort of library/book store with both historic books as well as knicknacks.


In another area there was a surprisingly modern art gallery. It presented Jesus and his cross suffering alongside victims of Nazi Germany - many in child form. Strange.

After Tyniec we continued on to the Jasna Góra Monastery in Częstochowa. It is the home of the famed Black Madonna of Częstochowa and destination for hundred of thousands of pilgrims yearly. Jasna Góra is my favorite place in Poland thus far, slightly edging out Malbork Castle. For more information check out the Monastery homepage (click the British flag for English), the Sacred Destinations site, and the Wikipedia page.


This picture makes me laugh - what a motley crew!

We had left the return trip plans till the last minuted because we were unsure how motivated we would be after several days of hardcore tourist action. As such the trip to the Abby and Jasna Góra (photos to be posted next) were unplanned and we were somewhat "unready" to go there. This is clear from the funky clothing we all have - all inappropriate for holy religious sites. Above you see me in my camo/orange shirt rave outfit.


Here is my wife in her new Iron Maiden shirt.


And here is my nephew in his normal yet strange clothing.

A few shots of the archways in the Abby. Here with one of the monks passing through.


Here with my mom and wife nearby.

The Second place we stopped was Tyniec, home to a 11th century Benedictine Abbey. My wife knew about it and said it was very old and very beautiful. She was right on both accounts and as the weather continued to be perfect we once again had a nice stop.

The wall towards the left (with the cross in front of it) is part of the original structure build in 1044. As with other European building the Abby has been destroyed at various points in time due to disuse and war.

It is built on the bend of a river and has a commanding view of the surrounding countryside.

On the trip home from Kraków we went the long way and stopped at few tourists sites. The first place was stopped was the Kraków-Płaszów camp site. We had seen it on our way to the salt mines the day before and my nephew wanted to check it out before we left the area. It was just a hill and some monuments but the weather was good so it was a nice stop.


What we didn't realize at the time was that this was the camp that the movie Schindler's List is based on. Check out the Wikipedia page here.

One night we decided to go for European "Mexican" food. My mom and nephew were not as disappointed as I was. Probably because they were able to fly back a week later to real Mexican food.


Another night we left my mom at home and went out drinking. We actually started at home and then headed to an interesting place on Saint Katherine Street. Not exactly a strip club but for sure some place my nephew will not forget. We ended up back on the Market Square at one of the combo pub/night clubs.

I am told that the Market Square is exactly the same size as the largest Pyramid in Giza. Could be...there are certainly lots of pubs, discos, and restaurants and it is a very popular with the tourists at night.


More night time photography of Kraków.

We were only able to really tour the old town of Kraków at night when it was not raining. It seemed like a really nice place but a day trip is definitely recommended.


Us in front of some church.

We were only able to see three other room on the short versions of the tour. Combine that with the low light/no light atmosphere and it doesn't make for good photography. So, there were some nice shots of the main chapel but little more. It is an interesting place and well worth the visit. We hope to return and go on one of the special extended tours. Someday...

My sweetie in front of The Last Supper.


The guide was nice enough to take our picture but not nice enough to make it a good one.


My nephew taking a break in the wheelchair. Please notice the floor tiles, all salt.

Other works of art in the chapel.

According to our tour guide the amateur sculptors improved through trial and error and the main chapel was their masterpiece. I couldn't agree more and IMHO their master work was a recreation of Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper. The perspective they were able to create is amazing.


Here is me in front of The Last Supper just to show you its true size.

Due to the wheelchair access that we required it was necessary for us to hire a private guide. It was a bit expensive but the lady was very nice and was a really great guide. Unfortunately we had to do a short version of the tour because the long one requires you to walk down something like 800 stairs. Not very doable in a wheelchair.

Here is Pope John Paul the second. He was the Archbishop and then Cardinal of Kraków before becoming Pope.

My mom, nephew, and our tour guide in front of his holiness.

Everything in the rooms is made of salt (except the benches) including the floor and chandelier. Our guide said that it is okay to lick the walls but recommended that we don't lick the floor!