22 August 2013
The travel day ritual. Suitcases out, breakfast, bus.
We set off early, because we have to get somewhere well before twelve. The Black Madonna as Jasna Góra Monastery in Czestochowa takes a rest from midday, for the rest of the day. So best you get there early. We get there with little time to spare, and rush up to where hundreds of people are crammed into a small chapel. It’s a moving experience. Mostly because of the obvious effect this has on some people.
It is said that the Lady performs miracles. Which means that there are so many people that come and ask her things, that they figure that she needs some rest, which is why they then cover her at midday. The ritual lasts a few minutes, and then the crowds mostly disperses. Looking around, I found some of the decorated walls of the chapel most fascinating. One area is covered with crutches, small silver hearts, and small silver legs, another with what looks like military medals. I guess I get why, but it still looks rather random.
I was excited to get to Krakow. I had seen photo’s of the Wieliczka Salt mine, and really wanted to experience this first hand. The mine was first built in the 13th century. Today, it is not a working mine anymore, but a very big tourist attraction. At about 100meters underground, you enter the Chapel of St Kinga. A beautiful chapel, carved from the salt, including the floor tiles, chandeliers, and various statues around the room. Breathtaking!
Driving into Krakow, we were not sure whether there would be anything else to do here really. The city looked busy, neglected in areas, and just not really worth visiting. We decided to attempt a walk to the Old Town after dinner. Just to give it some chance to prove that it is worth visiting afterall. It is! Krakow did not really get badly hit during World War II, and so most of the old buildings are still in place. The Old Town is massive, beautiful, and vibrant, with many cafes and restaurants lining the many squares, street performers doing their thing, and people generally just doing life. It’s stunning!
I’m going to have lots of fun in Krakow tomorrow 🙂
