Poland

10 August - 20 August 2007

August is a traditional time to take vacations in Italy (and in many other European countries) and many businesses are closed during this time. As Jason's company was closed for two weeks, we took the opportunity to spend ten days in Poland. We landed in Krakow on Friday around lunch time and we spent the afternoon and the evening exploring the city. On Saturday, we saw more of Krakow and then took a bus out to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. We went there because it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We finished up our time in Krakow with a bus trip out to Auschwitz and Berkenau Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camps. We left Krakow and took the train to Warsaw. It was our least favorite city but we are still glad we got to see it. One really only needs a full day to see everything. After Warsaw, we took another train to Gdansk which is located in the north of Poland on the coast. It was very crowded there as it is a popular tourist destination. It was a very attractive town. Our final stop in Poland was Poznan. Even though it didn't have as many historical sites, it was our favorite town. It had a nice feel with pretty architecture and it really felt like we were in authentic Poland as opposed to a tourist destination. We ended our trip by taking a final train trip to Krakow and flying back out to Italy.

Krakow, Aug. 10-12

Wren at the Royal Castle on Wawel Hill in Krakow


Wren and Mommy on a Krakow street


The interior of St. Mary's Church in Krakow


Jason outside the yummy Krakow pierogi restaurant called Vincent's Palette


The Chapel of Saint Kinga in the Wielicska Salt Mine. Everything is carved out of the salt - even the chandeliers are salt!


A salt carving of the Last Supper in the salt mine


Auschwitz Concentration Camp


Auschwitz Concentration Camp


Berkenau Concentration and Extermination Camp


Warsaw, Aug. 13-14

The Old Market Square in Warsaw


Wren & Mommy in a Warsaw pierogi restaurant


Wren really got into carrying the backpack!


Jason in front of the Warsaw Tortilla Factory.

Gdansk, Aug. 15-16

The medieval port crane in Gdansk is the symbol of the city.


The Long Embankment in Gdansk is a very popular promenade.


Wren and Daddy in Gdansk


Pozan, Aug. 17-18

The picturesque square in Poznan as seen from our hotel window


Poznan Town Hall


These goats come out every day at noon at butt heads twelve times. It's a big attraction and crowds gather each day to watch them.


One of the four fountains in the Poznan town square.


Lee Anne's Angels