The Wieliczka Salt Mines. A thousand feet deep, 200 miles of passageways first dug with hand tools by salt miners beginning in the 13th century when salt was precious as silver. Magnificent carvings in grey salt rocks. Chandeliers carved from salt crystals. There are over twenty separate chapels in the mine dating from the 17th century. I expected the salt to be white, but it varies from all shades of …
This is a difficult post to write. It should be. The inconceivable horrors that took place here, and in over 450 other concentration camps in Poland alone, are memorialized on a scale equal to the evil of their complex, messianic perpetrators. The people of Poland and the Baltic countries do not doubt that this evil still governs. Putin’s armies patrol their borders. NATO membership is cherished. It is estimated that …
Easter Sunday just outside of Krakow in Europe’s most Catholic country. This most important holiday is a celebration of food, family and worship. No shops are open and even the picnic tables at the monastery of Jasna Gora have been removed. Bells peal from the towers as we enter the small sanctuary where the Madonna is housed. Mass is being said but we have received permission to pass through to …
My favorite city on this tour. Riga, Latvia. The Art Nouveau capital of Northern Europe and nicknamed “The Paris of the North.” This is an image post, words can’t do justice to the city’s beauty. Art Nouveau was an ornamental style that became popular throughout Europe and America between 1890 and 1910. It was an attempt to break free of the restraints of earlier, more rigid, architectural styles. A time …
I’ve been researching. Planning the next great escapade for travel abroad. In the midst of this wonderful distraction I came across listings of the world’s most luxurious destinations. So I asked myself…”if money didn’t matter, where would I go for the ultimate spa experience? Here’s my curated super-short list of top spa destinations with their locations, the services offered and an inkling of how many rupees these lavish experiences will …
Today I should be in the bustling capital of Bangkok. Three years of planning. My bucket list trip to Southeast Asia. Siem Riep, Angkor Wat, a cruise on Ha Long Bay, Luang Prabang, 150 foot reclining Buddhas, Hanoi. Silks, pearls, Pho and the Khmer Dynasty. Three flight cancellations and delays over three days nixed the trip. Here’s how to manage if this happens to you while saving your money and …