Wieliczka Salt Mines, Kraków, Poland.

The Wieliczka salt mine is a UNESCO world heritage site, discovered in the 13th century and closed in 1978, it receives over 1,000,000 visitors a year. 

You walk 350 steps down and discover 20 salt chiseled rooms, some of which are beautifully decorated. The walk in total is 3.5kms, as well as 420 more steps. You only go to the third level.

And 135 metres below ground.

What can I say about this amazing place, first discovered in the 13th century, when the queen of Poland wanted to bring some riches to Poland, she sent men out to try and find salt.

Created by nature, 15,000,000 years ago.

The mine is over 300 kms long, with 3,000 chambers and 9 floors.

Entry into the mine, who knew what secrets were below.

Rock salt walls, mixed with mud etc, tasted salty.

Our lovely guide who does three tours a day.

All these structures are carved from Rock salt.

Simulation of how the salt was mined

The Rock salt was transported out in big boulders, could weigh tons.

The discovery of salt being presented to the queen.

There are three churches for prayer, underground.

Horses were used for mining, they lived in stables for 5 years, underground as it was difficult to get them topside.

One of the underground lakes, symphony is played here, due to the acoustics.

The main chamber

This was amazing, Chapel St Kinga, 54metre temple, decorated with large salt Rock chandeliers.

The main alter, the floor is carved Rock salt.

The carvings around the wall were done by three miners, very talented.

Auschwitz

Our visit to Auswitch was very somber, I am not going to say too much about our visit, but will post explanations and photos and let them speak for me. I feel that everyone needs to vist Auswitch so this event may never ever be repeated.

No more truer words said!!!!!

The gates the enter the camp, the name "Auswitch " German pronunciation to remember!

Electric fences surrounded the camp.

Two main camps.

Simulation of the gas chambers.

Pesticide cans used to gas, activated by heat.

All possessions were taken from the prisoners and given to German families of German soldiers.

Sleeping quarters, two to a bunk.

The hanging post, if 1 prisoner was missing, 10 would be executed.

One of the three gas chambers and crematorium 

This was the hole that was blocked when the gas was introduced.

Birkenau

Children's sleeping quarters, 12 to a bunk.

Children's wash basin, no showers.

This stock carriage, usually carries 17 cattle, 75 humans were transported in these carriages.

Memorial at end of train tracks.

Jewish memorial near lake which holds so many ashes.

May this never be repeated.