Krakow - Round 2

Before Salley left she really wanted to see Krakow and Auschwitz.  While we were down there we had the chance to visit the salt mines.  These mines are made up of 95% sodium chloride (NaCl).  There are small areas of pure sodium chloride, but they are few and far in between.  Our guide told us we could lick the floors, the walls, and ceilings - just not the sculptures.

The whole experience reminded me of caving in Mammoth Caves in Kentucky with Andrew and Swapnil - but way less exciting.

The salt mine is typically 14 deg C and the tour starts at 63 meters below the ground.  The end of the tour is about 164 meters below the ground if I remember correctly.  You have to walk down over 350 stairs and you get kind of dizzy.  Fortunately you get to ride the elevator up.  Unfortunately it is the scariest elevator ride of your life.  It shakes and it is a double decker elevator.  There is one "elevator" on top of another and they move together.

Mine Shaft

The mine is full of various chapels.  People can even get married in the largest chapel.  There is a full service restaurant that serves Polish food.  And there is a reception/ballroom as well.  All of the chapels are filled with salt sculptures.   The largest chapel has chandeliers that were made with wood and salt crystals.  They're gorgeous!