Krakow Day 3

I am sitting in HJ's cube in the office in Krakow. He is about 10 ft away in a glassed in room training a group of people to use some software. He must really know a lot about computers. Wouldn't it be nice if I could ask him a question about mine right now. I can see him, there he is answering someone's question about THEIR computer. Maybe I could send him a note under the door? Oh, I know, I'll write it on a piece of paper and hold it up to the window...HOW DO YOU GET PICTURES OFF THE CAMERA AND ONTO THE COMPUTER??? OK, maybe not. So, I am in a predicament. I do have lots of great photos, but I can't figure out how to put them on the blog. I think I need a CD with the Canon program. I'll try to work on that later...and since HJ has to train for 4 hours at a time, later may be really later. So, I'll give you all the verbal update and maybe pictures will follow soon.



We have been in Krakow three nights now. HJ has to work for 8 hours everyday, so that gives me plenty of time to explore. Yesterday (after my nap) I sat in a coffee shop for an hour or so sipping a latte, watching people, and reading Jane Austen. I felt so...well, so european I guess. I am still most enthralled by the people here. I want to look European...I have started wearing my scarf everyday because I think it looks highly stylish, but everyone still speaks to me in English so I must be giving away my American-ness somehow. How do they know? Maybe it's my Northface jacket? The New Balance tennis shoes? I'm not sure. By the way, a latte here is not like at home. It is actually lots of milk with a tiny bit of coffee...yum.



HJ and I also visited the salt mines yesterday. Krakow used to mine salt because it was highly profitable (like gold). The miners were very superstitious and would carve statues out of salt for good luck. There is even a huge chapel made completely out of salt. It was interesting, but a bit too touristy. Before the tour, we "got in trouble" with the tour guide...we were 5 minutes late because the ATM was broken and we had to go round up some Zloty (polish money). The bus almost left without us and everyone was very frantic due to our tardiness. Lesson learned--when in Poland be on time.



Tonight, I am entertaining myself by going to a Chopin/Mozart concert at the Twelve Apostles Church. I was also thinking about getting some highlights put in my hair, but I am worried I will come out with bangs. Everyone has such beautiful reddish highlights, and I think it is cheaper here to get your hair dyed. Tomorrow, we are going to the concentration camp, Auschwitz, outside of Krakow. Then, we will leave on Saturday for Prague.

The weather here is strange. It has rained everyday since our arrival, but the air is still so dry. I have been waking up with these sinusy headaches and a sore nose...I think I am addicted to humidity. I am not sure if you can have humidity withdrawal, but I am having it if it is possible. I also seem to be developing some sort of cold. I guess I am not immune to the Polish rhinovirus or whichever virus it is that causes the cold. Or, I could be allergic to Poland. I want to take an antihistamine, but I am already sleepy and my nose is already dry. Dry, but also running...very weird.

Things we visited today: The Wawel (vavel) Castle
Things I have eaten (including yesterday): Smoked Salmon with breakfast, Smoarna (meat and veggies) with french fries (the only food you can get Everywhere), More icecream (I have to try all the different flavors, right?), coffee, coffee, coffee
Reading: same
Random Impressions: I thought I would use some of HJ's random thoughts...
1. All the women here are either tall or short, there is no in between.
2. There is more acceptable variety in men's hairstyles here...mullets, mohawks, all ok for work.
3. No one has curly hair here.
4. You (meaning me) are a fairly tall woman (thanks, HJ, I'm glad you noticed).

Well, I hope all is well for you back home. Please keep us in your prayers. More updates (and pictures, hopefully) to come...