Falling Woman

Walking along a street in Budapest, I happened to look up and was surprised to see this beautiful, delicate metal sculpture clinging to the corner of a residential apartment. She appears to be either falling, or overwhelmed with joy as she lunges backwards toward the sidewalk. Whatever the reason, she is very dramatic in her pose. I just love it!

Budapest Sights II

August sees all Hungarians celebrate their national day with elaborate celebrations, such as fireworks, music by the Danube and aerial shows. On the day that I was in Budapest not even the rain could put a dampener on the festivities. Even the removal of 'illegally' parked cars was dealt with by employing a 'car lift' and tow trucks. All in all, a day that definitely represents the spirit and culture of Hungary.

Budapest Sights

Did you know that Budapest is actually two cities - Buda and Pest!? I didn't, and so it was with great fascination that we were able to capture the roof tops of both Buda and Pest, with the Danube snaking its' way through the centre. The photos were taken from Castle Hill, Buda. Take note that Buda is situated on top of a hill, and Pest is on the opposite side of the Danube and flat. Buda is characterised by medieval buildings and cobble stone streets. It is very touristy, and has many shops catering the the possible tourist dollar.

Budapest @ Night

Our first night in Budapest was spend cruising the Danube River. The scenery was just brilliant. All along the river side buildings were lit up, giving a strong contrast against the night sky. It seemed we silently drifted past private vessels and barges, with just the clicking of cameras and clinking of glasses to interrupt the night. As always, if only the trip was longer.

Deadheads

Sunflowers have fascinated many throughout history, from Van Gogh to Fibonacci. And so the same interest was there for me, especially considering the many crops planted throughout Central Europe and in Canada. It was towards the end of their season that I snapped this photo, and so many had fallen heads, all waiting for their seeds to be dry.

Slovakia Road

Driving from Slovakia to Hungary I was alert enough to snap this goat tethered on the side of the road. It seemed like she had been left in the middle of now where, however I'm sure there were probably some hilltop residences nearby.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Wieliczka (vyeh-leech-kah) Salt Mine is a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers carved from solid salt. The mine in featured on the Unesco World Heritage List. Whilst walking throughout the salt mine you reach a descent of 130m underground. Highlights of the mine are the history and process of salt mining, various sculptures relating to Polish culture and the Chapel of the Blessed Kinga - see photo - a church, 54m by 17m and 12m high. The construction of the church took approximately 30 years, and resulted in the removal of 20,000 tonnes of salt. Everything in the salt mine is salt, the walls, ceiling, floors. It was also a great way to spend a hot summer afternoon, 130m underground.

Krakow Images

Here is a selection of images taken during my visit to Krakow. Beginning with a chicken salad, to fungi attached to a tree, a selection of desserts and finally a florist market stall. All very colourful images that may not usually attract attention. Anyway, enjoy!

Krakow Markets

A shoppers paradise, these markets were cheap as! You were able to buy ceramic items, flowers, gold, food, linen, Christmas decorations, basically whatever. The many sights were just wonderful to capture the spirit of the polish people. For me, Poland was my favourite destination overall.

Krakow Town Square

Krakow Town Square is the largest in Europe, measuring 200m by 200m. Surrounded by cafes and restaurants, with the Cloth Hall in the centre, it certainly makes for an interesting day filled by market shopping, eating and people watching. On the hour everyone gathers to watch and listen to the bugle call (hejnal) from St Mary's Church. The melody dates back to when it was used as a warning call during medieval times. However, the end of the melody end abruptly, as one trumpeter was pierced by a Tatar arrow in the 13th century.

Krakow Dragons

Once upon a time, many centuries ago, in a cave near the Vistula River lived a giant fire-breathing dragon. He was a veritable nuisance to the local inhabitants because he not only loved to devour their cattle but what is worse human virgins.

The news of the dragon`s nasty habits spread all over the country. Many knights came in an attempt to slay the beast, however, none was successful since it burnt valiant fighters before they could draw out their swords. King Krak, who ruled in the city at the time, became desperate - especially since he had one beautiful and lovely daughter who could be the dragon's next victim. He promised to reward the dragon slayer with his daughter`s hand and half of the kingdom. Many tried, nobody prevailed, until the one day when a poor shoemaker Skuba appeared before the king and volunteered to kill the horrible creature. Skuba knew that he did not have any chances in a one-on-one battle. Instead he came up with an idea to poison the beast. He decided to prepare a special dish for the dragon - a sheep stuffed with tar and sulfur. At dawn Skuba placed prepared sheep at the cave's entrance.

The dragon greedily devoured the sheep for his breakfast. Soon he felt like his stomach was on fire. The fiery feeling was so intense that the dragon stood on the bank of the river and started to drink water. Nothing seemed to help the dragon kept on drinking more and more. His belly grew bigger and bigger since he kept drinking until he blew up in a powerful explosion.
Residents of Krakow rejoiced seeing the happy end of their troubles. The brave and smart shoemaker married the beautiful princess and after King Krak's death became a ruler of Krakow
(ref. internet)

Jewish Sector

As has become evident, each Central European city has it's own Jewish sector. Krakow's was characterised by a central synagogue and town square. One of the interesting facts was that Helena Rubenstein was born here. She moved from Krakow to avoid being married at a young age, and the rest as they say is history. The central square is full of Jewish symbolism, making for an authentic experience. The day we visited was very peaceful, with a strong sense of community.

Krakow Kat

It's amazing the moments that capture your attention. So whilst visiting the Jewish area of Krakow I was taken by this little tabby cat on a window sill. With the natural curiosity of a cat, plus its' instinct for balance this cat moved from side to side, peeking over the edge to keep up to date with the daily happenings in the square below.

Auschwitz II

As I mentioned before, each building houses a specific display relating to the various aspects of the events of the Holocaust. The displays enable you to gain a personal experience of these events through the addition of the many items 'collected' by the Nazi's from the Jewish people. They collected items such as cooking utensils, suitcases, hairbrushes, prayer shawls, shoes, clothing and even their hair - which was shaved off as a 'health' precaution. The image I have posted on this page shows what the Nazi's produced with the hair that they 'collected'. After being bundled into bales, the hair was sent to factories to produce hessian fabric, so what you can see is an example of the finished product.

Auschwitz

My first impressions of Auschwitz were of an eerie calmness, a sense of peacefulness. I was surprised at this. However, walking throughout the camp you can feel the respect people have to the events that occurred here. In fact, 'Auschwitz' is the German translation of the original town name - Oswiecim. Again, the Nazi's attempted to destroy the camp. However, today the remainding buildings are used to emphasis the events of the Holocaust - each has a specific display, except the torture chambers and death yard - where memorials have been placed. For me one of the most solemn moments was seeing the cell in which Maximillian Kolbe gave his life. The men he was placed in the cell with, lead by Kolbe, prayed for ten days. At this stage they were given a lethal injection, as it was considered they were taken up room, and needed to be exterminated. The site of Auschwitz was originally an army camp, then a camp to hold Polish prisoners, eventually being expanded into an extermination camp for European Jews. Finally, a couple of observations - in the first photo notice the avenue of trees, in fact there were no trees during the operation of the camp. Secondly, the covered windows on the second image hide the view and sounds of the Death Yard. They were built to stop the sights and sounds reaching the waiting prisoners. Finally, the Firing Wall, where visitors have placed flowers and candles in remembrance of the Holocaust victims.

Birkenau

As a teacher I always say to my students there is nothing like 'real life'. So a visit to the area of Auschwitz, Germany has certainly opened my eyes to the history of the Jewish people, as well as Poland. The enormity of the Birkenau Camp is just astounding, all in all 175 acres - as you can see from my photos the area stretches for as far as the eye can see. This camp was the site of mass extermination of Jews, each gas chamber held 2000 people. In total the camp could hold up to 200,000 prisoners at any one time. Although the Nazi's attempted to destroy the camp, there still remains many of the buildings - including the barb wire fences and rail line leading into the camp. I really didn't have any idea as to the size and impact of Auschwitz and the surrounding camps until now.

Stations of the Cross

Beside the Knight's Hall in the Monastery of Jasna Gora is a modern interpretation of the Stations of the Cross. Each image maintains the fundamental 'steps' of the Stations, however with a modern touch. For example, Pope John Paul II and Mother Theresa are featured in specific Stations, as is modern technology and interpretations of the commentaries contained in the journey represented. When looking at the image on this page, take note that the 'Black Madonna' rests at the foot of Jesus' cricifix.

Jasna Gora

Travelling from Warsaw to Krakow we made a quick but important stop in a town called Czestochwa. The main attraction of this town is the hilltop monastery of Jasna Gora. Jasna Gora is a pilgrimage site for Christians, as it houses the 'Black Madonna', or 'Queen of Poland' (1717). The significance of the Black Madonna lays in a miracle that occurred in 1430, when a group of Hussites stole the icon and slashed it into three pieces. The picture began to bleed, and although monks restored it there remains scars on the Virgin's face. The scars were left as a reminder of the miracle.