A breakfast of ham, cheese, freshly prepared corn and tuna salad, various fruits and breads, and coffee and tea greeted us in the morning. The Mondo definitely knows how to treat weary travellers.

As we began to walk to the bus stop to catch the minibus to the Wieliczka Salt Mines, the bus pulled up right beside us and we were the first four people on board. The kids chose the last back four seats, of course, and we enjoyed a great ride through winding streets for 20 minutes, making our way over the Wisla River and into a whole other city, all for 10 PLN, or about 3 dollars, for all four of us. When we reached the mines, we joined a line-up which wasn't too bad, and it went quickly because we met a really fun couple from Holland. They were both teachers and we laughed a lot and got some tips from them for future adventures. The tour was impressive. We walked 385 steps down into the mine and then learned about the history of the mines as well as about the evolution of the techniques to mine the salt and maintain the safety and integrity of the mine itself. At first, people worked there as a hereditary obligation; then, because salt was so precious, and they were paid in salt, it became a prestigious job (except getting blown up while checking for methane gas!) Later, when wages fell, it became a very "difficult" job to do. The best part of the tour was the brilliant collection of salt sculptures, all created by actual miners. When the supervisors found a gifted sculptor, he didn't have to mine anymore; instead he could concentrate on creating the beautiful works of art.

After the salt mines, we had a much longer ride back and it was very hot. However, our hostel was cool and inviting when we returned, so we played cards and then made sure we got to Mik's milk bar. He was absolutely right about the place! We walked in and were the only English speakers. We saw a man eating a great looking meal, and asked what it was (chicken livers!). That wasn't to our taste, so we ordered chicken soup, followed by pork chops, delicious potatoes, and 3 or 4 different salads. It was all excellent!

Afterwards, we headed back towards the square, stopping at the Tutti Frutti Hostel to pick up Connor's towel which he'd left in Warsaw (two Dutch girls brought it forward for him). We also got some ice cream and enjoyed the square again. Krakow is very alive and fun and full of spirit.