The waltz, coffee, boys choir, sausages; a few things that come to mind when I hear the word “Vienna“. But when you actually visit Vienna, you are faced with a beauty and grace which more than makes up for this somewhat unsophisticated list of associations.
This very important European city has spawned and mentored many, many [...]
Posted on August 29th, 2009 by dianagene
Filed under: Europe Trip | 98 Comments »
Central Europe is a land of extremes. As we move on with the horror of Auschwitz still in our heads, we look out the window to see field after field of blooming sunflowers; incredibly beautiful to the point of being almost unreal.
We are headed to Budapest Hungary. We are eager to see for ourselves if [...]
Posted on August 26th, 2009 by dianagene
Filed under: Europe Trip | 5 Comments »
Again, not far from Krakow lies an area so full of sorrow and shame one can hardly believe it exists.
We start our visit at Birkenau, a facility built by the Nazis to more efficiently handle the large influx of prisoners. The sign at the gate reads -
This compound functioned as a quarantine camp for men [...]
Posted on August 23rd, 2009 by dianagene
Filed under: Europe Trip | 10 Comments »
Walking pass the huge control panel into the mining elevator we are packed like sardines into the small car. The device is activated and down we go - FAST!
135 meters (approx. 405 feet) down, down, down in less than a minute!
We are at the Wieliczka Salt Mine located very close to Krakow Poland. This area [...]
Posted on August 21st, 2009 by dianagene
Filed under: Europe Trip | 7 Comments »
I think it is fair to say many Americans my age, (mid-50’s) have some pre-conceptions about Poland. Having spent a good portion of my adolescence repeating and even trying to make up “Pollock” jokes, I had enjoyed way too many laughs at the expense of those born in Poland and perhaps some of that attitude [...]
Posted on August 13th, 2009 by dianagene
Filed under: Europe Trip | 4 Comments »