Monday, July 8, 2024 - Enroute to Krakow

 We departed earlier than usual with our own picnic lunches purchased or to be purchased at the first rest stop. Enroute to the Jasna Bora monastery and the painting of the black Madonna in the town of Czestochova. This is a pilgrimage site for Polish Roman Catholics. Martin, our local guide, took us through the chapel,basilica, and treasury. Each location was heavily decorated with statues, and gold ornamentation as well as items of thanksgiving for healing. Crutches, rosaries, jewelry, hand made vestments, and much more were over the top for my eyes and brain.

  On our bus ride  throughout the day Agneshka gave us the history of the monastery, founded by Hungarian monks in the Pauline order.she also talked about current events in the government.  The parliament recently became majority liberal, ending the right wing majority of eight years. Paid maternity leave is one year, and paternity leave is nine weeks. There are three acceptable reasons for an abortion. This presentation and ensuing questions kept me awake on our five hour ride to Krakow.

  Our hotel is on a quiet street near a lovely park which replaced the city wall from the Middle Ages and near the huge market, i.e. central square where Agneshka brought us on our orientation walk. She gave us maps and pointed out street signs and statues to help us find our way back to the hotel. Eight of us decided to eat at one restaurant she pointed out. One of many with outdoor seating this restaurant serves groats. We all agreed that our meal was one of the best we have had in Poland.

  It was still light as we walked back to the hotel, passing by singers with keyboard entertaining from storefronts, a small but vocal demonstration against Russia, and a gymnast entertaining a crowd. 

  That's it; the day was full..


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