Day 15: Czestochowa and Krakow, Poland

Today started with fists up. Four Bowers versus 100 Asian tourists in the Battle for Breakfast. I had to throw elbows to secure yogurt for the family, and members of the wait staff got swallowed up whole as they carried out food trays.

After we survived breakfast, we hit the road to Czestochowa to see the Black Madonna. It was magnificent to behold, though we were surprised to see Mary and Jesus decked out in jewels. We later learned that the Black Madonna has different outfits that are placed over the painting. In order to see it up close, we had to pass it on our incredibly surprised (and now very sore) knees.

Next, we visited the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a two-hour walking tour through a mere one percent of the extensive mine. Miners not only carved out the rock salt, but took the time to carve statues and even chapels. Amazing!

While we started the day with fists up, we ended the night "bottoms up." All four of us toasted, "Na zdrowie" and took a shot of Polish vodka. Even Lisa strayed from her typical beer.