Wow . . . Krakow 2

More from my time in Krakow.

Rural landscape

Aerial performers in the Town Square

A furnace in my hotel.

Jewish Neighborhood

The only active synagogue in the city.

The Jewish Neighborhood

This is Pope John Paul II.
He is standing in front of the seminary he attended.

Another church

This is a very ornamental church.
The doors to this magnificent sculptures are opened at noon each day.
The left door is open.  The right one, no yet.

I'm in the courtyard of a museum of one of the oldest universities in the country.

The tall statue on the right is an Academy Award.  Schindler's List was filmed here.
Not sure who was awarded the Academy Award.

This is a Nobel Award.  Again, i'm not sure who received this.

Another furnace in the corner.

A palace.

Some random thoughts . . .

There are 145 churches in this city alone.

Ninety-five percent of the people are Catholic.

The George Zimmerman Trial was covered by the local media outlets here.

Mayonnaise was served with french fries, reminding me of a scene between John Travolta and Samuel l. Jackson in Pulp Fiction.

The restrooms were called toilets.  In many places they're referred to by the initials WC, meaning water closet.

I saw several men wearing capri pants.  Not the best look for a guy.

And finally . . .

Men wear their wedding bands on their right hand.

Until next time,

Your blogging buddy.

Mining Away

The Wiecliczka Salt Mine is a treasure to behold.  This mine has been mining salt from the 13th century through 2007.  It is 1,073 feet deep, and is over 178 miles long.  To enter the mine, you take 378 steps going straight down, round and round, six steps at a time, until you reach a depth of 210 feet.  (This info was obtained from the link mentioned at the end of this post). Although it is fitted with electrical lights, it was still dark.  There are two more levels that we descended to, and there were six more levels below that that were off limits.

The overwhelming thought as you walk through this, is the time, patience, and tremendous talent it took to create these masterpieces out of salt.  And these men were not trained sculptors, which makes it even more remarkable.

The 378 wooden steps descending down, down, down.
It was like a spiral staircase, but there was a landing after every six steps.

A corridor

Replica of miners

This is one of the floors, also carved from salt.

Salt formation along the walls.

More salt formations that look like cauliflower .

Replica of miner and horse used in the mining process in the 1800's.

Sculpture of a king.

Wooden sculpture of the Crucifixion.

More wall sculptures.

Another view of the one above.  Note the detailed work.

Joseph, Mary and Jesus.

Jesus carrying the cross above the Holy Family.

One of the three altars for church services.

Another altar.

Corner sculpture of the Crucifixion.

The Virgin Mary.

The Last Supper.

Chandelier made of salt.

Me in front of the Last Supper.
Note the walls, ceiling, and floors are all made of salt.

Pope John Paul II, who was born, raised,
and entered the seminary in Krakow.

A closeup of Pope John Paul II

An elaborate structure built to support one of the excavated ceilings.

A beautiful open space, used as a hall for various functions:
weddings, boxing matches, and beauty pageants.

Another view of the hall.

These photos came out better than I expected, but they don't come close to showing how magnificent this place really is.

Below please find a link with some really great pictures.  It's a busy link, with all kinds of stuff on both side, but scroll through the pictures in the middle.  Take special note of the second one.  It is a shot of the cathedral, that is absolutely extraordinary.

http://curioushistory.com/post/55364201693/polish-salt-mine#.UebVBxY_595

I hope you enjoyed this.

As always, thanks for continuing to allow me to share my adventures with you.

Wow . . . Krakow

I'm home now, but below is the post I wrote on the road.

I'm writing this on my first full day in Krakow, Poland.  What a beautiful city, although it has a very small town feel.  I opted not to bring my laptop, in an effort to travel lighter.  I realize now because of that, I'll have to wait to post, so I hope you won't mind a flood of info when I get back home.

The first thing I noticed as we very ferried by bus from the airplane to the terminal, was a large (several stories high) picture of a Mike Tyson ad.  I was so surprised to see him, I didn't notice what he was selling!

Getting through the passport checkpoint took a while.  The only other people of color on this flight were Asian guys, and the man checking their passports gave them a heck of a time.  I'm watching this, hoping that my treatment is better.

Yes, thank God it was!  Once I got to the counter, the check of my passport went very quickly.  I was asked why I was visiting.  I told them I was here to see the salt mine, and I was welcomed and sent on my way.

I took videos of the landscape on my way to the hotel, but I'm having technical difficulties with the upload.  I'll try again later.  

I was struck by how rural it was.  We were on a two lane road for a while before we entered a highway, and even that wasn't a busy thoroughfare.

When I arrived at the hotel, I was given directions to the town center which was like a town square.  A beautiful park-like setting surrounded the area, making it a lovely place to stroll and relax.

Where I stayed - The Ostoya Palace Hotel

Across the street from the hotel

View of the look down the street from the hotel.
Notice the cars are parked on the curb.

The weather was damp, rainy and cool, which was a welcome break from the blistering heat of the UAE.

I washed off the road dirt with a wonderful shower, then I was on my way to explore.

This area looks a lot like Prague, but quieter and slower.  The buildings were painted in pastel colors, and the streets were clean.

The town center/town square is a large open area with a stage, statues, and restaurants surrounding it offering outdoor seating.  This area is really, really nice. Also in the middle is a long, covered corridor with souvenir shops all along the way.

This beautiful, luscious park surrounds Town Center

This is on the way from my hotel to Town Center

Town Center

The head is hollow so you can climb in and look out through the eyes.

This is the awesome shopping area in the middle of the square with souvenirs galore.
This picture doesn't do it justice.  This is a really nice area.

A church on the square.

Outside dining area surround the square.

Closeup of one of the dining areas.

Statue in the square.

Another view of the above statue.

After walking around for a couple of hours, I was tired, so I headed back to the hotel. It was an all-night flight, but I didn't get much sleep on it, so I was ready for bed for the night at bout 2:30 in the afternoon.

After a wonderful night of rest, I awaken this morning to a quick breakfast in the hotel, then I walked for about ten minutes to the gathering place for my trip to the salt mine.

I'll stop here and pick up on that adventure in the next post.

Napping

I love taking naps.  Always have.

My mom used to say I could nap all afternoon and still beat everyone to sleep at night.

Today though, try as I might, I couldn't fall asleep.

I needed a nap for real because I'm on a late night flight to Krakow, Poland to see the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Huge thanks to Ann for introducing me to this marvel of ingenuity and patience.

Check out the link below to read about it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wieliczka_Salt_Mine

More soon.

Good morning to you.

Good night to me.

The Way We Eat

This is a really quick review of some of the many different ways we eat around the world.

Very interesting!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/11/dining-etiquette-around-the-world_n_3567015.html

Bon appétit!

The Call to Prayer

Below please find a link to the Islamic Call to Prayer, or the adhan, that is heard five times a day throughout the area. Someone in the mosques is singing this live, and it is broadcast throughout loud speakers from the mosque. (In Abu Dhabi, at the Grand Mosque, it is sung live at this location, and is broadcast throughout the whole city).

This prayer is the first one.  Quite frankly, I didn't know that each time I heard this throughout the day, it was a different prayer.  Also, I didn't know what they were saying, so this was informative for me.

http://dish.andrewsullivan.com/2013/07/10/a-call-to-prayer-on-channel-4/

It is a very haunting, calming ritual.  Not at all intrusive as it might seem.

The call to prayer times for Abu Dhabi for today are 5:40 - 12:28 - 3:50 - 7:15 - 8:45. The times change by location and by day.  The reason for this is below.  It was found online at www.islam.about.com.

The Islamic prayers are fixed at the same "time" period each day -- before dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. Because of the rotation of the earth, the revolution of the earth around the sun, the tilt of the earth, the various latitudes of the earth's locations, daylight savings time, etc. -- the "times" (according to the clock) for these prayers do change from day to day and depend on location. Islamic prayer times were traditionally set according to the movement of the sun, not of the clock, and this is how they continue to be observed.

No.

I'm not converting to Islam or any other religion.  I just think the more we know about others, the richer our lives will be.

I hope you found this as enlightening as I did.

Being a Woman

Dustin Hoffman explains his thought process in portraying a woman in "Tootsie" that transcends what you see on the screen.  It's a powerful three minutes.

http://www.upworthy.com/dustin-hoffman-breaks-down-crying-explaining-something-that-every-woman-sadly-already-experienced-3

Reflections

Have you ever been watching TV or a movie, and the character is acting a fool, and you realize they're acting like you?

Do you gasp in shame, or recognize the problem and address it?

I began this post days ago, and couldn't get past these questions.

Of course, the "right" answer is to deal with the issues head on, but that takes work. And working on yourself, is often the hardest kind.  But, when you realize that you and you alone are in control you how you respond to life and the challenges it brings, then you can breathe and get to work.

On a similar note . . .

The following article from the New York Times, is written by an 80 year old, discussing the joys of old age.  It is insightful and beneficial, no matter your age.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/07/opinion/sunday/the-joy-of-old-age-no-kidding.html?src=me&ref=general

And finally . . .

This video clip below is a mini-lesson on one way Black folks avoid being killed in traffic stops.  It's a lesson every Black kid in America needs to be taught.

http://www.salon.com/2013/07/02/levar_burton_explains_how_not_to_be_killed_by_police/

This clip may seem out of place to some, but this is a reality many of us are forced to deal with and reflect upon, whether we want to or not.

Reflections for some, can mean the difference between life or death. 

On a Roll

 (This is a continuation of the previous post).

. . . and what's the deal with all these TV shows and movies about vampires?

Vampires?

Really?

Has it come to this?

The writers are all out of ideas, and now have to make believe about "blood sucking" folks in an effort to make things exciting?

Reading about this stuff is bad enough, or as bad as your imagination makes it . . .

But seeing it on the screen is just . . .

CREEPY!

OK.

OK.

I'm done editorializing for today.

Reality TV

I've never understood the appeal of reality television.  Especially the ones filled with high drama and high jinx.

I don't have to watch TV or go to the movies to find, and/or to deal with, crazy folks. They're all around.  Family.  Friends.  Colleagues.  Why would anyone spend their precious time on this stuff?

I know.

Misery loves company . . . so you hope to see someone crazier than your crazies?

I still see TV and the movies as forms of escapism.  I want them to take me to a place I want to be, not to some hell hole I'm trying to get rid of.

But that's just me, and until now, no one has asked my opinion.

I'm confident though, that call is coming soon.

Here's wishing you a great, drama-free day.

"If You Can't Stand the Heat . . .

. . . Get Out of the Kitchen."

Things are real hot for Paula Deen right now.  The more she talks/explains/pleads, the worst her situation becomes.  She needs to just go away for a while, regroup/rethink/recharge, then come back ready to make amends.

Of course, there are many of her fans who think what she's going through is wrong. I'm guessing they're not people who have dealt with institutionalized racism.  That is, racism so ingrained in society, unless you're on the receiving end of it, you think nothing of it.

Some would argue that she's been through enough.  She's learned her lesson.  We need to move on.

I agree that we need to move on, but I have my doubts about the lessons learned.

You see, when you've been saying something, and/or doing something for a lifetime, it's hard to recognize the wrong in it.  It is just how things are, in your mind.  And if you can't see what the problem/fuss is, how can you possibly address it?

There are floods of tears and remorse now, but is it because of recognizing the wrongdoing, or is it because now that the "cat is out of the bag," it forces you to deal with it?  And since you're on the wrong side of tracks on this, you come out looking pretty bad.  Twenty, forty or sixty years ago, this would not have been an issue.  In fact, she probably would have been lauded for her conduct and her comments.

But, thankfully, times have changed.

So, the "Redemption Tour" begins.

Another Good Book

I just finished another book that I couldn't put down.  It's entitled Tell My Sons: A Father's Last Letters by Lt. Col. Mark Weber.  It's about a career military officer who is dying of cancer, but he wants to share as much as he can with his sons, while he's still here.  Although it sounds morbid, it was not at all.  Instead, it was chocked full of universal life lessons that we can all benefit from.

Fascinating History Lesson

This is an article about African-American nurses and doctors who served in the military.

From the New York Times.

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/06/21/breaking-medicines-color-barrier/?hp

Forgiveness

My mantra - forgive no matter what - has been put to the test recently.  In fact, it's been a real struggle.

How do you deal with a relative (a brother), who couldn't bother to travel less than 20 miles to see you, after you had traveled over 10,000 to see him, (and others, of course)?

I know.

Forgive.

How do you deal with his wife who has made it abundantly clear that you're not welcome in their home?

I know.

Forgive.

How do you deal with his wife who has said she won't notify you in the event of his death?

I know.

Forgive.

How do you deal with someone who attempts (and succeeds) in keeping family members apart?

I know.

Forgive.

A part of me feels sorry for this brother.  If he doesn't toe the line, he has hell to pay at home.

But . . .

At what point do you say, "enough is enough."

How long do you allow someone to railroad you into doing things that you know are wrong?

I realize, if it hasn't happened by the time you're 71 years old with over 50 years of marriage, chances are, it never will.

So, I choose to forgive . . .

But what I'd like to do is kick his old a**.

Family & Friends

What a trip!

I'm on the last leg of my three-stop traveling journey back to the US, and each stop has been wonderful.

It began with a visit with Frankie and his family.  I arrived in New York after a 17-hour flight feeling fine, but went to bed and woke up with an incredible pain in my right knee.  Although I wasn't feeling well, the joy of seeing everyone supplanted this painful intrusion.  Zadie is quite the talker now and it was so much fun chatting with her, as she soundly won in the game of "negotiating with Grandma."

Frankie's daughter, Zadie Faye @ 2.5 years old

Next stop . . . San Francisco.

Here I met my newest granddaughter Milu, and what a treat that was!  She's an absolute sweetheart.

Ben's daughter, Milu @ 5 months

I made this trip at this time to attend Ben's PhD graduation (in civil engineering) from UC Davis.  There was no doubt, of the 1000 graduates, 800 of those being PhDs, I was the proudest mother in the building.  

Ben and Milu

The graduation day began with a luncheon to recognize and celebrate those people who were instrumental in helping Ben to reach this goal.  More specifically, the people who helped to save his life and point him in the right direction.  Although this may sound dramatic in retrospect, to those who lived the painful period with us, these words aren't strong enough.  If I thanked them every day for the rest of my life, it wouldn't be enough to show my appreciation.

Then I raced from the ceremony to meet other friends in Sacramento.  With each person I reconnected with, I realized all over again, just how blessed I am to have such marvelous people in my life.

People I've known for years.

People who were there with me through the good times and bad.

People who have made my life richer and more meaningful.

I send my sincere thanks to all.

Next . . .

Final stop . . . Houston, to see my brothers.

I am one of the luckiest people in the world to call these guys family.

Forrest and I at Joel Osteen's Church today

In two days, I'll be headed back home for the last two weeks of school.

Although I've tried to express it, I lack the articulation to share just how meaningful this time in the US has been. I return to Abu Dhabi with my heart filled with joy and thanksgiving.

Sending smiles across the miles . . .

Your blogging buddy.

Powerful Stuff

I finished the book, Defending Jacob, and loved it.

It's the kind of book that makes you think, what if?

Would I respond like they did (the characters), or would I have seen the writing on the wall and gone the other way?

This is a good, good book.

Very highly recommended.

Now to movies.

One of my all-time favorite movies is 12 Angry Men.  The original came out in 1957, starring Henry Fonda, L. J. Cobb, Jack Klugman and a host of other great actors.  It was remade and released again in 1997, this time starring Jack Lemon, George C. Scott, Ossie Davis, and a colorful cast of characters.

The entire movie takes places in a jury room where these men are deliberating the fate of a young man accused of murder.

Once more, it sets the stage for reflection, and more, what if's?

In music, Sean Hayes has a song called, "Powerful Stuff," that was used in a Subaru commercial.  I can't find the commercial, but here's a link to the song.

file://localhost/Users/fayesharpe/Desktop/04%20Powerful%20Stuff.m4a

Now, you're probably thinking, do I care if Faye likes this or that?

Well, if you know me, you know that I missed my calling.  I should have been in sales because when I like something, I want the world to know it and experience the joy of it with me.

Seriously, I should be paid for my endorsements.

Anyway . . .

On Friday, I begin my journey home.  First stop, New York City.

Until then,

Cheers.

Good Book

I found myself doing something I have not done in a while - I went to bed reading a book, and anxiously picked it up first thing this morning to see what happened next. And this was a workday morning, no less.

The book is entitled, Defending Jacob by William Landay.  It reminds me a lot of The Dinner by Herman Koch.  Both are suspenseful, in a quiet sort of way.  There're no gore or scary parts.  The suspense comes from the pealing back of emotions and how the characters deal with life changing events they must face.

After re-reading my endorsement, I realized there's nothing I've said to make you wanna grab one of these books, but don't dismiss them because of my wanting literary critique.

They're better than I've described.

Promise.

Now, so you don't mistake me for a some bourgeois literary giant . . .

Know this . . .

For every thought-provoking book I read, I wallow in the shallow end of the reading "pool" devouring at least five romance novels.

Yes.  

They are mostly . . .

Mindless,

Plot-less,

And . . .

Gratuitous.

Yet,

They are my literary junk food.

As soon as I conquer overcoming actual junk food, I'm gonna work on this.

Promise.

Great Article on Siblings

In the New York Times today, there's this wonderful article about the power of the relationship of siblings.  The link is below.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/26/opinion/sunday/bruni-the-gift-of-siblings.html?src=me&ref=general&_r=0

I thank God for my brothers.  I had three.  Now there are two.

I was closest to Terry (decreased) because he was a year older than me, so we literally grew up together.  Willie is fourteen years older (71) and Forrest is ten years older (67).

Willie left home when I was four, heading to the military.  I didn't really get to know him until I was an adult.  His choices in life have made it more difficult to be close, but we still try.

Forrest has been like a father to me.  Much more so than our father ever was.

He's the one we all turn to for advice.  He can see things clearer than anyone I know.  He's also the one who will call you on your sh*t.  Everyone needs someone like him in their lives.

When it was time for me to go to college, he convinced Mom to let me leave Texas and go away to school, to his alma mater, Florida A & M University.  Believe me when I say, this was HUGE, MONUMENTAL!  Not only that, when the two year scholarship money that I received ran out, he paid for the remaining three years for me to complete school and earn my degree in pharmacy.

I don't know where I'd be without Forrest, and the positive influence he has had, and continues to have in my life.

When I want to laugh, I call Forrest.

When I want to vent, I call Forrest.

When I want to celebrate, I call Forrest.

Would it be different if I was married or in a relationship, maybe.

Here's what I know for sure.

I wouldn't be the person I am, without him.

The author of the above article lamented that we recognize Mother's Day and Father's Day, but we don't recognize our brothers and sisters.

Let's declare today Siblings Day.

Here's to you Forrest!

Fahrenheit vs. Celsius

Most businesses, including the medical profession, work split shifts here on most days.  Their hours are from 8:00-1:00, then again from 5:00-9:00.  Once a week they rotate having a regular 8:00-5:00 day.

I had a 7:30 pm dental appointment tonight.  At 8:00, it was still 100 degrees outside.

If you put your oven on full blast, and put a fan near it to blow the air out, that's what it feels like when you leave the comfort of air conditioning.

It's blazing hot, even in the shade, and even at dusk.

It seems like everywhere else in the world measures temperature using Celsius. Somehow, it just doesn't hold the "wow" factor that Fahrenheit does.

For instance, 100 degrees F equals 38 degrees C.

Which sounds hotter to you?

Exactly!

We're told not to hurry in the heat.  That you just make yourself hotter when you do.

Well, that's advice I don't heed.

When I have to be outside, I'm racing to get to the next air conditioned spot.

Am I hotter because of it?

Who knows?

I'm fortunate though.  I've acclimated to the area better than most.  There are plenty of folks who suffer with respiratory ailments (because of the fine dust) and the heat.

I know what you're thinking.

People are never satisfied.

Folks living in hot weather, want cold.  Those in rainy areas, what dry.

So, given that scenario, I'm working on my gratitude.

I'm trying to be thankful, in spite of the heat.

It's something I have to work at . . . everyday.

Sightseeing

There is an article today in The Root, about a bus tour in the Bronx, that until very recently, was called the "Ghetto Tour."  I wonder how many people thought this was a good idea, and how many folks actually signed up for it?

http://www.theroot.com/buzz/interested-real-new-york-ghetto-bus-tour

I'm forever grateful for the many places I've visited since living abroad.  In many of them, the poverty was overwhelming, and right in your face.  In the interest of preserving the memories, photos were taken.

But . . .

Do you take pictures of the dirty toddles with flies all over their faces?

Do you take pictures of the squalor living conditions?

Do you take pictures of the people who seem content in their wretchedness?

At what point does it go from documenting the trip, to exploiting the locals?

I think it's fair to say that few people want their misery broadcast to the world.

On the other hand, maybe it's through this broadcasting that help can be found.

It's a touchy subject, but I think erring on the side of dignity should be the ultimate goal.

Movies

I like going to the movies.  Always have.

Ben and Frankie used to tease me about going alone.  I always responded by reminding them I watched movies at home alone all the time.  So, going to the theater alone was no big deal.

They thought I, and the whole notion of going alone, was pretty pathetic though.

Anyway, going to the movies here takes more effort.

There are no marquees announcing what's playing.  All of the malls have theaters, and most of the hotels, too, but you wouldn't know that unless you ventured to the top floor and stumbled across them.  There are no outside, or street level, ads for the theaters.

The lack of advertising what's playing makes finding something to watch pretty colorful.

All of the silly comic book character movies usually open here at same time as in the US, but really, who would pay money to see that?

I know.  Lots of folks.  But hopefully no one over 50.

I've made enough blank trips to have had a recent "aha moment" of finally getting the phone number of the two most convenient theaters, so now I call ahead to find out what's playing and the show times.

I'm always looking for good movies to watch.

Any suggestions?

A Dapper Dude

I love this guy!  He makes 83 years old look really good.

From the Huffington Post.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/17/what-ali-wore-tumblr_n_3294222.html?ref=topbar#slide=2468387

A Woman Making a Difference

Below is a powerful story of a retired teacher who has opened her home to the neighborhood kids in Watts.  If you don't have time to read the story, watch the two minute video about halfway down the article.  It's inspiring.

http://www.takepart.com/article/2013/01/11/mama-hill-profile?cmpid=tp-ptnr-upworthy

Miss Israel 2

I heard (thanks Frankie) that there was a problem viewing this post.  My apologies.  A link to the story is below.

Enjoy!

http://www.buzzfeed.com/amyodell/the-incredible-rise-of-yityish-aynaw-the-first-black-miss-is