Here's part 2 of the 10 Reasons to Visit Me in Poland. Hurry up and visit before it's too late!!!
5. Gdansk
Gdansk is another city in Poland, and maybe the one that I am looking towards visiting the most. It's located on the Baltic Sea on the nothern coast of Poland. It is a finalist for being the 2016 Capital of Culture in Europe, which is pretty prestigious. It's located next to Gdynia and Sopot, which are also very popluar cities on the coast, making up a tri-city area, that is easy to access by train from Warsaw. Come out here for a day or two and take a dip in the Baltic!
Check out this article on how to spend 24 hours in Gdansk:
http://www.bbc.com/travel/feature/20110202-24-hours-in-gdansk
4. Auschwitz-Birkenau
I don't need to explain too much to you about Auschwitz. All I need to say is that you really need to be prepared for it. It is emotionally draining, because it is so sad and tragic, but it also makes your blood boil in anger that such a thing could happen. I highly recommend going, but I also don't really want to go back again myself. But I can point you to a tour group or the bus that can take you there. :)
3. Salt Mines
The Wieliczka Salt Mines were a pleasant surprise. Located just outside of Krakow, it makes for a nice side trip, or can even be packaged with Auschwitz for a day long trip for $80 from the local tour companies. The mines go far below the surface of the earth and zig zag all around various rooms, which have turned into a museum of sorts...explaining Polish history through sculptures, all made from salt. Someone even carved "The Last Supper" in salt! It's pretty incredible. There is even a huge chapel and ballroom, where events are held, and chandeliers hanging from the ceilings, and yes, they are made of salt. Overall, the tour is about 3.5 km long, but the most amazing thing is that the total mine is about 300 km long and over 1,000 feet deep...it is HUGE. It almost touches China on the other side!
Here's a Lonely Planet article on both the Salt Mines and Auschwitz, which are day trips from Krakow:
http://www.bbc.com/travel/feature/20110204-short-trips-worlds-away-from-krakow
2. Euro 2012
In June/July 2012 UEFA Euro 2012 will take place in Poland and Ukraine. It is the European Soccer Championship, and is a very big deal. Luckily, half of the matches will be held in Poland, many just down the street at the new 500 million Euro National Stadium in Warsaw (which you can see is still being built). It will be an extremely lively and exciting time in Poland then, so feel free to come out! Unfortunately, team USA isn't playing.
1. Old Town
Last but not least, the obvious reason to come visit is to hang out with me in Old Town. Here are a few pictures, and when you come, you will get a nice tour of the history of the city and the neighborhood. The Royal Castle, the President's Palace, and streets packed with bars and restaurants are all within a 10-15 minute walk.
Bonus
Ok, so there are more things I'd like to share. So this top-10 list is actually a top-14 list.
Wilanow Palace - Built in the 17th century for the king, this palace has survived all of the fighting over Poland, including the two World Wars
Lazienki Park - The biggest park in the city, it has many beautiful buildings and attractions, especially in the summer, where you can find Chopin concerts and the Palace on the Water
Copernicus Science Center - This is a brand new place where you can discover how things work with hands-on exhibits, named after Copernicus...did you know he was Polish?
Palace of Culture and Science - The tallest building in Poland, it was a "gift" from the Soviet Union in the '50s. Most locals don't like it because it symbolizes the oppression from that time, but it does offer nice views from the top
Oh, also, you should check out the airport in Warsaw. It's REALLY NICE. It's easy to get there. Just buy a ticket from your local airport, and I will meet you there.
Ok, that's really it. See you when you get here!!
Yay!!! I want to maybe try a trip to Gdansk!
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