Poland's Westminster Abbey

I wake up to pouring rain.  I had Gill check the weather the night before and try as I might, I could not get her to say it was going to be bright and sunny.  I head downstairs for breakfast in the cellar.  Everything was much the same, but once again I passed on the scrambled eggs.

After checking out, I took a taxi to my hotel for the next 2 nights - it's a business hotel on the other side of the Jewish district.  By the time I check my bags, the rain has stopped; it's a bit misty, but not too serious.  

I head off to Wawel Castle grounds and cathedral.  I do the full cathedral tour, complete with audioguide.

I loved the cathedral inside and out.  On the outside, it looks like a whimsical jumble, but on the inside, it is like it was all planned; you'll have to take my word for it as no photos inside.  

As part of the tour, you get to climb up the bell tower.  The steps are all wooden with several tight squeezes thought the joists - my brothers would love this place.  The wooden banister was completely smooth; it was amazing feeling under your hand.

It's the biggest bell in the country, takes 12 men to ring and is only rung on special occasions.  It is over 100 kg heavier in the spring due to the humidity.  Fighting my way under the bell, I go to the window for a look across Krakow.  

The green belt around the city used to be the moat, but the whole thing was a mess so they filled it in and created a round park called the Planty.  The twin tower is St. Mary's church and the spot of the bugling - Hey Now.

After the cathedral, the bell tower, and crypt, I went through the museum, and this was pretty much dedicated to John Paul.  Some of the vestments were unbelievable. I had no idea you could do with embroidery. 

Wawel castle also has this very interesting 'secret.'   If you assume the earth is a body and you lay out the chakras, one of those chakras is in the inner courtyard of the Wawel castle.  Apparently, this is not something they are happy about, and the tourguides are forbidden to discuss it.  

They have tried to make it difficult to access this area by putting a sign and rope in the area with the greatest power.  I go into the inner courtyard and immediately notice the spot - it's like it called me.  

There was lady standing there, pressed against the wall - which is discoloured from people pressing their body against the wall.  As I was absorbing the experience, a guy came and settled his bags in a certain order and then also took his place.

I felt like I had done Wawel castle and cathedral so I headed off in search of a coffee shop.  As I was headed down the hill, a big group of Hindu were on their way up and this made me smile.