Day 12 - Zakopane

We had one full day to spend in Zakopane; the weather was lovely and the mountain air was refreshing. Kasia took us on a brief tour of the town and showed us the way to the funicular that took us to the top of the nearby mountain, Gubałówka Hill. We had the remainder of the day to explore the area.

This area has a number of wooded churches; the first constructed in the mid-1800s being named Saint Clemens and after World War I, Mother of God from Czestochowa.  The history of its first rector is interesting; Father Józef Stolarczyk convinced the Polish Highland people to forgo their lifestyle of vodka and unruliness for one of education, self sufficiency and education.

Adjacent to the Church is a lovely cemetery that contains the graves of Polish patriots that fought against the Nazis. Kasia’s mother’s ashes have been laid to rest here. As we walked the area, Kasia told us about various individuals buried here and their courage during World War II. FYI – Kasia’s mother was a world class country skier who, as a young woman, was a courier and sniper for the Polish resistance. Notice the sculpture of the “worrying Christ”; questioning...what will happen after I die...humanizing Our Lord!

Zakopane is similar to your typical Colorado ski resort; quaint, touristy, not too big. We walked a short distance to the funicular where Kasia left us to explore on our own. The funicular looks brand new and was spacious. The ride up the mountain side lasts approximately 5 – 8 minutes, as I best remember. The view was spectacular; with the Tatra Mountains in the background and valley expanse making for a beautiful scene.

Headed into town, I walked a bit, stopped to have lunch and an ice cream, before heading back to the hotel.

I wanted to rest so I could finish strong for the remaining days of the tour; Salt Mine, Krakow and Czestochowa. I returned to the hotel and went to the water park and then had a massage.

Fellow travelers Chris and Dorothy Gaines, Kathy and Len Wass and I returned to the Bakowa Zohylina Niznio restaurant for dinner. Although not as enjoyable as last night’s buffet and entertainment, we met a young Polish couple with whom we shared dinner and drink and discussed our different backgrounds. A nice way to end the day.