Day 34 - Krakow, Poland - Zakopone, Poland's Alpine Treasure

Joan's View

Today we traveled 2 hours to the Zakopone region of Poland. Our first stop on the way was the National Fatima Shrine of Poland. It has amazing wood carvings even in the pews.

A view from the pews

Tony's next door to make?

In the original chapel

Stations of the cross & the view

An outdoor chapel

Mary, name that amazing flower?

Fatima National Shrine of Poland

From there, Alex took us to Stara Bacówka na Poland Bialy Potok. It is a unique little store that sells a cheese known to Zakopone. The cheese is called Oscypki and is made from sheep milk and cow's milk. Alex grilled some slices for us and we followed his recommendation to eat it with cranberries preserves on top. Believe it or not the cheese did not melt. 

The sheep that make it

The store where you buy it

The cheese choices

Grilling it in the building behind the store

Topping it

We loaded up to head to the mountains. On the way Alex explained that this area also has unique houses made from very large logs. This logs have to be cleaned once a year.

There was another small chapel on the way up the mountain made entirely of wood. No metal nails were used.

In the cemetery next to that chapel, there was a drone following Bud around. It's kind of ironic considering Bud was so concerned about the drones that Russia sent over the border into Poland right before we came and Poland shut down all air traffic for a morning.

A possible Russian drone tracking Bud?

Another Zakopone feature - Jesus sad

We ventured then to the top of the mountain for the great view and a beer.

Tony playing the part of Cara
who played the part of Chip in high school.

Stepping into the Gondola

The view

Another beer break

We ate dinner at a restaurant in the shopping district in the town. They had useful axe shaped menus. 😁

Theresa's Extras

Beautiful day in the mountains.  The churches we saw today had intricate wood carvings that were amazing.  Poland has such natural beauty and many talented people who use their talents to add artistic statues and paintings.  We are so fortunate to be able to enjoy it.