Winter WonderPoland

I'm writing to you now from a small internet cafe in Krynica, Poland. We're in the south, just a few miles (sorry, euro-friends) from the Slovakian border. When we stepped off the train we both had the same impression: This is a fairy-tale.

It's mostly a resort town boasting loads of pensions and health resorts. Right now, there are about 18 inches of snow on the ground and the air is brisk. So very refreshing and relaxing. The natural springs flow abundantly so the water is cheap. And I guess if you drink enough of it you get healthy. I feel better after a few days of drinking the stuff.

We went to the top of the mountains in a gondola today. We were, of course, surrounded by skiiers, but nevertheless it was a touching moment. Nothing but tree-covered mountains anywhere you look. The trees up there look like they've been dipped in sugar--so white and crisp.

I inadvertently booked us into a health spa generally aimed at the geriatric set. We're the youngest people in the hotel by at least 30 years. But it's cheap, comes with food, and is nicely located (set on a hill with a good view from the windows). Meals are served in what used to be a majestic ballroom, but now shows signs of age.

Time's up! More later!