Tour Of Eastern Europe

We have been travelling on our tour for one week now and we are really enjoying ourselves. Right now I am sitting in a small Internet cafe in Krakow near the Old Town Square... and it's totally surreal. I only have a few minutes because we have to catch a bus to the Wieliczka Salt Mines, which are supposed to be incredible! I will of course find time when I get back to the UK to flesh out all that we've been up to, including photos, but until then here's a quick overview:

• Monchengladbach. We visited Tante Namesake and she is the same as always. She fed us too much and then talked the entire time we were there. Fascinating for me, not so interesting for Adie, who doesn't understand any German! We hopr to get back there in around September/October.
• Frankfurt. This is where we net up with our tour. The guide is nice, organised and thorough. Brilliant! Apart from two children, we are the youngest on the tour, but it's not been a problem. If anything it's worked out well because a few of the people with us are really experienced and knowledgable and have helped our understanding of the places we're seeing.
• Berlin. We loved Berlin! Not just because of how cheap the really good quality chocolate was. Seeing the wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate... all of these places are just so interesting. Lots more on that to come.
• Warsaw. Here we were introduced to Polish history. How glad am I that we've never had to live under communist rule. These people really have lived through some horrible times, but they are strong and able to rebuild their lives.
• Black Madonna. Those of you who know me, know that I'm not a religious type (and that certainly hasn't changed) but this place was astounding. It's such a holy place and people from all over the world come here on pilgramages, so the place was swarming with people of all ages. We saw the painting and I admit, it's gorgeous. Adie bought a prayer card for his dad and asked one of the priests to bless it... so that'll be on it's way home soon.
• Auschwitz and Birkenau. I don't really want to talk about these places right now, but I will say one thing. There is a quote at the entrance to one of the building that states "The one who does not remember history is bound to live through it again". It is important for people to visit this place.
• Krakow. It's where we are now. We went to the old Jewish quarter this morning, and also to the Royal Palace. It's so huge!

Will try to write more before we get home. Otherwise it could be another week.