My Summer with Dracula

Today we ventured to one of the largest salt mines in the world, Salina Praid, located about an hour away from where we’re staying. Buses go down these dark tunnels to the first level of the mine, where they drop people off (and pick them up). You then go down a lot of stairs, before being dumped into the main cavernous spaces of the mine.

Walking down the tunnel.

One of the cavernous spaces.

The main cavern-like parts of the mine had a lot of activities for families, as well as some snack stands, and lots of benches and picnic tables to sit around on. The upper level had some cool artistic designs on the salt, and there was also an observation deck into a certain area of the mine.

One of the tunnels leading up.

Some of the art on the mine walls.

View from the observation deck. There was A LOT of moisture coming from the walls and ceilings in this area.

There was also a church in the cavernous part of the mine. Overall, it seemed like not only a tourist spot, but also a place that local people come to hangout with friends and family. Many people brought badminton equipment, and there were ping pong tables set up in some places as well. I did not eat at the restaurant, but there is one there in addition to snack shops.

I got a set of handmade wool rugs/blankets (I thought I was only purchasing one for the agreed upon price, but I wound up with a set of three!) as well as a small sheepskin from stalls near the mine run by locals.

The largest of the set, held up by my friend and roommate. I estimate that it’s at least 6 feet long. Might have to buy a carry-on bag for my return trip!

As long as it doesn’t rain (again), we return to the dig site tomorrow. Unfortunately we are not allowed to post pictures of the bones online (hence the lack of such updates), but if I find anything exciting I will be sure to write about my discovery.

KTM