Europhile: C'est ma vie!

The Graffiti in Krakow.

In many places around the world, you might see the words "Elvis Lives!" in one or another languages.



But in Krakow, you might also see "Jesus Lives!" spattered across an old concrete wall.

It was surprising, at first, that so many of the hotels were booked. Later, we found it surprising that every time we walked into a beautiful church (see below!), it was having a service.



And, coming around a corner, finally, we were presented with the solution to this mystery.



We'd arrived in Krakow, the birthplace of Pope John Paul II, exactly one year after his death. The Polish were out in droves, centered around one particular building (either his home or his birthplace, we don't know), where was hung this mural made of of thousands upon thousands of photos of different people. There were candles set up on the field opposite, and all day people brought candles, lit candles, and bought more until there were too many and they began to spill onto the street and everywhere. There was an exhibit of photos from his life as well.

It was very moving. We didn't mind that all the hotels were booked.

posted by europhile @ 04:25