I have a bad habit of buying useless gifts for my wife and son. This reckless activity manifests most visibly during Christmastime when I generally go overboard in the purchase of unneeded items. I have always loved seeing my wife’s and son’s eyes light up when they are met with the motherlode of wrapped presents.
Some of the presents are legit, like new headphones, a gift certificate for a massage, or a coveted article of clothing. But a large percentage of the haul will undoubtedly be useless filler – things like Pez dispensers, SpongeBob underwear, or an exploding golf ball.
Inevitably, a good chunk of the crap that I buy ends up in the garbage pail or in a donation box to Goodwill. This fact always gives me pause but does little to deter me during the next gift-buying opportunity.
This past weekend, I was collecting some household items for donation when my son walked into the garage holding the salt lamp I had given him on his birthday last year. He said it didn’t work anymore at which point I plugged it into the wall outlet and turned it on. The bulb inside lit up normally, causing me to look at him with contempt.
“Dad, I’ll be honest,” he squirmed. “It’s just not my thing.”
The lamp looked like a large pink rock (likely derived from the Himalayan region where it was carved), set atop a small wooden base. It wasn’t necessarily ugly, but it wasn’t altogether appealing, either. I bought the lamp because it claimed it would “purify the air, improve mental health, and ward off asthma.” None of us have asthma, but I’m always game for purified air and a clearer head.
I stared at the lamp for a moment, considering whether I wanted to bring it to my office or find another spot around the house to display it. I decided neither was appropriate, then tossed it into the donation box.
As I was waiting in line to donate my items, the salt lamp weighed heavy on my mind. I was considering keeping it. Maybe a coworker would want it? Maybe it would be nice to have in one of the bathrooms? I then grabbed my phone and, after a few clicks, found myself researching the uses of salt, the history of salt, and famous locations around the earth that produce salt.
One of the places I discovered was the Wieliczka Salt Mine in Kraków, Poland, which turned out to be utterly fascinating.
With a history dating back to the 13th Century, the Wieliczka Salt Mine has played a crucial role in Poland’s economy, culture, and heritage. Over the centuries, it has transformed from a major center of salt production into a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction.
The mine’s origins date back to the early Middle Ages when rock salt deposits were discovered in the area. The Polish monarchy quickly recognized the value of salt, which was a highly valuable commodity at the time (often referred to as “white gold”). Under King Casimir III the Great, the mine expanded significantly, contributing substantial revenue to the Polish crown while becoming a key economic asset for the nation.
For centuries, miners excavated salt using primitive tools, creating an extensive underground labyrinth. As mining techniques improved, deeper shafts were dug, expanding the mine to a depth of over 1,000 feet, with a network of tunnels stretching more than 178 miles. Over time, miners began sculpting intricate carvings and statues from the rock salt, turning the mine into an underground artistic masterpiece, complete with its own lake.
One of its most remarkable features is the Chapel of St. Kinga, a vast underground church carved entirely from salt, including altars, chandeliers, and intricate religious sculptures. The chapel remains an active place of worship and is a testament to the artistic talent of the miners who created it.
This week’s feature, “A Real Pain,” takes a trip to that exact location of the world where two mismatched cousins decide to honor their deceased grandmother by rediscovering their shared heritage.
Actor Jesse Eisenberg wrote, produced, directed, and starred in “A Real Pain,” but costar Kieran Culkin walked away with the Oscar for Best Actor, and deservedly so. Both Culkin and Eisenberg were fantastic in their roles, but Culkin, with his witty demeanor and off-kilter sensibility, stole the show.
“A Real Pain” is a heady film; it’s an emotional story that subtlety reveals its main characters’ angst without dumping all the reasons onto the viewer. The result is a project that makes you think about its conclusion – something films lack today.
Check this out if you’re in the mood for a potent little film featuring great acting and a wistful cadence.
A “B+” for “A Real Pain,” now available to stream on Amazon Prime.
Got a question or comment for Dom? You can email him at [email protected].
