European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - August 31, 1995, Darmstadt, Hesse V. Ltd i a /. It a. W a Msj a a a a a Ste. Csc a it a i Asimis Jata Siehs Aii a display in the miners museum shows the explosive materials used by miners for Clearing tunnels. I members of the tour look at an enlarged photo in the treasure room above. Halite crystals such As this one it were discovered in a Large vein in the markers mine left. A amps photos by Wayne v. Hall what to expect when taking the tour by Wayne v. Hall staff writer As you gather with the other visitors for the Kali and Salt mine tour you Are directed to what is known As the Quot pub Quot a space where As Many As 130 tour participants can gather. When the guides arrive they ask you to proceed into a smaller room. There you see display cases filled with cry Stals of various types lining the Wall. Rows of chairs fill the Centi. After the entire group enters the guides collect the admission fee and hand each one a Small plastic Token on a key ring Quot your ticket the guide says. The Tours Are conducted in German and the guides speak Little English. During the Days of communism in the former East Germany russian was the predominant second language and the people in the area had few opportunities to learn English although this at first May seem like a Barrier the tour co still be. Quite enjoyable As exploring the underground caverns does t really need much explanation once you Are made and seated a he hairs he guides explain what will be shown on the tour. Participants Are then asked to leave hats Coats and jackets behind a minus any valuables a and will be required to Wear an overcoat and a hard helmet while in the mine. From there the adventure begins. Off to the changing area and then to the elevator Shaft there the group Breaks into three parts filing into the awaiting three tier elevator. This is definitely no place for those with a fear of tight places after going through a Small doorway you huddle with the others in the Small dark elevator. Once everyone is inside the guide draws a Brown leather curtain suspended in the doorway by Metal rings and rings a Belt three times. A Brief pause follows the Bell tones and then the car begins its rapid decent. You feel As though you Are free killing into the dark Depths of the Earth As you continue to plummet. The changing air pressure forces your ears to pop a few times. The elevator ride rivals any Good amusement Park ride. Once the elevator reaches the Bottom of the Shaft the och Gator sounds one Bell to let everyone know this is the a Smalt Statuette stands guard at the Entrance to the Crystal Grotto $ Ima Garme j t september 6. 1
