Justin does something even more unusual...

Those that know me are well aware of my somewhat random ideas and adventures that I get up to. Some (Aka Most!) don't understand many of them, but at least tolerate and humour me when I start to share my next plans.

So what have I done now? Well that requires a little explanation of the previous month or so. So get a warm cup of your favorite and setting in for story time...
Having previously done a little urban exploring, as well as taking up photography on a more serious level, I figured Id see what groups there are online for people wanting to partake in both of these strange and unusual activities. The idea of taking a photo isn't as simple as just hitting a button (something I learnt VERY quickly with an SLR) and learning to master it can take many years. And Urban exploring? What the hell is that? Basically it is finding and exploring abandoned buildings. Said buildings can be anything from houses and castles right through to hospitals & asylum and even factories. The surprising thing about this, is that many sites are usually right in plain view but we just block them out - Unwanted and unloved, they sit, slowly dying a little bit more every day. The great thing is that structures that have been abandoned like this make for great photos - with all the paint pealing off, the rubbish and furniture strewn about and the haunted/vacant look that you get from years of dust build up.

Yeah? All very interesting, but come onto the good part - what crazy thing have you done now??
Well to see what exciting locations are in my area, I thought Id join a local Urbex group and see who they are, and where they go to. Always a slight risk, as you can usually be sure there is one person who enjoys breaking into real live working factories and stealing stuff. Im up for exploring where your not meant to be, and at worse being pointedly asked to leave. Damaging and stealing stuff? Not so cool...
So, after having one or two tentative posts on the forums, someone asked for an expression of interest to fly to Krakow (Poland!) and explore the quarry that Schindler's List was filmed in! Well... Pros and cons with this. I love to travel. I love to take photos, and apparently I love to explore abandoned places. The one HUGE CON in all this? I have never met these people in my life!!!
So I put my name down, have bought the tickets and arranged for time of work. Yep - crazy, insane and possibly dangerously stupid. But what a way to meet people huh? Besides, if its good enough for Micheal Jordan and Thomas Edison, its good enough for me!

We are planning on meeting up before the flight over, and Ive had quite a few messages with one of the members who are arranging things. I'm sure its going to work out fine...