Laughing and crying in Poland
All I knew of Poland really was that the largest concentration camp was located in this country. Images in my head were black and white, grainy, sad. Our first stop was at Auschwitz and the bus ride to our hotel afterwards was quiet and reflective. So, when we arrived in Krakow and the sun was breaking through the clouds, it felt as though Poland was wrapping its arms around me and saying "I am strong and I will be all right."
Remembering those who suffered in the Holocaust
I won't deny that this was a difficult place to visit. But, I do not regret it. In fact, I felt that I needed to do this. Being at Auschwitz, Schindler's Factory (an excellent museum - well worth the visit) and the Jewish Quarters of Krakow and Praque, made the Holocaust so painfully palpable compared to all the books I've read and documentaries I've watched. My curiousity with this event created a fixation in me as to how this evil could happen. Perhaps I hoped to find answers to that question when visiting these sites. All I know is it really was somehow this perfect, nasty storm and that's the only answer I came away with. However, what I did learn was so much more important; it gave me such a greater appreciation for the people of Eastern Europe. I am in awe of the strength, courage and resilience that came out of this devastation. I only hope my meager prayers for peace at these sites were enough to honor the precious souls that were lost.
"Near, far, wherever you are - I believe that the heart does go on."
Wieliczka Salt Mine
A visit to the Salt Mine was included in the tour. We went deep into the bowels of Poland and saw amazing salt carvings - mostly done by the workers. There were lots of included tours/visits with this trip and they were all to places I definitely wanted to see. In fact several were Unesco World Heritage sites, including this mine. It was wonderful how Peter had our museum tickets, subway passes and entrance fees all handled ahead of time so we could basically just go right in. It was nice not to worry about these details like I usually do when I travel on my own. I could get used to this!