Zamki

Want to live like a king? Try visiting a castle. Castles in Poland are like Mormon churches in Provo—they’re everywhere. We only visited two: Niedzieca and Wawel. Behold the photos.

The Sad Side of Poland

Stepping through the gates of Auschwitz-Birkenau was surreal. We arrived before 10 so we were allowed to wander without a tour. It was humbling to see the conditions in which the Russian soldiers, Romas and Jewish prisoners lived.

One exhibit showed newspaper clippings where top German officials bragged about the extermination of Jewish Poles, asserting the camp’s deprivation and starvation puts them in their place and is no more than they deserve. The rank hatred was nauseating and incomprehensible.

The children were especially touched by the displays of confiscated belongings. Piles and piles of shoes, brushes, suitcases and pots and pans line the hallways like an honor guard paying homage to the fallen. We didn’t take many photos. It felt like an intrusion.

The film wasn't shown the day we went, that may have been too much for the children. However, the camp left an impression. I hope my children always remember. 

Needless to say when Mike and I suggested we visit Schindler’sFactory a few days later we were met with resistance. As E put it, “It’s just too sad.” We went anyway.

This museum, located on the outskirts of the city, is excellent. The display tells the story of Krakow during WWII and explains what happened to the Jews forced into the ghetto—their life, work and death. A film at the beginning of the exhibit gives the details of the Schindler factory and features several former employees. It was very well done.