KRAKOW AND A TRIP TO AUSCHWITZ

Today was spent in time travel--so much has happened in Poland and in and around Krakow.  This morning we toured the beautiful Krakow Cathedral and Wawal Hill to understand the many wars  that have shaped the history of Poland.  The Cathedral Complex is beautiful and stands majestically overlooking the Old Town of Krakow.

After exploring the history of the city there was still time to 

go back to the Old Market Square which is dominated by

shops, the beautiful horse drawn carriages and many amazing 

cafes.  It is truly a beautiful square and someplace that it is easy to linger enjoying the variety of cuisines available.  And, of course, even 

though it was cold and there was snow in the air we all had

to try the Polish favorite dish of lody--ice cream!

The afternoon was a dramatic contrast to shopping and eating ice cream as we toured Auschwitz.  Even seeing the barracks and the reminders of the horrors and what was left behind it is impossible to comprehend how something like this happened.  The gate where the train brought the prisoners to suffer beyond our imagination leaves a lasting impression.

 The shoes that were left behind and the wall where so many were shot before the use of gas and the crematory tell of unspeakable horrors.  And then there was the luggage that each brought with them to "begin their new life">

 I will leave the pictures to tell the story as words are not enough.