Slovakia

Hey Everyone!

As some of you already know,  I traveled to Slovakia in the beginning of May. Instead of going to the city, we did more country side and mountains. It was such a fabulous trip and so beautiful! We got to tour a couple of old castles, hiked through snowy mountains, spent time on a farm and we even went rafting on the river! It was a weekend that was packed full of adventure and fun. My pictures can help me tell the story as I show you what I experienced. 

The first Castle we went to. This is in Trencin Slovakia

There were many festivities because May 1st is a holiday. 

Then we drove the the next destination. There were so many fields along the way of these yellow flowers! It was so beautiful! 

At the next castle in Strecno. Again, there were many people dressed up and festivities because of the May 1st holiday. 

Such a beautiful view! I had to do a panorama. 

My tired self with the gorgeous view! 

My delicious dinner! Farmer dumplings with sheep cheese and sausage! This is a traditional dish and it was so good! I really do love the sheep cheese! :D

In a museum we went to the next day. I only took a picture because I thought of my dad and Paco. Thought you would both appreciate this.

It was SO foggy on out bus ride up to the mountain where we were going to hike

You know you are a native Tucson girl when you are shocked and amazed to see snow in May. Honestly, I was just like, "What?! This is a first! I have NEVER seen snow in May... yet alone having to hike in snow in May!"  

It was a really gorgeous hike though. The fog came and went and it was so beautiful! 

The view at the destination of our 2.5 hr hike. SO beautiful! 

The frozen lake

The next and last day, we went to Demänovská Cave of Liberty. It was so beautiful inside! Just look! 

Then we stopped and spent some time on a farm and had lunch. I think the sheep were the cutest animals we saw. 

The last thing we did before driving back to Brno was rafting! It was not like a raft you would normally think of. It was fun and relaxing though. 

This is the view of the second castle we went to. Strecno Castle. 

In this next picture, you can see the type of raft we were on, and also the ferry bringing a car across the river. 

Overall, this trip was so much fun! I had a great time and will never forget the beauty I saw. It just really made me thank God as He reminded me of His greatness and glory! 

Thank you for reading and joining me in my journeys so far! I will soon be traveling with my mom, Heidi, and Ellie! I plan to post each city we do. If it doesn't happen though, don't worry, it will as soon as I am home! I hope you have enjoyed traveling with me through my blog! I sure have enjoyed writing and sharing my experiences with you all. I plan to keep my blog going when I am home and keep you updated on Gods work in my life. 

Have a blessed week,
Holly Anne

Krakow Poland

Hey Friends,

I know its been a few weeks since my last post. I meant to write and post this blog last week, but I never got around to writing it before I went on another trip. I think it was because I was so busy with getting all my school work done because it was all due. I also forgot to work on in when I did have time. But its here now so enjoy!

As some of you already know, I had the privileged to travel to Krakow Poland on April 17-19. I loved this trip and the city was just so beautiful! I also had the experience of visiting a concentration camp called Auschwitz on Friday, the first day. That experience was very hard and emotional for me. I did not expect to be affected so much by being there and seeing where these people lived, died and were tortured. Even despite the fact that it was really hard for me, I am thankful to have had that experience.

On Saturday we spend the whole day int he city of Krakow. We had a guided tour int he morning and then again later in the evening. We had a lot of free time to do our own thing which was really nice.
On Sunday we left the city center and drove to the Salt mine called Wieliczka Salt Mine. It was very cool and interesting. We went 130 meters below ground. It was so beautiful. I especially like the big chapel area, it was so gorgeous! After we got to eat lunch down in the mine and then we left back to Brno. It was such a good trip and I really enjoyed it!

Now here are some pictures for you to enjoy!

The Concentration Camp Auschwitz

Loads of people came in these train cars and unloaded here to either be sent to the gas chamber or to be sent to work.

There were many walls full of pictures of the people who lived there. Most of them died within the first 2 months of being there. It was really sad to see this part. I also had pictures of the shoes, suitcases, hairbrushes, and clothing, but I seemed to have lost them or deleted them before saving them on my computer. I will never forget those displays though because seeing those particular displays really affected me in a way I didn't expect.

In the gas chamber they would burn the body then dump the ash. this too was a hard place to see because I was standing the the same place where millions of people died. I don't think I will ever be able to grasp it fully but being there definitely made me realize how horrific this really was.

 First night in Krakow, the building were beyond beautiful at night

I don't know if you can tell, but it is snowing in this picture! The weather was just so crazy and cold but it was kind of fun to see it snow, even if it was only for a few minutes and it didn't stick.

 My lunch was so good!

Polish stamps my friend bought to send her postcards from the city.

This red velvet cupcake was so delicious!

I wish I could have eaten dinner here! It was such a cute place and idea for tables and chairs!

I had come back a few hours later and this guy was still standing here like earlier (picture above) so I decided to take a picture.

The Sunset was so beautiful!

At dinner the last night with my friend from Finland, her name is Jonna. I spent my weekend with her and we had such a good time! I have to say, it was probably the best meal I had on the trip. We got a cheese plate and then I had a delicious dinner.

We were waiting to enter the Salt Mine

 We were at 90 meters deep and going down and down...

This was my favorite place in the mine. It was absolutely gorgeous and just breath taking!

The wood work in the mine was just stunning!

We are all eating lunch before going back to the top of the mine.

This is the crystalized sat on the wood. It was really cool to see and touch!

Finally out on the top and walking back to the bus. It was a fantastic trip for sure!

I hope you enjoyed reading and seeing a little of what I experienced in Poland. I sure had a blast and will never forget it. It was a weekend that was emotionally hard/draining, beautiful, fun, cold, and absolutely amazing with memories that will last a lifetime!

Thanks for reading,
Holly Anne