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