Auschwitz I and II

This is a long day but well worth the travel. We walked to the bus station, which like most in Poland is right beside/under the main railway station. We caught the 08.40 bus to Osweciem -7 zlotych each and then sat back for the next hour and a half. Eventually we were let off about 100 meters fr0m the camp.

Auschwitz I was originally a Polish barracks which was taken over by the Germans. There are many things to see and it is NOT for the faint hearted. You really do see the suitcases, spectacles, clothing, brushes, and hair. Although we had been there last year we still found it all extremely thought provoking. You can also see punishment cells, the execution wall and there are many pictures and descriptions of the horrors that took place.

We needed a break before going to Auschwitz II-Birkenau, so we had some lunch and then caught a taxi driven by a crazy man. He told us stories about living and working in the area during the war. Birkenau was the liquidation camp where thousands were shot or gassed. The camp was huge and we took over an hour to walk around. Although most of the barracks were destroyed as they were wooden, the brick ones remain and are being preserved. The gas chambers and crematoria were badly damaged in an attempt to blow them up but you can see the layout. Unless you are a person of absolutely no sensitivity you cannot help but feel repulsion for what was done there.

Our taxi driver met us at his church which was the Commandants HQ and drove us to the station. We just made the 3.45 train which was obviously on a go-slow as it took us 2 hours to get back!!

Our time in Krakow is nearly over - we've one day left so will take snaps and do some Christmas shopping. On Saturday we go to Lodz to spend wigilia with my family and then do the rounds of the cousins, which will be great as this time we just might be able to speak in sentences - unlike last year!!