Day 18: Krakow

Last day in Krakow.

I had debated whether or not to take a trip to the Auschwitz concentration camp, given that the themes of this trip are supposed to be about celebration, freedom, and fun. I worried that the visit would be too depressing, and I didn't want to make the trip alone. But I also knew that I might not have the opportunity again, and that this was something I should do. So I signed up for the 9am tour with a private tour company through my hostel.

A van and a guide picked me up at my hostel for the one-hour drive out to Auschwitz. Also in the van were two other guests staying at my hostel, three Norwegian women, and an older Scottish couple. I'm not going to write much about the tour, largely because I'm generally trying to not dwell on yesterday morning. The tour looks a lot like the photos from history books, with the exception of visiting Birkenau. Photos don't do justice to its massive size, which is overwhelmingly incomprehensible, even in person.  I left feeling depressed, but with a sense that I wasn't appropriately or respectfully horrified enough. But I think there is only so deep our imaginations and emotions will allow us to go voluntarily, or life would be a lot more difficult.

I didn't take many photos, but here's one of Auschwitz


So after the somber morning, I headed back to Krakow where I tried to clear away the visit with a jog around the city parks. I got my last round of sightseeing in before heading to the hostel, where I rejoined with a Canadian who had also been on the Auschwitz tour and other hostelers for a light-hearted evening of hanging out and some serious Polish snack food sampling. I followed the group for a short while to a local club, which was a little too crowded and loud for my liking. Dealing with the crowd, however, was offset by the fact that the club was playing Polish dance music (rather than usual American fare), and that the accompanying Polish club dancing was, well, kind of silly looking and quite amusing. I would best describe the style of dance as Rhumba meets Michael Jackson with a little swing mixed in...kind of ridiculous looking, but GREAT to watch. I will give the Polish some props though, they all looked like they were having a great time and a lot of fun, so who cares what I think!

I've got an early flight to London tomorrow. I've decided that in London I plan on taking a break from being reminded about all the terrible things humanity has done to each other over the last 2,000 years and get back to happy stuff, like wonderful art, mid-season sale shopping, and fun English accents. And if I can find a puppy store, stand out of my way, because I'm so up for some serious puppy therapy!