Poland

While in Poland to start the trip, the group took a train from Warsaw to Krakow to stay there for two evenings. Krakow was one of the few cities in Poland not destroyed entirely during World War II. So much of the Jewish quarter (although restored) was very intact.

Ivan and Sasha on train to Krakow

John and Michael unloading the weedwacker

Ethan and Jeff at Krakow train station

Before arriving at the hotel, the group made a few stops in the city of Krakow. First, the minibuses stopped at Schindler’s Factory. Although, there was not much to see inside, the memorable gate was clearly a recognizable sign to those on the trip. Afterwards, the group stopped at the lasting remains of the Krakow ghetto. Although, there was only a wall with a plaque leftover, the site was to set the tone for the following day at Auschwitz.

Outside gate of Schindler's Factory

Everyone at Krakow Ghetto Wall

Everyone stayed in the Jewish quarter in Hotel Eden, a relatively new hotel with extremely nice accommodations. Within walking distance of the hotel, there were seven synagogues that had all been active prior to World War II. Nowadays, only 200 individuals claim themselves as Jewish. Fortunately, due to interest in Jewish ancestry, the community has become built up as a Jewish tourist site, allowing others to relive the days of old.

Eden Hotel in Jewish quarter

One of the few still active synagogues in Krakow

Main Square in Krakow

The next day, the group traveled to Auschwitz-Birkenau. In order to break away from the emotionally trying effects the visit to Auschwitz had on everyone, people went into the Krakow city center, one of the biggest squares in all of Europe. It proved to be a nice break for everyone and allowed everyone to regroup for the long journey into Belarus the following day.