Auschwitz
After a last breakfast at the Horsky Hotel Celadna, we packed up Adriana's car and headed out for Krakow. On the way we planned to visit Auschwitz, something I'd always hoped to do. The drive was interesting, and crossing into Poland was almost surreal, as the borders are open now that both the Czech Republic and Poland are members of the EU. It was weird to see the crossing unmanned...Arriving at Auschwitz we were immediately greeted by a number of men trying to flag us into different parking lots. Adriana pulled into the first one she came upon, which ended up probably being the best, as it was just far enough away not to be too busy. There were a number of stores on the edge of the lot, and we were able to pull some zlotys from an ATM on there. We had to cross over some old, (probably storied), railway tracks and then we were at the Orientation Centre. From there we entered the site.
The former barracks are set up as centres that try and explain different aspects of what life at the camp was like. Because Krystof is only 2 and a half years old, it was still preferable to keep him contained in the stroller as much as possible. Unfortunately we didn't know that, for whatever reason, strollers are not allowed in the buildings (??), and Karel got an earfull from one of the guides at the first centre we went through. I can't understand why they would have this rule, as KK was content and quiet while he was sitting. Once Karel let him out and folded up the stroller he was running around the exhibits and generally boisterous, as all 2-year olds are. This didn't go over very well with the other visitors, and it ended up that Karel and Adriana had to take turns watching Krystof outside while the other one visited the museums.
We weren't allowed to take pictures inside the buildings, (and rightly so), but it seemed most of the young tourists visiting didn't take the rule seriously, despite repeated attempts by the guides to stop them. It was terrible, because you could see how much it bothered the older people, who could very easily be there mourning family members...
There are some very grim reminders of the evil that was committed here. What really got to me were the rooms full of shoes taken from the inmates upon their arrival...especially the childrens. Also very moving was the rooms full of luggage, also confiscated upon arrival. At that time, since it was a common practise to write your name and hometown in big letters on the side of your suitcase, the origins of all the former owners were there in plain site. It was just a very sad room.
I was so glad that Krystof was there with us. He brought a little light into such a grim place.
This is the spot where Rudolf Hess met his demise:
The Crematorium
Heading back to the Administration Centre:
It was rather odd to leave a place where you knew that thousands and thousands of people were deliberately starved to death and be immediately confronted with fast food outlets....
Only God really knows what misery this railway spur must have seen.
Our neighbour in the parking lot:
After Karel and Adrian payed the parking fee, we headed back to the highway for our trip to Krakow. We passed by Birkenau (Brezinka), which would also have been a worthwhile visit if there had been more time. The highway was under construction for a good portion of the trip and caused us some delays, but it will be much better once finished. It was unbelievable how many billboards can be viewed on this drive. Eventually we made it to the city. Adriana found the Jewish District right off the bat, and then we tried to determine the whereabouts of our hotel from the crappy map I'd printed from the internet.
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