There really aren't words to describe our trip to Poland. Feelings and emotions were all over the place. From the time we picked up our rental car until the time we got home, there really wasn't a dull moment. After doing some research, and based on my last roadtrip experience, I suggested to Heidi and Raven that we rent a car and drive to Poland, and they both were definitely in. So, the night before we were to leave, we went to pick up our car. We had to drive to the airport to get it, which is about a 15 minute drive. Instead of taking public transportation, I decided to see if my friends would drive us up to get it. They said we could just take their car and bring it back when were done. So, we hopped in the car and headed to the airport. The minute we stepped into my friends car, I hear from the back seat,"Is that a standard or automatic?" For some reason I quickly responded automatic, but after a few seconds said,"I mean, standard." Not thinking about why they would be asking, but soon realized after some glances back in forth between Heidi and Raven and awkward silence, I probably didn't need to ask if either of them could drive a stick. Now, let me preface this by saying these are 2 of the smartest friends I know. Between the 2 of them they can fly F-16's, run an Iron Man, and have degrees in mechanical and aerospace engineering. Yeah, so I guess you could say they're pretty smart and ambitious ladies. I freaked out for a second after realizing neither of them could drive a standard, but trusted they were probably smart enough and equipped to figure it out. Heidi had driven one...once. I kinda laughed, and said,"Let the fun begin..." On the way to the airport I try to give Heidi a crash course in driving a stick. I think all is going well, until we reach the airport, and her last question to me is...."So, you start in first gear, right?" Oh, good gracious. Lord, help them make it back in one piece!! All the while, Raven is thoroughly enjoying herself in the backseat, loving the fact the pressure is not on her. I will say Heidi made it...besides stalling a couple times one angry bus driver, I would say it was a success. Way to go Heidi!
Sunday morning we headed to Krakow, Poland. We arrived safely, and went out to explore the city. It was Easter weekend, so there were some fun markets up. We shopped, tried some crazy food, and enjoyed the night life.
The next day we went to see Auschwitz. This is why I was really excited to go to Poland. What an amazing, tragic, shaping time in history. It was a sobering day, and the weather made it even more real. It was absolutely freezing, snow, and a little rain. I can't imagine having to walk the same walk we were without shoes, a coat, or any type of warmth. It's mind blowing the things that took place there. You really can hardly believe it. Here are some pics from Auschwitz. May we all realize how fortunate we are, and be thankful for our freedoms and blessings daily. I will say that while we were in Poland I realized I've spent the last 2 Easter's visiting concentration camps. I'm not really sure what that means, but will someone please make sure I'm not visiting a concentration camp next year...
Entrance to the camp..."Work will set you free."
The shooting wall where those in the right building were awaiting their fate could watch, and those on the left with the boarded up windows couldn't watch, only hear what was happening right next to them.
The chimney's that remain from when the Nazi's were trying to get rid of all evidence of the gas chambers and crematoriums they had built.
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