Krakow - Day Three - Auschwitz

 An early start for Auschwitz.  After seeing the Holocaust section of the Imperial War Museum (IWM) last year, I thought it important to see this in person.  I knew it was big from the model at the IWM but nothing prepares for you the actual size, it is staggering, frightening and brings home how much evil was carried out there.


And that evil still haunts the place, it is eerily quiet as you walk around, you can’t even hear birdsong.

We walked around Auschwitz Camp One first, which houses the museum and where the Nazis tested their approach to the holocaust.  Seeing all the labelled suitcases, kiddie’s shoes, empty poison canisters and haunting photos, leaves its mark on you.

Auschwitz Camp Two – Birkenau, is massive and this also houses the Holocaust Memorial.  To see this you had to walk the length of the camp, and in searing heat, 38 degrees, it was not recommended by the guides.  But I did it, and I’m glad I did.

The sign at the entrance to one of the huts says it all “the one who does not remember history is bound to live through it again.”  We must never forget this!

 

BACK BLIPS:

5th August - No Sim

6th August - Call that a bed?

7th August - Krakow - Day One

8th August - Krakow - Day Two - It's the Seven Dwarves