Visit Schindler's Factory

Outside Schindler's Factory

In 1993, probably one of the most influential and best well made movies aired onto the big screen.  Till this day, Schindler's List holds a top spot on my favorite movie list.  When I was doing research on Poland I got excited when I found out that Schindler's Factory was still standing.  After visiting Auschwitz, it was only fitting to visit the remains of Schindler's Factory.

Schindler is thought to have saved 1,100 Jews from the concentration camps by hiring them for his enamelware and ammunition's factories.   He spent nearly every dime he had to keep more Jews away from the deadly concentration camps.  Schindler's Factory is now a museum partly dedicated to him and his workforce, as well as the state of  Krakow during Nazi occupation.

 Factory Grounds

The factory has been well preserved, having been through many cosmetic renovations since the war.   Also, if you are in Krakow for an extended time, tickets are free to enter on the first Monday of every month. If you have never seen the movie, I highly recommend it, but only if you have a box of Kleenex within reach!

Date Accomplished:  June 13th, 2009

Visit A Concentration Camp

 Auschwitz-Birkenau

I'm sure some are wondering how I could add visiting a concentration camp onto my life list.   It isn't exactly the most uplifting experience to spend a vacation.   For most it is difficult to face the reality of human cruelty, and to see firsthand of the horrible atrocities that were committed there.  Unfortunately it did happen, and I feel that it is so important for people to remember what happened in these places.  Even if you don't remember learning about Auschwitz in your history class then you probably know a bit about it from the movie Schindler's List. 

 The famous entrance sign that was stolen months after I visited Auschwitz

One of the first things I saw while walking around Auschwitz was the "Arbeit Macht Frei" sign.  In English it translates to "Work Sets You Free."  The slogan was placed at the entrance of  several concentration camps during the Holocaust, the most famous being the one at Auschwitz.  In December 2009 the above sign was stolen and broken into 3 pieces.  The original sign is now in a museum, while a replica was put in the place of the old sign.    The picture above is of the original sign.

Walking around Auschwitz

 A Gas Chamber

Some of the most moving moments were walking through the halls and rooms surrounded by hundreds of photographs of those affected, and the collections of shoes, glasses, suitcases, and even the piles of hair of the victims.   We even went into a gas chamber used for mass killings.   It really saddened me knowing so many people were brought into those chambers not even knowing their faith.  Some gas chambers could kill 2000 people at one time. 

Walking where many took their last steps

 Barb Wire lined Auschwitz-Birkenau

We then took a bus to Auschwitz-Birkenau, an extermination camp.  It made Auschwitz I look like a luxury hotel.   Right by the main entrance of the camp are train tracks that help transport thousands to their deaths.  Many prisoners referred to it as the "Gate of Death." Jews exited from the trains and the selection process began.  Those who were fit for work were allowed to live for a few months (usually dying from disease).  The others were sent immediately into the gas chambers (often times without even registering, therefore skewing the stats of how many people actually died in Auschwitz). 

Train Tracks to the "Gate of Death"

One of the barracks at Auschwitz-Birkenau

The living conditions were horrendous.  The barracks were modeled after horse stables.  If used as a horse stable it would normally hold 52 horses, but the Nazis squeezed in up to 1000 people into each barrack.  So it's no surprise that these barracks harbored loads of diseases.  There was no running water or sanitary equipment, so diseases ran rampant through the barracks.  It also gets mighty cold in Poland during the winter, so imagine spending one hour in one of those barracks in the middle of winter?  Truthfully...I can't even imagine one minute in those living conditions.  The prisoners worked 11-12 hours a day (remember that the next time you complain about work), they worked hungry, exhausted, and often times sick. 

The "Toilets" at Auschwitz

Toilets?  Forgettaboutit!  Privacy...forgettaboutit too!    You had to use the bathroom on command, and if you spent more than your allotted time (a mere few minutes) you were beaten. 

Even though I read countless books about the Holocaust, and I even took a Judaism course in college, NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING could have ever prepared me for what I experienced that day.  Despite the overwhelming emotions that took over me,  I will never forget my experience at Auschwitz.  It is one of those experiences that will stay personally in your mind forever.  I will never forget.

Date Accomplished:  June 14th, 2009

See The Black Madonna

One of the most famous Black Madonnas in the world is located in Czestochowa, Poland.

A Black Madonna is a statue or painting of Mary with dark skin and physical features.  In Europe alone there are approximately 500 Black Madonnas. 

It is housed in the Jasna Gora Monastery and a popular tourist attraction in the small town.  It has also become a pilgrimage stop for devout Catholics. 

The Black Madonna in Poland has apparently survived fires, and a robbery (that ended with the Black Madonna having her cheek slashed with a sword twice).

Even though it was difficult to get a good look of the Black Madonna due to the vast crowds, it was still inspiring to be present by something so special for many people.

Date Accomplished:  June 14th, 2009

Try Pierogies In Poland

Pierogies are Polish dumplings that are filled with a variety of potatoes, cheeses,  sauerkraut, and meat.  They are typically boiled, pan fried or baked.  Pierogies began as peasant food, but became widely popular amongst all social classes.  Nowadays you can easily find pierogies all over Eastern Europe.

While traveling in Krakow, Poland we made it a mission to search for some pierogies.  Off the main square we found a restaurant called Alter Ego that served pierogies with a variety of fillings.

Our smiles say it all, and we were pretty satisfied with our pierogi choices.  Because pierogies are small enough to share we decided to each get a different plate of pierogies to try every variety.  

Later in the afternoon our tummies began to grumble and we decided to go back for Round 2!  This time we picked out our favorites to eat all on our own! 

Date Accomplished:  June 13th, 2013