From Warsaw to Krakow

I have never thought much of traveling to Poland. Being a decent bit east of the main European block, it always seemed a bit out of the way. However, I'd heard great things from many of my friends and decided to add it to the itinerary. 

I'm glad I did. After spending three days in both of Poland's main cities, Warsaw and Kraków, it's now clear to me that this country is one of Europe's hidden treasures. The old architecture, incredibly complex history, and cheap currency all add together to make a great destination. 

Warsaw was completely destroyed during WWII, something I was not that aware of before. After being flattened, the Poles and the Soviets rebuilt their capital into the gorgeous, organized city it is today. It was retribution for the Warsaw Uprising, in which several thousand Poles tried to oust the Nazi regime. It is a feat, in itself, that this city still survives.

After Warsaw, I headed to Kraków. I met a wonderful woman named Wanda on the train down, and I was able to hear her story tracing back to her birth at the end of WWII. It's the random people and encounters that have pleasantly surprised me on this trip, and I'm looking forward to much more. Kraków is known as the cultural city of Poland, with the added benefit of having survived the war without a scratch. Cobblestone streets lead to historic castles, with a local ice cream or two along the way. Besides enjoying the niceties of the city, there was an important site on the agenda.

Perhaps the most influential experience of these six days was touring the infamous Auschwitz Concentration Camp. From the gas chambers to the crowded living quarters and eerie watch towers, the visit can hit you quite hard. However, I am grateful it remains as a lesson.

"Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it."