Day 22 - Auschwitz

I awoke with some kind of cold, which I was surprised about as I didn't feel anything brewing the day before. It was another early start as today we were heading to Auschwitz, the infamous Nazi concentration camp. With help from the hostel receptionist, we were able to locate the mini-bus to Auschwitz pick-up point and were ready ticket in hand for the journey. The mini-bus was full and the sun was blazing in through the windows and began to cook us. The windows didn't open properly and the air-con was non-existent but it was cheap, super cheap in fact.

We arrived at Auschwitz, booked our tickets and opted for a guide. And so the tour commenced.....  There really are no words for what we learnt from our time there. The photos below tell a little of the happenings in the camp, but one has to experience it for themselves. It's not a good experience, but it's important, essential even.

The journey back to Krakow was sombre, and even our dinner was spent mostly in thought and silence. After filling our bellies, we headed to a sports bar to watch some football and partake of a few drinks. Our spirits lifted again after quite a harrowing day, as a local band took the stage after the football had finished. They were amazing. There choice of song was a little cheesy and included Simply Red, but they performed with great energy and soon had the place bopping. We shrugged off our lethargy and decided to Live And Let Live, agreeing that we're only young once. After several songs, several drinks and shots of Tabasco, we called it and night. Or should I say morning. 3am in the morning! Auschwitz was harrowing but also made us realise the importance of living life to the full.