Polska

JG: Took a hopper flight from Milan to my family's homeland: Poland. Got in late to Katowice, stayed the night and then a shuttle bus to Krakow to reconnect with the friends, Paweł and Anita, that we met on the Bolivia leg of this journey. We can't thank them enough for their hospitality during the few days we spent there, from offering to stay at their place to helping us arrange some sightseeing, and really just spending more time with them while not in a Third World country.

Part of me was excited to make this destination because a) we could readily communicate again (my Polish is serviceable), and b) we can eat authentic pierogis!  Ok, maybe not as much that last part, but it was good to visit the general area where my family is from. We made an attempt to trek to the actual village from which they emigrated, but logistics turned out to be too challenging. 

We toured the Krakow city center on foot and bike, stumbled upon a pierogi festival (I can't make this stuff up); went through the Waweł Castle, and a few days into it visited Auschwitz, which was heavy. You feel like you've heard many of the stories associated with this atrocity, but seeing the actual setting and the evidence itself was quite a sight. Spent the entire day there - worth every minute. 

SS: Pawel and Anita certainly rolled out the red carpet for us. There is something so comforting and exciting to see a friendly face when you're on the road for such a long time. Sending thanks to them both once again. 

Krakow is a beautiful city. The old town, that includes the castle, is surrounded by a green forest ribboned with a path and plenty of benches to enjoy your surroundings. During our bike ride adventure day, we managed to stop at the local exhibit featuring The Human Body (similar to Body Works but smaller) as a break from churches and general 'old stuff'. 

It was great to see John in all his glory. Dusting off the Polish skills, indulging in pierogis, a ton of kielbasa and clapping to the tunes of traditional music as we were lucky enough to hit the festival held in the main square. Although we have a dollar bet still running if pierogis originated in Poland or Ukraine.... votes? 

The only word I can use to explain Auschwitz is: powerful. 
The site has been very well maintained and the events that took place is respectfully but heavily conveyed. A reminder that the world can be awful. We visited 2 camps starting with Auschwitz II. The grounds consisted of hundreds (~300 but only 50+ still standing) of converted stables, each originally made for 52 horses, that then housed 1000ppl per building/stable and 2 massive gas chambers and railroad tracks. A grotesque feeling as you walked the lines of what thousands once did. The international monument rests here as well with a powerful - do not forget - message. 

We crossed over to Auschwitz I, the original camp, to find most everything still intact. Buildings have now been sectioned into countries and different themes to give you an in-depth understanding of the people who were once occupied inside the walls. One of the most powerful buildings displayed different rooms consisting thousands of shoes, suitcases, passports, wire glasses and cookwear of the unknowing residents.