Poland

My trip to Poland was a very educational and eye-opening experience. I had the opportunity to join the Auschwitz Jewish Center Study Program for Students Abroad and spent four days in Poland learning about the Holocaust. 

Due to the sensitive nature of the photographs, I chose not to post many from the Auschwitz concentration camps.

Just so you know, Poland is cold this time a year! The whole time we were there the weather was cold, gloomy, and a little rainy. 

Kraków, Poland

I am very thankful I took the opportunity to go to Poland. Before arriving, I knew next to nothing about Poland, the Jewish community there, or typical foods. I believe food is a big part in every culture I know of. It seems to me just about every country has its own typical foods. On the first night, we went to a traditional Polish restaurant and tried different types of pierogi which are similar to dumplings and they were delicious! Another food I tried was called zapiekanki or also referred to as “drunk bread”. It was also great! Zapiekanki is like a long toasted half of a sub with whatever toppings you want on it. 

Pierogi

Zapiekanki

 On Friday, we toured Kazimierz, many synagogues, and the former Jewish ghetto in Kraków. 

Some of our group in Kraków

Lunch was at this little place called Bagelmama and I would recommend this spot for some good bagels! 

Later in the afternoon, after touring the Jewish synagogues, we heard a lady from Righteous Among the Nations give her testimony at Klezmer-Hois. 

The whole group with Mirosława Gruszczyńska

That night, we went to a Shabbat service at a local synagogue. I'm glad I got to experience that for the first time because it was different than from what I expected. After the service, we ate dinner at the JCC (Jewish Community Center).

Dinner at JCC

Saturday, we took a tour of the Auschwitz Jewish Center before heading to Auschwitz I.

Group at Auschwitz Jewish Center

There is a lot to say about what I learned at the concentration camps, but I don't feel online is the best place for me to share this information. I did take a lot of pictures while visiting the camps and if  anybody is interested in hearing what I learned about Auschwitz feel free to contact me. Here is the website for those who are interested in learning more http://en.auschwitz.org/h/

Auschwitz I

It says in German "ARBEIT MACHT FREI" which means "Work makes you free".

On Sunday, we toured Auschwitz-Birkenau before heading back to Kraków. Keep in mind, many individuals died during the Holocaust at these concentration camps.

Auschwitz-Birkenau

I greatly value the new knowledge and experience that this trip gave me because I now possess a greater understanding of the Holocaust and Jewish culture. I hope my generation and future generations continue to be educated about this to hopefully prevent anything like the Holocaust from occurring again in the future.  

Grazie per la lettura,

Meg