Snow Flakes on Poland

Poland hadn't been on our list for this year but with Nick staying in Warsaw we took the opportunity to pay him a visit. The minute we stepped off of the train it was a least five degrees lower than in Berlin. So freezing is a good description.

After our brief excitement that our NZ dollars were worth more (its such a rare thing these days) we caught our first taxi in months (we were truly living it up) and arrived at Nicks' parents beautiful home.

We were both just excited to be in a home for the first time in months and talking to people in english! the simple things in life aye! Oh and not to mention a home cooked meal! The heating was amazing and we are told its quite cheap too as it was set up under the communist scheme where warm air is vented underground into each house.

The next day Tour Guide Nick took us on a walking tour of Warsaw. We started with the natural Science Museum with an amazing view of the city at the top. The Tour took on a theme of Memorials, Museums and Monuments. With so many Memorials dotted around the city you start to realise how greatly affected Warsaw was in the war.

We also wandered the streets of the Old Town which was rebuilt after WWII exactly how it stood before the war. Later that night we dined at a Polish restaurant with Vodka shots for starters, Beer steins for entree and a meaty Pork knuckle called Glonka for a main. Nicole and I opted for a more girly option of Salad and Chicken. Some might even say a more sensible idea after the feast of the Glonka was over and some were a little meated out. The evening was finished off with some spirited live Polish music and more wine and beer.

The following day we only had a few hours to spare before we headed to Krakow we headed to the Warsaw History Museum which helped with a few pieces of the puzzle we were missing. From what we saw in Warsaw there was lots of construction on the go which is a nice thing to see. Growth. But our time was up in the Monument filled city so we headed south to Krakow.

Greg & Tom's Hostel in Krakow turned out to be a winner, being the cheapest accommodation yet with the best facilities. The next day we hopped in a tour headed for Auschwitz not sure how to feel. Words really can't begin to describe how you feel seeing rooms of suitcases, cabinets of glasses, photos of each prisoner in the camp in 1944 all looking at you with broken spirits and branded like animals. I thought the museum split into the original brick buildings were very simple and very affective with very little said.

We thought Auschwitz I was horrific and big but once we arrived at Auschwitz II Birkenau it was devastatingly huge but still you can't imagine the numbers of people claimed to come through these places and the lives they would have led here. One quote stuck with me which I think helps explain why we visit such places and are bound to remember "those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" .

The weather fined up the next day just in time before we shriveled up from the cold. We headed to the Old Town center where it all happens, well the Christmas market madness happens. We strolled up to the Wawel Castle grounds and had a look around but were a little sight seen out to venture into any of the attractions. But enjoyed the sun while it lasted and saw a bit more of the beautiful Old Town.

We ended our Polish experience on a magical snow flake or two or three. It was amazing to look outside our window in the morning and it was covered in white. It made our short journey to the main Hostel a delight and we left Krakow in a magical mood ready for our three week journey home to New Zealand.

G