Over view of Camp - From Top of Tower

You can tell how large this camp was. In the very back is where the furnaces that most were sent to. It is estimated the average person lasted about 2 weeks after they came to this camp.

Note: All around is forest

These are pictures of how the people in the camps lived. The place with the cement holes, were for them to go to the bathroom. They had 1 minute twice a day to go. Of course you know how sick most were, so use your imagination. On the bunks there were 4 to a section. Some of us tried to lay down on one bunk and we had to bend our knees to fit, and barely two of us fit. The place where the bunks are were meant for the horse stalls.

This is the actual wall where Dr. Megela shot the people he finished his experiments on. This is one of the most somber places in the whole camp. The bullet holes can still be seen. Some people have placed flowers at the bottom to honor those that lost their lives.

This is the building where experiments were done on women and children.

Auschwitz

A look at one of the rows between the compounds

Auschwitz

Looking to the right as you walk into the camp

What was around us as we walked through the gate.

In the cement slab is where prisoners sat to welcome new prisoners. The played soothing music, so as to present a feeling of calmness. It was a priviledge to play a musical instrument, because it meant you were able to stay alive longer.

Walking into the Camp

We walked exactly through the place where so many Jews walked. The sign above states "Work will Set you Free". It was the most humbling experience. The "feeling" around the camp was so somber, and there was still a feeling of "dread." I might note that, aside from this sign, there is not another word of German in all the camp. There are translations of the meanings of places in the camp in many languages, but not German

My Trip to Auschwitz

On the train on the same tracks that carried so many to the camp and to their death.If you've seen any movies or pictures of Auschwitz, this is the image the Jews saw as they arrived at the camp. This is the front, and the tracks continue into the camp.

Streets of Poland

Streets of Warsaw

All of the cities in Poland have a center plaza. This is a place that everyone gathers and has a leisurely walk. There are vendors all around. It has been built up very nicely since the distruction during WWll

My Trip to Poland - Warsaw and Kracow

I wanted to add some comments, and this is how it is turning out. Oh well. Ok, the statue is on of the rulers of Poland, once upon a time. He was a great war hero. The statue of the Mermaid, is the symbol of Poland. It is said that she came from the sea and fought off the enemies of the Prince, thus Poland became a country. The picture of me in the doorway is the house of Chopin. It is a museum and it is awesome. His original music compositions are there, along with a couple of pianos he owned. There is a statue built for him that is next. It is very melancholy as you look at it, because those that knew him said he was a very somber person. There is a lovely park around it. Also, we stayed in the Holiday Inn there. (I know not very "in" with the culture. But it had airconditioning and it was hotter than.........well you know.)