Auschwitz-Birkenau

 The joy of travel vanishes when one visits Auschwitz and its nearby companion concentration camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau, where more than 1.1 million people were murdered by the Nazis during WWII. No words. 

Haunting chimneys are all that remain of the numerous barracks destroyed by the Nazis as they fled.

Krakow, Poland

Krakow dates to the 7th Century and has a variety of historic and cultural landmarks. Although occupied by Germany during WWII, the city was not bombed and its architectural wonders survived the war. 

                                                                 Main Market Square

                                                                  St. Mary’s Basilica

                                                           The Cloth Hall, above and below

                                             A modern sculpture by Polish artist Igor Mitoraj

                               The interior of St. Mary’s and its famed carved Gothic altarpiece 

                             A different type of cultural beauty: fantastic pierogies are everywhere!!