We were all pleasantly surprised by Poland. None of us quite knew what to expect, but our one night in Kraków was a charming one. I can still picture the main square - conveniently just a few steps away from the Flamingo Hostel - surrounded by old townhouses, churches, and palaces. Music playing, people laughing in the cafes on the square's edge, the pigeons walking around like they owned the place, St. Mary's Basilica illuminated at twilight. We enjoyed shopping the markets, snapping picture after picture in the square, and eating some hearty Polish food at a cute restaurant on the square. And the hostel was much better than expected - even if there was one bathroom with 3 showers for all of us to share... Good thing we knew each other so well by then.
The next morning was a more solemn experience. We left early for Auschwitz where we had a guided tour. Talk about an eye-opening experience. And an intense couple of hours. Some of the sights just hit you so hard as you begin to more fully comprehend the unspeakable horrors that occurred there. And your heart literally aches for those people. But it was definitely an experience I am grateful I could have.
Poland was a very unique stop. A beautiful country that touched us and taught us.
"Every hundred feet the world changes." - Roberto Bolaño
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