The weather today was going to be the best over the few days we’re here, so I planned that today would be the day for making a visit that we both felt was important, although we were also dreading.

The horror that was Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp is a bus ride away from Kraków, and so had to feature on the itinerary. Before we left, almost everyone asked if we would head to Auschwitz. Many nodded their heads in understanding; without us even needing to try and explain why we wanted to go, and a small few exclaimed why on earth would we want to go there.

I think it’s important. It’s important to remember what happened in an effort (and hope) that it won’t happen again. History of course, has already proved that it can happen again (if on a smaller scale) with Cambodia, Serbia/Bosnia, Nigeria to name but a few atrocities in recent history.

We shunned an organised trip, in favour of a bus and the guidebook that had been given to us by the Grinsteads. This meant that we would not be constrained to the timings of a tour, and we were at a loss to see where we would benefit from a guide when we had a book and everyone knows the basic story. In truth, the exhibition speaks for itself, and we definitely made the right decision (as well as saving 150 Zlotys).

It was deeply moving. As we walked around the exhibitions in the blocks that formed Auschwitz I, there were a large number of orthodox Jewish groups, one member of which sang as he walked through each block, with a lament which was heartbreaking. The emotion of hearing the religious singing was unspeakable. However, the same group – incredulously – were taking pictures of eachother in front of the displays of shoes, hair, suitcases and pots. I couldn’t understand it, and it upset me greatly. I would not have understood anyone taking pictures such as this, but for this group in particular – words fail me.

We took the shuttle bus to Auschwitz-Birkenau, and again, I was struck by the numbers of people (again mainly the Orthodox Jewish groups) taking pictures of eachother under the watchtower, by the blocks, and worse. I was hugely careful what I photographed, and I didn’t feel it appropriate for us to take pictures of eachother at all. Not one you would want in the family album I feel.

The photos I’ve posted here are both from the site known as Auschwitz II, Birkenau.

As we travelled back from Auschwitz, Nige said “I understand now why we have come to Kraków.” An emotional day. We rounded it off with dinner in a traditional Polish restaurant, and a few Dog in the Fog beers in a great little bar.