AN EYE-OPENING WEEKEND IN KRAKÓW, POLAND

Oh, how Krakow surprised me. This weekend left me more enlightened, surprised and inevitably tired (always worth it, though). When I learned about this amazing trip through my abroad program, I knew I had to go. The trip included a trip to Auschwitz I, Auschwitz II-Birkenau, an entire tour of Krakow and the perfect amount of time to explore the lovely city on our own which obviously led to a vodka tasting tour…obviously.

Our journey started with a bus ride leaving Prague at midnight and arriving to Auschwitz at 7:30 a.m. The weather was gloomy and frigidly cold which seemed to fit the overall mood. The Holocaust is something that I have personally studied for many years; taking classes on it throughout college and reading books/watching movies on it since I can remember. When I was in Germany at the beginning of my time abroad, I visited Dachau, the first concentration camp, and the experience/feeling that overcame my body when walking around the camp was something I find hard to put into words. My visit to Auschwitz was no different.

Auschwitz II- Birkenau was the most eye opening experience I have had thus far. I grew up reading about it, studying it and seeing endless pictures of the train tracks that run directly through the camp that brought endless amounts of people there against their will. To say the sheer sight of it from our bus gave me chills would be an understatement. Our tour guide was phenomenal in every sense of the word and had a very special way of giving us the information we needed to learn and the stories we needed to hear. While some stories and sights I heard and saw were emotionally unbearable, I am forever grateful that I had the chance to see and learn more about such a horrific event in history that I think is important to acknowledge and learn about for future generations. If you ever find yourself with the opportunity to travel to Kraków and visit the camps, I would strongly encourage you to do so.

After our morning at Auschwitz, we were driven to Kraków where we spent the rest of the weekend. Upon arrival, it was clear that it was a very historical and beautiful city. My professor had told me that it was one of the most beautiful cities with the biggest city center square in all of Europe. He was definitely not wrong. The square was a dreamy epicenter of food, shops, and horse-drawn carriages that looked like they could have been straight out of Cinderella. I quickly developed a love for Kraków that I did not expect. The life-changing history and beauty of this city was something that I had heard about, but experiencing it myself left me asking myself multiple times a day; “how did I get here?”

Our full tour of the city was where we really learned the important facts and events that made Kraków what it is today. We started in the Jewish Quarter at the Kraków Ghetto Memorial which was equally as simplistic as it was powerful. Kraków, as well as many other cities in Europe, was deeply affected during World War II and that was eye-opening to see. Our next destination was Wawel Castle where I had the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had; I truly wish you could all taste it. Alongside the wonderful drink, Wawel was a true sight to see. The entire fortress was filled with outstanding architecture and breathtaking views. We quickly realized how walkable of a city Kraków is, which makes it that much better. Like I said in my last post, the best way to see a new city is by walking and that is exactly what we did.

Now, what you’ve all been waiting for…food and drinks. We couldn’t go to Kraków without trying some Pierogis or what we realized were called dumplings by every Polish person (blending in is tough). We were recommended by some friends to try a place called Milk Bar and, yet again, my friends have the perfect recommendations. We had boiled and fried spinach and feta dumplings...my mouth is watering just thinking about them. I couldn’t recommend trying dumplings or this place more. They were truly life changing…as most food is. As for going out, we met some friends at an underground bar called House of Beer and it was the best atmosphere EVER. Reasonably priced drinks and amazing company...what could be better?

The cool thing about traveling to different cities is the people you meet. As I was sitting with a few friends from school, an amazing couple complimented us on our accents (I was just as shocked as you are) and just like that, we spent the rest of the night talking with them. People really are amazing; we should give them more credit. Compliment someone if you like what they are doing, butt in on a conversation you agree with, say hi to someone random…take the chance because you never know who you might meet. This brings me to the most spontaneous and yolo moment of our entire trip; the vodka tasting tour.

When a few friends ask you to do a vodka tasting with them, do it. You just might end up taking eight (yes, I said eight) shots of Polish vodka with the coolest tour guide. You also might end up spending the rest of the night at an Irish pub watching an intense game of Rugby surrounded by people from England and Wales as they watch their teams fight to what seemed like the death. Yes, it was intense and yes it was an unforgettable night.

We finished our trip at the Wieliczka Salt Mine exploring the most unbelievable caves and salt sculptures all while being 390 feet below ground. After walking down 50 flights of stairs we reached what seemed to be an entirely different world. From sculptures to churches to beautifully crafted chandeliers, it was the perfect way to end our trip.

The more I travel, the more I realize what life is really all about. Life is about experiencing things that scare you, doing things that are daunting, spending the money on memories you’ll have forever and most importantly finding the people you want to do it all with. Take advantage of everything life throws at you and immerse yourself in the part you’re at in your life right now. You’ll never be in this exact place, feeling this way, again, so don’t waste it. Have your yolo moments more often and don’t forget to always be kind along the way.

XOXO,

Simply Complicated