Let's just say the weekend started off right! After deciding we need a long 4 day weekend, we headed to Poland bright and early Thursday morning. Krakow was our destination. A short 3 hour bus ride to Ostrava, Czech Republic and a short, but eventful, lay over we boarded the train towards Krakow. We switched in Katowice, later we would find out why they call it the worst train station in Poland, and then jumped on our last train to Krakow. Pulled in a little after 1600, ventured off with some Aussie's we met on the train towards our hostel. Found our hostel with no problem thanks to good directions and navigating by Lynsey! Checked in, dropped our bags, got our bearings and ventured out for a bit. Saw a few sights in the city and then headed back to the room for an early evening and to catch up on some sleep.
Got up bright and early Friday morning to catch a bus to Auschwitz. After a long, very packed mini-bus ride for 2 hours, we arrived at the camp. Words can not even begin to describe the feeling you get when you visit there. You learn so much about it during our years of schooling but to actually be there is something completely different. We walked around the camp for a bit, exploring the building and learning of all the horrific crimes against humanity Hitler and the Nazi party inflected on so many people. How can man be so cruel to one another is beyond me! We took a short 3km walk to the largest of the Auschwitz Camps. This was the main camp were the majority of the prisoners were brought in, unloaded and slaughtered. I know, it's not the best thing to visit, but it's one of those things you have to do if the opportunity is presented. We boarded the bus back to Krakow, which took forever, got back to town, walked around a bit and had some dinner. It was very good and not to expensive. All in all, a great day.
Saturday we were up early again to head to a 700+ year old salt mine. Yah, I know what you are all thinking, "wow, a salt mine, big deal!" But this was pretty cool. It had huge caverns with man-made chapels, statues and even salt chandeliers. Very, very cool. Since salt is a natural preservative, the wood and original tools were all very well preserved. That took the better part of the morning and along the way, we even ran in to a few American girls teaching English in Prague. We would run in to them again later on! We headed back to town, toured the local castle and cathedral and some more of the town in the day light, got some groceries for dinner and headed back to the room. Made some dinner, had a few beers, watched "You Got Mail" and relaxed before heading out to listen to some Polish Jazz. It was not what we were expecting at all. A little to dated (complete 80's with synthesizer and all). Still, it was entertaining and we called it a night a little after midnight. Early morning ahead.
Woke up bright and early to catch our train. We were ready in plenty of time, so we ate breakfast before checking out. Yeap, didn't except credit cards so I had to run 15 minutes down the street to get cash. So, instead of having plenty of time to catch the train we got on as the doors were closing. Thank goodness. We got off the train in Katowice and were immediately greeted by 30+ Polish police in full riot gear on the next platform. As we stood there wondering what was gonna happen, a train full of hooligans pulls up with every window and door open on the train, yelling, screaming and throwing beer cans out the of the train. So rather then going the other way, I ran over to get a closer look. Pretty cool actually. Got on the train with our previously made American friends, sat with them and chatted until we got off in Ostrava. Hooped on the bus and got back to Brno a little before 1800. Long day of traveling, so we came back, unpacked, watched Lost and crashed. All in all, a great weekend. Maybe it was just the company that made it so great!
Well, as far as the rest of last week went, not to much to report. Tuesday, Greece and Latvia presented their countries. Greece's was hilarious. Monday night, 20 or so of us went to a Czech play/opera in the center. Besides not being able to understand any of it, it was pretty cool. We showed up in jeans while everyone else was in black tie and dress. Oops! We still had a good time. Work is going ok. We are still sitting in front of a computer typing away with no idea what we are doing! No one talks to us but thats ok cause we don't really talk to anyone either. We just turn on our Texas country music and work away! Less than a month and we'll be all done with school! We are getting our travel plans together for the last month or so before we have to head back home. This weekend it's Budapest, Hungary with some ERAMUS students. Should be a good time. Well, it's time to post some pics, so keep checking in when ya can!! Thanks for reading and I hope this finds ya in good health and spirits! Until next time, ciao!!
Jon and Lynsey
