Krakow

Krakow was the center of Polish academic, cultural and artistic life. Today it is an economic center and a major tourist hub throughout Europe. It once hosted a significant Jewish population, that was more or less protected by the rulers of Krakow over the centuries. Of course WWII changed everything. The Nazi took over and built walls around the Jewish district. They were forced to work in German ammunition factories and were living under miserable, overcrowded conditions. They starved to death or died of diseases. The lucky ones that survived ended up in the infamous concentration camp Auschwitz.

Auschwitz was the biggest death camp during the 2nd World War. I toured the remaining compound and got a good impression about how things must have been like. The most surprising part for me was the immoral efficiency how the camp was run. The whole place had the character of a factory. New arrivals that were not considered fit for working went straight away to the gas chambers. They were let in the believe that they were about to get a shower. Everybody had to strip naked. Afterwards they were let into the gas chamber. Gas containers were dropped from the ceiling and 20 minutes later everyone was dead. The panic must have been horrific. One gas chamber had the capacity for 2000 people. The bodies were burned nearby in cremation compound. The ashes were used as fertilizer. The Nazis had big plans about expanding the ever growing camp shortly before the Soviets arrived.

The people that were seen fit to work lived in small barracks. They were overcrowded and had no heating during the winter. Diseases were rampant. The workers hardly ever got food and usually only lasted 3 months under the harsh conditions. Their hair was cut at the beginning and waved into clothes. All personal belongings were collected and donated to German citizens. Gold teeth were extracted and melted.

The most pervert thing was that the camp, was insured by the Allianz Bank.

In Krakow I visited the Schindler Factory. The good face of the German occupation. He protected his workers from exploitation, put his own life into danger to help the needy. He saved many people from the concentration camp.

Krakow city is a beautiful, relaxed urban sprawl. The main attraction is the Wawel castle, which overlooks the river Vistula. It is home to many sarcophagus of past rulers. Definitely one of the best castles in Europe.

I went out every night and enjoyed some good and surprisingly cheap parties.