Krakow, Poland

KRAKOW, POLAND

Geography Fascination:

I was amazed at how well Krakow preserved it's buildings and city form.  It was definitely confined more than the other cities, also.   For another example, the way Krakow preserves it's buildings by making the new construction look old definitely adds a lot more character and meaning into the city.  One can tell that Krakow cares about it's looks, but not in a trendy way; it loves to keep it's old character.  I think this is why I fell in love with it more than any other city we visited.  This is contrary to Berlin and Vienna where they were more artificial.  The city worked hard, that I noticed, to be more "trendy" and to add more westernized buildings if there was a new construction project. 

Favorite Academic Experience:

This was not in the city of Krakow, but in Poland.  Visiting Aushwitz- Birkenau was one of the most moving experiences I have ever had. My heart hurt after that day, and this is the only way I can describe it.  I can honestly say that seeing Auschwitz has changed my whole views on life in general, and how sacred it is.  It also made me realize how evil people can be, it blew my mind.  I know people aren't made to be evil, but somehow, someway some humans are extraordinarily disgusting.  And that will forever amaze and confuse me.    

Favorite Non- Academic Experience:

Krakow was on my top two cities on the whole trip.  It was such a great city to end our trip with.  It was clean, smaller, and adorable.  My favorite part was spent walking around the main square and walking down the side streets shopping and talking.  I am so so happy we went to Poland!  I honestly was not too excited for Poland because I just figured we were way far east to expect anything superior. And that was horrible to assume.  Some of my best solidity of Euro was spent walking and sitting in Krakow.  Wow, I miss it just writing this. It was also so great that I got to hang in Krakow alone for a bit after everyone left on our last day.  I felt so comfortable and loved every minute of it.. which made it extra hard to go home. (:

Favorite Place to Eat:

I loved the day when we ate at Chimera for lunch was super super delicious. All the salads were wonderful.  Go back next year!