Poland

Auschwitz/Birkenau, Poland. This is a terrible picture to use as a cover photo for Poland, but this place did have a strong impact on my time here. About 1 million people passed through this gate, never to come out again. It's hard to even wrap your mind around the atrocities that went on at this death camp a mere 80 years ago.

Auschwitz Death Camp, Poland. These are just a couple of the touching memorials to all of those who died here.

Above: At the site of the Auschwitz gas chambers: "For ever let this place be a cry of despair..." It sure felt like it.

Right: Human ashes from the ovens were scattered among many of the nearby fields.

For the most part I think travel is meant to be enjoyable and relaxing. But I think it's also important to confront some of the darker sides of humanity as well in places like this. To come to terms with our past, to honor the dead, and to make sure that we don't keep repeating the same stupid mistakes.

Auschwitz/Birkenau, Poland. In spite of the atrocities committed here in the past, the surroundings are quite peaceful and beautiful today. The outer perimeter fence at Birkenau.

Among all the depressing WWII horror stories are a few bright spots. Here is Schindler's factory, as seen in the famous movie. The building has now been made into a museum.

Top: Nazi memorabilia.

Middle: Visitors ponder the stories of the survivors saved by Herr Schindler.

Bottom: It feels weird walking on Nazi floor tiles.

Krakow, Poland. OK, enough darkness for one country. And the whole death-camp thing wasn't even Poland's fault - that was entirely on the German Nazis. To lighten the mood a bit, here's a nice shot of the Wawel Royal Palace in Krakow.

Krakow, Poland. A traditional horse-drawn carriage shuttles tourists around the cobblestone streets of Krakow.

The lively main town square in Krakow, busy day and night. Check out those crazy spires on the church steeple!

Krakow, Poland. Sunset on the Vistula River, overlooking the Wawel Royal Castle. This castle was the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the world.

"...God is my co-pilot.." Photos of Pope John Paul II line the driver's window of a passenger bus, reminding everyone that this Pope was from HERE!