Evening,
Last week I spoke of sparkles and twinkles and wedding planning bliss. However, it all came crashing down come last Wednesday morning when y invites arrived. Now originally I was not planning to buy them so soon in September's pay cheque, but nevertheless, I had money to burn (well Amazon.com vouchers) and thinking that if I bought them they would have arrived by the time I got back from Krakow and got Halloween over and done with, which to be fair they were when they arrived last week.
Opening the package I was so excited, more so than anything else I think I have done so far. This was really happening. Officially sending out notification that I will be married, betrothed if you will, to my dearest Mr Warehouse. However, on opening the package, shipped from Amazon, I was disappointed and angry. These were not what I ordered. The invites I had ordered were Ivory in colour with a slight shimmer and sheen in the pearlescent card, each laser cut with a pretty lace floral design. After opening the two doors, a pocket, again lacey and bridal laser cut would hold all the information about our big day. Looking online I was in love and it helped that it came with most of the information we required.
However, what arrived was far from this. All bar being lacey designed, that is where the similarities ended. I ordered Ivory. These were white. I ordered trifold. These were not. I wanted a pocket. These had none. I was devastated and immediately channelled my rage into an we worded email. Shortly I received a reply stating that, despite the enclosed photos of said delivery, the merchant could not see how it was an incorrect order. Fuming I lost it over the internet.
"You clearly have not looked at all the photos as I have included this already. I am struggling to see how you think that these even look remotely similar to the ones I purchased, apart from being white and have a lacey detail. Again please see enclosed photos of INSIDE the package and how it clearly does not match what I purchased or advertised. I would appreciate if you can resend these express delivery as I need them for my wedding invitations and they now are going to be going out late."
I received a less than apologetic reply and on finding it in my inbox the following morning I thundered on, wanting answers:
"I am not sure that you fully understand. I find it 100% unacceptable that you have not only sent the wrong ones but that now you are telling me to “Please be patient and wait for its arrival” – I am appalled and expect an appropriate response. I want it noted that I am not happy AT ALL and would expect some sort of part refund for the issues caused by the lack of due care and attention and stress this is causing me. As I said before these are my WEDDING INVITES and I bought from Amazon thinking that it is a reputable company with good customer service and products that are as advertised however this appears not to be the case."
I was so angry I could hardly contain it. Eventually, the "parcel" had hit customs (why I am not sure as I bought within the UK from a UK seller, or so they told me through there broken Asian-styled language) however there was a problem - What a surprise! It had apparently been damaged and they would refund me in full as they had no more stock left. However, they did add a caveat to all of this by stating that "You can buy goods directly at your local store." and "We are really sorry about that, we hope you can forgive us." Heading back to the internet I finally found the correct ones and had them shipped express delivery. They arrived this morning and are perfect, just what I always envisaged and what I always wanted.
I was wanting to get them out in peoples Christmas card packages, however, I doubt I will have the time to do them and get them out before the post gets busy and things start getting lost in the mail as they inevitably do this time of year. However, as winter approaches and the vibrant colours of fall fades, I feel as though I need to make more of what is left of Autumn. Halloween is over, pumpkin spice lattes are making way for mulled wine and soon it will be time to don that fur coat and headband! For me, Autumn is pretty much over after Remembrance Sunday and gives way to the run-up to Christmas (dare I say it) but this year was different for a few reasons.
After not accompanying my father last year due to some difficulties within our relationship and my battle with mental health I decided that the event would be more of a family affair as both myself and Mr Warehouse, and our pooches, old and young would take a walk down by the river in Bedford where we used to frequent, finally ending our journey at the Cenotaph, ready to pay our respects and remember the fallen. This would have been a successful family outing, had Frankenstein not become so terrified at the noise of my Fathers Kawasaki Vulcan Motorbike, along with his brother in arms and ex-servicemen and women, holding him close was not the trick as pissed himself. All. Over. Me. Obviously having him on the ground would have not been an option and I hazard to think about if he had wriggled free from his harness. Hindsight is a great thing but I still would have picked him up to settle him and I suppose it is all part and parcel of just being a dog mom! He was settled after at Lunch and enjoyed the pigeons, even if he didn't know what they were. Total country pup-kin!
Remembrance Sunday was different because of what I had experienced not that long ago in early October. In my blog "Arbeit Macht Frei (Work Will Set You Free)" I spoke of the horror and terrifying reality that my time at Auschwitz and Birkenau - The Nazi Death Camps brought me. As I stood within the minute's silence, holding my pup close, I remembered our guide as we explored the camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau and her echoing words. More than ever I thought about not only the soldiers, still boys really, and their family and loved ones back home. I thought more about the Polish residents and what they had to endure throughout years of hardship and heartache. I thought about the babies and the mothers and the children ripped from families and told to clean up only to be never reunited again. And I suppose it is cliche but they honestly and truly did give up their lives for us to live ours - Lest We Forget
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
Showing posts with label Poland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Poland. Show all posts
Monday, 11 November 2019
Monday, 14 October 2019
Arbeit Macht Frei (Work Will Set You Free)
Hallo,
Waking up on our first proper morning in Krakow, Nanny Pumpkin and I hardly had time to loll around. Breakfast at the Hotel Kazimierz was somewhat, different, with the normal continental breakkie items such as cereals, cheeses, hams and fruit, however, I certainly did not expect mini Pepperami, a type of weird pancake omelette thing, undercooked cold scrambled egg and a strange chicken haslet thing your mom used to give you in your packed lunch as a kid. After satisfying myself with trying some new breakfast items, Polish style, we headed out on a private walking tour, just me, my Nanny Pumpkin and a lovely Polish lady who knew lots about the city and its inhabitants, Jewish and not so.
Starting in the heart of Kraków’s Kazimierz - the former Jewish district we visited some beautiful synagogues and cemeteries before exploring the city further, and how life was before the outbreak of the Second World War. Furthing our understanding of the city, the country it belongs too and some of the awful things its residents had to endure throughout the occupation, we ended up in the ghetto square, only a few streets away from the Schindler factory which we also visited, learning about an incredibly brave man with a passion for helping people. The following day we had an early start and so after a spot of shopping (and falling flat over on my face whilst doing so in a busy square) and Nanna's adventures on another private Golf-Buggy tour, and some dinner, we headed to bed.
Waking the following morning we were picked up early around the corner from our hotel due to roadworks and taken about 30-45 minutes from Krakow to the Salt Mine. Wandering along the remarkably beautiful undergrounds of the “Wieliczka” Salt Mine. Our journey started at the Danilowicz Shaft, where we met our tour guide, a lovely, handsome young thing called Dominik. He was not so lovely when he made us and the others in our tour walk down 350 steps which have to be descended to reach the depth of 135 meters underground and to initially start the tour. During our tour we were shown magnificent chambers chiselled out in rock salt, and yes I did lick the walls just to be sure! Amazing underground saline lakes, majestic timber constructions and unique statues sculpted in salt were amongst the almost 3 kilometres of meandering corridors and 800 steps, during which we learnt everything about the mine, its history and its secrets. As an active mine however we saw a few workmen who explained about the forces of nature still ruling within the depths of the mine and about the ethos of hard work performed by the generations of miners, still there today. Travelling further and further into the mine chasm my Grandmother and I cursed ourselves for all the walking but yet continued to discover unusual places and with our own eyes witnessed the power of human hands that once excavated rock salt, as well as magnificent mining tools and machines. I suppose that it is no real surprise that till now, the Tourist Route, the main visiting route of the mine has been visited by 44,772,693 tourists from around the whole world in search of adventures (and solid calf muscles).
We returned to the Hotel Kazimierz around mid-morning and wasting no time Gram's headed out again on another one of her tours. I decided that the amount of walking done already, and with the amount, we would be due to do the following afternoon at Auschwitz and Birkenau - The Nazi Death Camps. And, after a spot of shopping in the morning, Nanny and I headed off to the one thing we had both admittedly been looking forward to and anxiously anticipating all week. I didn't know if anything could have prepared me for the influx of emotions that ran through my heart as I listened carefully to our guide as we explored the camps of Auschwitz first (in glorious sunshine) and Birkenau where the weather turned less than pleasant. As the only death camp on the UNESCO World Heritage List, pure evil resided for 5 long years during Hitler's reign of terror across Europe. As we passed under the gates, emblazoned with "Work will set you free" in German I witnessed a Chinese / Asian couple as part of a larger group begin to take photos, one of which was a selfie. Shocked I was about to say something but someone else beat me to it.
"No selfies, No smiling, No laughing - This is where people were murdered. Show some respect." Barked the guide. Pleased at this I knew from the outset that she was fucking serious and that no shit would be taken by her. As we were walked around each exhibition in the museum there was added more and more compelling information and heartbreaking statistics. Another one and another one and another one, each stinging in your heart and making you realise what atrocities humans are capable of in their thirst for power and control.
To assist and help people understand what really happened in the most recognizable place of the Holocaust in the early 1940s, The Museum created a tour that will allow visitors like my Nan and I to see the barracks, crematoria, and gas chambers which Nazis used for the mass extermination of women, men, children, and elderly who weren’t able to do hard labour after what was an excruciating and exhausting journey in cattle wagons and trains. One of the hardest things I think I encountered and certainly won’t miss in a hurry was the exhibitions with personal belongings, objects of everyday use, and pictures of individual prisoners. The thing that really hit hard was the pots, pans, jugs, and kitchenware, all brightly colored, ready to start your new life with your mother, father, brother, sister, grandma, grandad, auntie and uncle. Along with your neighbors and friends, they were lied to. There were no new homes, no new jobs, no new life. All that they met was a Gestapo and the best they could hope for was survival in the deadliest game of Tinder where he stood as the transportation stopped, giving either a thumbs left or a thumbs right, one indicating the workhouse's and hard labor, the other a "shower" to clean up before meeting their husbands, brothers, sisters, mothers again. This would never come. They were murdered.
Since the war ended and the museum was opened for the public, millions of people have come here to pay tribute and shed tears over the innocents who perished in Auschwitz, most of which were Jewish however many more were also from Poland and a lot more than I originally thought. Traveling the short distance to Birkenau the weather turned poor with the fading daylight and it really added a sense of realness to the atmosphere already darkened. It began to rain as we walked the distance along the tracks to the gates. It was only during the next length of the walk, following the ominous train line that you really got a feel for how mammoth this place was and ponder at what would have been had England and the other allies not stepped in. How far would Hitler and the Third Reich go? Would they have had world domination and if so, would we be here? What would the world look like if they had succeeded in their foul plan of the Aryan race?
Standing listening to the guide intently I heard whispers of being cold or wet (and considering I was in a heavy wool jumper which was getting more and more sodden as I stood out in the elements). I couldn't help but talk loudly to my Grandmother on the walk over to the women's barracks in the torrential rain that these people did not have the luxury of coats or jackets or umbrellas. Heck, these poor people did not even have the use of shoes or socks on their feet as they trudged the harsh, broken brick road. I was angry at people's thoughtless comments - Children, women and men alike, young and old stood out in that same weather, worse in fact with minus-thirty-degree snow and scorching summers to battle with no shade. Standing in the shelter of the women's barracks I couldn't help but look around and was even able to snap a few photos to capture the atmosphere, the pictures, and photos littered with white or silver orbs - Typically thought to be positive spirit activity, although some sources also state that they could also indicate that a spirit or energy is stuck or trapped on a plane that they don't belong on.
On leaving both the concentration camps and also Krakow and Poland, I believe and stand by the fact that all of us, without exception, should brace up and pay a visit to such a sobering place for the sake of future generations to make sure no one forgets what hatred and totalitarian regime result in. Myself being from a military family I felt it my duty and as though it is a right of passage for me to learn more about how the war started, especially since I learned so much about how it ended and continued in western Europe. As a Human, even if you are not religious or of nationalities involved, I would encourage you to go, be brave, and pay your respects for those that fell for us so we could live forward.
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
Waking up on our first proper morning in Krakow, Nanny Pumpkin and I hardly had time to loll around. Breakfast at the Hotel Kazimierz was somewhat, different, with the normal continental breakkie items such as cereals, cheeses, hams and fruit, however, I certainly did not expect mini Pepperami, a type of weird pancake omelette thing, undercooked cold scrambled egg and a strange chicken haslet thing your mom used to give you in your packed lunch as a kid. After satisfying myself with trying some new breakfast items, Polish style, we headed out on a private walking tour, just me, my Nanny Pumpkin and a lovely Polish lady who knew lots about the city and its inhabitants, Jewish and not so.
Starting in the heart of Kraków’s Kazimierz - the former Jewish district we visited some beautiful synagogues and cemeteries before exploring the city further, and how life was before the outbreak of the Second World War. Furthing our understanding of the city, the country it belongs too and some of the awful things its residents had to endure throughout the occupation, we ended up in the ghetto square, only a few streets away from the Schindler factory which we also visited, learning about an incredibly brave man with a passion for helping people. The following day we had an early start and so after a spot of shopping (and falling flat over on my face whilst doing so in a busy square) and Nanna's adventures on another private Golf-Buggy tour, and some dinner, we headed to bed.
Waking the following morning we were picked up early around the corner from our hotel due to roadworks and taken about 30-45 minutes from Krakow to the Salt Mine. Wandering along the remarkably beautiful undergrounds of the “Wieliczka” Salt Mine. Our journey started at the Danilowicz Shaft, where we met our tour guide, a lovely, handsome young thing called Dominik. He was not so lovely when he made us and the others in our tour walk down 350 steps which have to be descended to reach the depth of 135 meters underground and to initially start the tour. During our tour we were shown magnificent chambers chiselled out in rock salt, and yes I did lick the walls just to be sure! Amazing underground saline lakes, majestic timber constructions and unique statues sculpted in salt were amongst the almost 3 kilometres of meandering corridors and 800 steps, during which we learnt everything about the mine, its history and its secrets. As an active mine however we saw a few workmen who explained about the forces of nature still ruling within the depths of the mine and about the ethos of hard work performed by the generations of miners, still there today. Travelling further and further into the mine chasm my Grandmother and I cursed ourselves for all the walking but yet continued to discover unusual places and with our own eyes witnessed the power of human hands that once excavated rock salt, as well as magnificent mining tools and machines. I suppose that it is no real surprise that till now, the Tourist Route, the main visiting route of the mine has been visited by 44,772,693 tourists from around the whole world in search of adventures (and solid calf muscles).
We returned to the Hotel Kazimierz around mid-morning and wasting no time Gram's headed out again on another one of her tours. I decided that the amount of walking done already, and with the amount, we would be due to do the following afternoon at Auschwitz and Birkenau - The Nazi Death Camps. And, after a spot of shopping in the morning, Nanny and I headed off to the one thing we had both admittedly been looking forward to and anxiously anticipating all week. I didn't know if anything could have prepared me for the influx of emotions that ran through my heart as I listened carefully to our guide as we explored the camps of Auschwitz first (in glorious sunshine) and Birkenau where the weather turned less than pleasant. As the only death camp on the UNESCO World Heritage List, pure evil resided for 5 long years during Hitler's reign of terror across Europe. As we passed under the gates, emblazoned with "Work will set you free" in German I witnessed a Chinese / Asian couple as part of a larger group begin to take photos, one of which was a selfie. Shocked I was about to say something but someone else beat me to it.
"No selfies, No smiling, No laughing - This is where people were murdered. Show some respect." Barked the guide. Pleased at this I knew from the outset that she was fucking serious and that no shit would be taken by her. As we were walked around each exhibition in the museum there was added more and more compelling information and heartbreaking statistics. Another one and another one and another one, each stinging in your heart and making you realise what atrocities humans are capable of in their thirst for power and control.
To assist and help people understand what really happened in the most recognizable place of the Holocaust in the early 1940s, The Museum created a tour that will allow visitors like my Nan and I to see the barracks, crematoria, and gas chambers which Nazis used for the mass extermination of women, men, children, and elderly who weren’t able to do hard labour after what was an excruciating and exhausting journey in cattle wagons and trains. One of the hardest things I think I encountered and certainly won’t miss in a hurry was the exhibitions with personal belongings, objects of everyday use, and pictures of individual prisoners. The thing that really hit hard was the pots, pans, jugs, and kitchenware, all brightly colored, ready to start your new life with your mother, father, brother, sister, grandma, grandad, auntie and uncle. Along with your neighbors and friends, they were lied to. There were no new homes, no new jobs, no new life. All that they met was a Gestapo and the best they could hope for was survival in the deadliest game of Tinder where he stood as the transportation stopped, giving either a thumbs left or a thumbs right, one indicating the workhouse's and hard labor, the other a "shower" to clean up before meeting their husbands, brothers, sisters, mothers again. This would never come. They were murdered.
Since the war ended and the museum was opened for the public, millions of people have come here to pay tribute and shed tears over the innocents who perished in Auschwitz, most of which were Jewish however many more were also from Poland and a lot more than I originally thought. Traveling the short distance to Birkenau the weather turned poor with the fading daylight and it really added a sense of realness to the atmosphere already darkened. It began to rain as we walked the distance along the tracks to the gates. It was only during the next length of the walk, following the ominous train line that you really got a feel for how mammoth this place was and ponder at what would have been had England and the other allies not stepped in. How far would Hitler and the Third Reich go? Would they have had world domination and if so, would we be here? What would the world look like if they had succeeded in their foul plan of the Aryan race?
Standing listening to the guide intently I heard whispers of being cold or wet (and considering I was in a heavy wool jumper which was getting more and more sodden as I stood out in the elements). I couldn't help but talk loudly to my Grandmother on the walk over to the women's barracks in the torrential rain that these people did not have the luxury of coats or jackets or umbrellas. Heck, these poor people did not even have the use of shoes or socks on their feet as they trudged the harsh, broken brick road. I was angry at people's thoughtless comments - Children, women and men alike, young and old stood out in that same weather, worse in fact with minus-thirty-degree snow and scorching summers to battle with no shade. Standing in the shelter of the women's barracks I couldn't help but look around and was even able to snap a few photos to capture the atmosphere, the pictures, and photos littered with white or silver orbs - Typically thought to be positive spirit activity, although some sources also state that they could also indicate that a spirit or energy is stuck or trapped on a plane that they don't belong on.
On leaving both the concentration camps and also Krakow and Poland, I believe and stand by the fact that all of us, without exception, should brace up and pay a visit to such a sobering place for the sake of future generations to make sure no one forgets what hatred and totalitarian regime result in. Myself being from a military family I felt it my duty and as though it is a right of passage for me to learn more about how the war started, especially since I learned so much about how it ended and continued in western Europe. As a Human, even if you are not religious or of nationalities involved, I would encourage you to go, be brave, and pay your respects for those that fell for us so we could live forward.
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
Monday, 7 October 2019
Życie dobrze podróżowane (A Life Well Travelled)
Hi,
Setting off from home the whole family had turned out to see me off, although I think the older one had got a bit bored and headed off down the street, probably to take a shit in one of the neighbour's front gardens. Cuddles with my Frankenstein only made me remember the moments we had shared over the weekend as we had taken our first puppy swim class together and he had done so well. Kissing and hugging Mr. Warehouse I was sad he was not coming as well but would love the moment I came home to him and the puppies. Heading down back home I popped by my Scottish grandmother to say hello, as I did with my Auntie and Uncle. I finished off by settling into Nanny Pumpkins, roast lamb dinner and a period drama I was tired and knowing the early start I was ready to bed down.
Falling asleep quickly on her Sofa I remembered the last time I was on there and it was not a favourable circumstance. I must say it was not the best night's sleep and I was absolutely nackard when I was awoken at 4.30am to my dearest Nanna asking if I was going to stay there all day or if I wanted to go on holiday. Make-up done and hair in a Halloween scrunchie, I was ready and so was the taxi! The airport was pretty clear, as I would normally expect, so arriving nearly three-hours before our flight seemed futile, but nevertheless, it allowed us time for some overpriced breakfast and coffee and a nice chat. The flight was easy enough and as normal, despite the time, I treated myself to some champagne and nibbles. The flight itself I expected would have been busy but in actual fact was so empty most of the wing seats had only one person in them, something I know as a fact Mr. Warehouse would have appreciated and been the first to jump into given half the chance.
Arriving and getting through the airport and city to our hotel was a breeze as Nanna had opted for a private transfer, something which was deemed a luxury for Mr. Warehouse and me when we are travelling. The hotel is lovely and is situated in a historical building, in the heart of Kraków’s Kazimierz - the former Jewish district. Within walking distance of the Old Town and the historical Wawel Castle the heated and air-conditioned rooms at Hotel Kazimierz are well-appointed including a private bathroom with a shower and a toilet, as well as satellite TV and free Internet access. We have yet to spend our first night hear obviously and have yet to sample the breakfast buffet which is available every morning, however, I am sure to enjoy a morning coffee, and maybe a cheeky cigarette on our balcony overlooking the back streets of Kazimierz. With the hotel's jazzy wallpaper and random decor choices, its offering is good for any traveller, couple, single or family with a 24-hour front desk, as well as airport shuttle and free of charge luggage storage.
I get the feeling, especially so when Nanny and I went to explore the hotel and the "breakfast balcony" where the morning meal would be served. Stepping up the small flight to the balcony I looked around to see plenty of tables and chairs. However, looking over the balcony and peering down to what can only be described as more restaurant seating areas, covering what would maybe be a dance floor I felt as though the building could tell some dark tales. Staring down I had visions of the family running and hiding or trying desperately to escape as German troops and officers stormed the building, as they had done with the whole street I imagine, marching the men outside, never to be seen again and leaving the rest of them to only wonder what next. It gives me chills to think about what happened here but I feel as I did when Mr. Warehouse and I stayed in a hotel in Newquay for one of his cousin's weddings and the feels and creeps I got from that place, only to discover its tragic past of the Hotel Victoria.
I am sure I will get many more feelings like that, but for now, I am absolutely shattered and after a ravishing meal, I am sooo ready for bed. Tomorrow we visit the Jewish areas of Krakow and attend the Schindler Tour. Escape2Poland explains that "you will be guided around the former Jewish district of Krakow seeing not only beautiful synagogues but will have a chance to visit one as well." Allowing tourists to see where the city came to life before the Second World War and explore various religious locations such as ritual bathhouses and a cemetery I am sure will allow you to further your understanding of the city, the country it belongs too and some of the awful things its residents had to endure throughout the occupation. We will get to visit the ghetto square and to take in the former walls that enclosed the ghetto. Nanna and I will see numerous sites used when shooting Spielberg’s Schindler's List in the early 1990s and learn about an incredibly brave man with a passion for helping people. I shall look forward to the next few days as much as possible without sounding like a raving Nazi, but until then - Night, NIght!
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
Setting off from home the whole family had turned out to see me off, although I think the older one had got a bit bored and headed off down the street, probably to take a shit in one of the neighbour's front gardens. Cuddles with my Frankenstein only made me remember the moments we had shared over the weekend as we had taken our first puppy swim class together and he had done so well. Kissing and hugging Mr. Warehouse I was sad he was not coming as well but would love the moment I came home to him and the puppies. Heading down back home I popped by my Scottish grandmother to say hello, as I did with my Auntie and Uncle. I finished off by settling into Nanny Pumpkins, roast lamb dinner and a period drama I was tired and knowing the early start I was ready to bed down.
Falling asleep quickly on her Sofa I remembered the last time I was on there and it was not a favourable circumstance. I must say it was not the best night's sleep and I was absolutely nackard when I was awoken at 4.30am to my dearest Nanna asking if I was going to stay there all day or if I wanted to go on holiday. Make-up done and hair in a Halloween scrunchie, I was ready and so was the taxi! The airport was pretty clear, as I would normally expect, so arriving nearly three-hours before our flight seemed futile, but nevertheless, it allowed us time for some overpriced breakfast and coffee and a nice chat. The flight was easy enough and as normal, despite the time, I treated myself to some champagne and nibbles. The flight itself I expected would have been busy but in actual fact was so empty most of the wing seats had only one person in them, something I know as a fact Mr. Warehouse would have appreciated and been the first to jump into given half the chance.
Arriving and getting through the airport and city to our hotel was a breeze as Nanna had opted for a private transfer, something which was deemed a luxury for Mr. Warehouse and me when we are travelling. The hotel is lovely and is situated in a historical building, in the heart of Kraków’s Kazimierz - the former Jewish district. Within walking distance of the Old Town and the historical Wawel Castle the heated and air-conditioned rooms at Hotel Kazimierz are well-appointed including a private bathroom with a shower and a toilet, as well as satellite TV and free Internet access. We have yet to spend our first night hear obviously and have yet to sample the breakfast buffet which is available every morning, however, I am sure to enjoy a morning coffee, and maybe a cheeky cigarette on our balcony overlooking the back streets of Kazimierz. With the hotel's jazzy wallpaper and random decor choices, its offering is good for any traveller, couple, single or family with a 24-hour front desk, as well as airport shuttle and free of charge luggage storage.
I get the feeling, especially so when Nanny and I went to explore the hotel and the "breakfast balcony" where the morning meal would be served. Stepping up the small flight to the balcony I looked around to see plenty of tables and chairs. However, looking over the balcony and peering down to what can only be described as more restaurant seating areas, covering what would maybe be a dance floor I felt as though the building could tell some dark tales. Staring down I had visions of the family running and hiding or trying desperately to escape as German troops and officers stormed the building, as they had done with the whole street I imagine, marching the men outside, never to be seen again and leaving the rest of them to only wonder what next. It gives me chills to think about what happened here but I feel as I did when Mr. Warehouse and I stayed in a hotel in Newquay for one of his cousin's weddings and the feels and creeps I got from that place, only to discover its tragic past of the Hotel Victoria.
I am sure I will get many more feelings like that, but for now, I am absolutely shattered and after a ravishing meal, I am sooo ready for bed. Tomorrow we visit the Jewish areas of Krakow and attend the Schindler Tour. Escape2Poland explains that "you will be guided around the former Jewish district of Krakow seeing not only beautiful synagogues but will have a chance to visit one as well." Allowing tourists to see where the city came to life before the Second World War and explore various religious locations such as ritual bathhouses and a cemetery I am sure will allow you to further your understanding of the city, the country it belongs too and some of the awful things its residents had to endure throughout the occupation. We will get to visit the ghetto square and to take in the former walls that enclosed the ghetto. Nanna and I will see numerous sites used when shooting Spielberg’s Schindler's List in the early 1990s and learn about an incredibly brave man with a passion for helping people. I shall look forward to the next few days as much as possible without sounding like a raving Nazi, but until then - Night, NIght!
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
Monday, 30 September 2019
For The Dead And For The Living We Must Bear Witness
Cześć,
Well, that was my first attempt at Polish. I suppose I have got to start somewhere, considering I will be in the beautiful city of Krakow this time next week, writing to you all from my Hotel room I shall be sharing with a very dear friend and family member.
This all started back last year, possibly just after my birthday also, my Nanny Pumpkin came over and upon other things the conversation steered towards city breaks and travelling and some of the things we would like to tick off our never-ending bucket lists. It was at this point that my Nanna had said that an old family friend who had recently passed away the year before had left some money for her and my grandfather in her will, and as a result of my grandfathers passing a few months earlier, she thought it would be a nice way to celebrate them both by going on a trip of a lifetime. It sounds incredible doesn't it - Gothic old city, Eastern European food and plenty of culture to warm the soul. But it will not all be about cocktails in swanky bars and maybe the odd mooch around some shops, oh no. You see being from a long military family lineage, I have become accustomed more than most to hearing stories about the war and the impact that they had not on life here in Britain but also that of other countries and nations brought into Hitler's wrath. And so, along with the Istagramable dinners and sites, my Grandma and I will be visiting the site of one of the worlds most vicious and notorious death camps - Auschwitz.
Our trip will start on Monday with an early morning flight from Luton, arriving in the city of Krakow approximately midday. I am sure we will have plenty of time to take in the sights and sounds and smells before having some dinner and heading for our room.
Tuesday will be spent paying our respects and I am sure learning more about some of the most horrendous, and hopeful stories to come from such a place. Auschwitz and Birkenau were the largest of the German Nazi concentration camps and extermination centres. Located a short drive from Krakow city centre, we will visit the site where over 1.1 million men, women, and children lost their lives. The post-camp relics are protected by the Museum created in 1947 in the hope that future generations could learn, and understand how one mans actions can influence a nation to do unspeakable things. As well as teaching, the establishment also helps with research, conservation and even has a publishing centre for some of its work. I have always said that irrespective of my military connections, everyone, Jewish, German or otherwise, as a human being, should visit there if you can. There is no way to understand postwar Europe and indeed the world without an in-depth confrontation between our idea of mankind today and the remains of Auschwitz and the tale sit can tell.
Taking a break from the emotional stuff, Wednesday will be spent exploring the wondrous caverns of the Salt Mine. With visitors reaching over a million every year it was certainly somewhere me and my little old Nanna were not going to miss out on. However Thursday we will be diving in deep again to hear some hopefully more heartwarming stories on the Schindler Tour. The website my Nanna and I booked through, Escape2Poland explains that "you will be guided around the former Jewish district of Krakow seeing not only beautiful synagogues but will have a chance to visit one as well." Allowing tourists to see where the city came to life before the Second World War and explore various religious locations such as ritual bathhouses and a cemetery I am sure will allow you to further your understanding of the city, the country it belongs too and some of the awful things its residents had to endure throughout the occupation. We will get to visit the ghetto square and to take in the former walls that enclosed the ghetto. Nanna and I will see numerous sites used when shooting Spielberg’s Schindler's List in the early 1990s and learn about an incredibly brave man with a passion for helping people.
The following day we fly home and no doubt will be emotionally and physically exhausted from such a beautiful but also emotionally charged trip. It's hard to say I am looking forward to it. I mean I am, simply because it is somewhere fresh and new and another Bucket List item ticked off, but also to understand the magnitude of the Holocaust and the remarkable people that managed to survive. I am sure it will be one hell of a trip, one where I should probably start packing!
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
Well, that was my first attempt at Polish. I suppose I have got to start somewhere, considering I will be in the beautiful city of Krakow this time next week, writing to you all from my Hotel room I shall be sharing with a very dear friend and family member.
This all started back last year, possibly just after my birthday also, my Nanny Pumpkin came over and upon other things the conversation steered towards city breaks and travelling and some of the things we would like to tick off our never-ending bucket lists. It was at this point that my Nanna had said that an old family friend who had recently passed away the year before had left some money for her and my grandfather in her will, and as a result of my grandfathers passing a few months earlier, she thought it would be a nice way to celebrate them both by going on a trip of a lifetime. It sounds incredible doesn't it - Gothic old city, Eastern European food and plenty of culture to warm the soul. But it will not all be about cocktails in swanky bars and maybe the odd mooch around some shops, oh no. You see being from a long military family lineage, I have become accustomed more than most to hearing stories about the war and the impact that they had not on life here in Britain but also that of other countries and nations brought into Hitler's wrath. And so, along with the Istagramable dinners and sites, my Grandma and I will be visiting the site of one of the worlds most vicious and notorious death camps - Auschwitz.
Our trip will start on Monday with an early morning flight from Luton, arriving in the city of Krakow approximately midday. I am sure we will have plenty of time to take in the sights and sounds and smells before having some dinner and heading for our room.
Tuesday will be spent paying our respects and I am sure learning more about some of the most horrendous, and hopeful stories to come from such a place. Auschwitz and Birkenau were the largest of the German Nazi concentration camps and extermination centres. Located a short drive from Krakow city centre, we will visit the site where over 1.1 million men, women, and children lost their lives. The post-camp relics are protected by the Museum created in 1947 in the hope that future generations could learn, and understand how one mans actions can influence a nation to do unspeakable things. As well as teaching, the establishment also helps with research, conservation and even has a publishing centre for some of its work. I have always said that irrespective of my military connections, everyone, Jewish, German or otherwise, as a human being, should visit there if you can. There is no way to understand postwar Europe and indeed the world without an in-depth confrontation between our idea of mankind today and the remains of Auschwitz and the tale sit can tell.
Taking a break from the emotional stuff, Wednesday will be spent exploring the wondrous caverns of the Salt Mine. With visitors reaching over a million every year it was certainly somewhere me and my little old Nanna were not going to miss out on. However Thursday we will be diving in deep again to hear some hopefully more heartwarming stories on the Schindler Tour. The website my Nanna and I booked through, Escape2Poland explains that "you will be guided around the former Jewish district of Krakow seeing not only beautiful synagogues but will have a chance to visit one as well." Allowing tourists to see where the city came to life before the Second World War and explore various religious locations such as ritual bathhouses and a cemetery I am sure will allow you to further your understanding of the city, the country it belongs too and some of the awful things its residents had to endure throughout the occupation. We will get to visit the ghetto square and to take in the former walls that enclosed the ghetto. Nanna and I will see numerous sites used when shooting Spielberg’s Schindler's List in the early 1990s and learn about an incredibly brave man with a passion for helping people.
The following day we fly home and no doubt will be emotionally and physically exhausted from such a beautiful but also emotionally charged trip. It's hard to say I am looking forward to it. I mean I am, simply because it is somewhere fresh and new and another Bucket List item ticked off, but also to understand the magnitude of the Holocaust and the remarkable people that managed to survive. I am sure it will be one hell of a trip, one where I should probably start packing!
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
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