Krakow Poland, home of Schindler's factory from the WWII movie.

Our AIRBNB was in the Old Town and historic center of Kraków, along with Schindler’s Factory from the WWII movie and the nearby Salt Mine. Krakow’s cultural and architectural legacy can be seen at the Wawel Cathedral and Wawel Castle on the banks of the Vistula River. Kraków is also home to Jagiellonian University, one of the oldest universities in the world and often considered Poland's most reputable academic institution. This was a wonderful week in Poland.

Auschwitz extermination camp, a dark chapter in the human race.

 Visiting Auschwitz showed the dark chapter in the human race, the Nazis' largest concentration and extermination camp. The first inmates - mostly Polish political prisoners - were brought there in June 1940 and were used for slave labor. However, the second camp Auschwitz II was built only as a extermination camp.

 

 

Wittenberg, Germany, the home of the Protestant Reformation

 

Pam and I went to the little town of Wittenberg, Germany, where in 1517 a priest nailed a challenge to debate on the Catholic Church door. This simple act by Martin Luther of nailing his challenge (95 theses) on the church door as the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. We learn about Martin Luther’s life and have a better understanding of how the Protestant movement started. 

 

 

Prague, an underrated city of the east

 In Prague we begin with exploring the iconic Old Town Square, where the famous Astronomical Clock where we had lunch while waiting on the clock to chime. This historic center represents one of the most essential places to visit in Prague, featuring stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture that defines the city's character. The Charles Bridge was the next thing to see in Prague, it crosses the Vltava River and connects the Old Town with the Lesser Town. We In the majestic Prague Castle complex we explored through royal palaces, gardens, and the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral. One of our highlights was attending a concert by the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra at the 14^th century Tyn Church where they played Bach, Mozart and Beethoven.