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.

 

 

Hitler's Eagle's Nest

 Pam and I toured the Eagle’s Nest that was designed as a tea house for high-ranking members of the Nazi party in the heart of the Bavarian Alps. Hitler was afraid of heights and only visited the tea house on 14 times. He much preferred to host official party meetings as well as visiting dignitaries at the Berghof, a home at the base of the Eagle’s Nest in a town named Obersalzberg. The Nazis built a secure compound in Obersalzberg for Hitler so they could plan the war.  I believe the Obersalzberg can be compared to Camp David of the US President.

The Eagle’s Nest was captured by Allied troops in April 1945. While the complex of Obersalzberg, including Hitler’s mountain home the Berghof, were heavily bombed by the Allies, the Eagle’s Nest was spared due to its remote mountaintop location and lack of strategic significance.

Salzburg Austria, home of "The Sound of Music"

Pam’s bucket list included visiting Salzburg, the home of “The Sound of Music”. We enjoyed seeing all the places that the movie was filmed. Schloss Leopoldskron, Hohensalzburg Castle, Do-Re-Me bridge to name a few. We took a picnic in the meadow where the family had one. While staying in Salzburg we went to Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest in Germany. The Bavarian Alps are beautiful, we feel very blessed to be making this trip.