Clay in My Boots: A Romp Through My Genealogical Past

After such a difficult morning, exploring Krakow shifted my awe in the other direction. It is a city not to be missed. The former capital of Poland some say. But only the government was relocated for the King (the one in Warsaw Town Square) to be closer to Sweden. He left behind the culture, the churches, the art, the academia, the beauty. And the Nazis destroyed Warsaw, but left Krakow mostly intact.  A compact city surrounded by a park that replaced the walls taken down (except the main gate). The largest Town Square anywhere. A mix of architecture on every block and around every corner.  Church to the left of me, Palace to the right.... Pope around the corner, And Michael at the gates.  This is just 1/4 of the Square. With the market in the middle.  I’ll be back, Carol

No words. All emotion. I thought I would be prepared, having visited the Holocaust Museum several times, as well as Yad Vashem. But nothing, nothing could have prepared me for such a sobering experience. But an experience that no one should miss.  At first, the crowds were annoying; difficult to handle as I staggered around in awe. But then it hit me. How uplifting that all these people (3,000 daily visitors on average), people from all countries, religions, cultures, ages are taking the time to witness the atrocities and keep the memories alive. Never forget!! Each pair of glasses is a life! Each pot was a family! Each suitcase was a life! Each pair of shoes was a life! Each can of zyklon B took 2,500 lives!! I will never forget!!