Saturday, 27 August 2011
Poland - Krakow and Aushwitz
After our first overnight train experience which was rather unpleasant due to sleeping sitting upright whilst managing not to slide off the seat or fall on one of the other five passengers in the tiny compartment, we arrived at 6 a.m. in Krakow, Poland. We got directions to a hostel called the Dizzy Daisy and with a few wrong turns finally found it to dump our things, shower and set off to explore the city. I hadn't considered going to Poland when we were talking about our trip to Eastern Europe, and only after Kirsty mentioned that we should go and also go to Aushwitz did we decide that it was a really good idea. The city itself is quite beautiful, it had a really peaceful feel to it. No one seemed to be in a rush, there wasn't much traffic or anything rushing by, people just strolled along and lay in the sunshine. The buildings were stunning and they projected a feeling that they'd seen a lot of history pass them by. It was such a lovely, chilled out day. We had a fairly relaxing evening after a really nice dinner in the main square. There was a stage set up and it seemed some sort of special forces celebration was on as there were a number of men dressed in uniform singing a number of traditional Polish songs. We sat and watched all the different parades go by whilst eating and drinking red wine. The lights that lit up the square at twighlight made the city look even more stunning.
The next day we went to Aushwitz. This was probably one of the most intense and mind blowing experiences of my life. It took us about an hour and a half from Krakow by bus, and when we arrived at Aushwitz I we were met by a tour guide. It is extremely hard to describe this place in words, it is something that needs to be experienced to understand, but you could phsyically feel the sadness in the camp, there was just nothing to say. Our tour guide took us around the camp, showing us numerous buildings - such as the the places that they had to live in under appalling circumstances, different rooms each filled with collected belongings of the people who were murdered, such as a room full of thousands of shoes, one filled with pots and pans, one filled with suitcases, one with childrens toys and clothes, and one hallway where all the hair from the thousands of women who's heads were shaved while they were in the camp is kept. It was just so devestating to see, and just too horrific to comprehend. I found it hard to accept whether the true horror of it had sunk in or not.
Aushwitz II is the imfamous campsite where the Jews and other victims were sent to by train and more or less walked straight into the gas chambers, killing over 2000 people at a time if they were women, children, elderly or disabled and otherwise not considered to be fit for work. Millions of people were murdered here. This place, like Aushwitz I also had a very eerie, somber feeling. We saw their living conditions in the various buildings that ran along each side of the railway tracks that cut through the middle of the camp. There was a choir standing in the open field inside the camp singing some really beautiful, sad tunes which made everyone feel really emotional about what they were experiencing and seeing, trying to understand in some small way just how terrifying it would have been for the people who were brought here. We were free to wander around for half an hour or so, so we just set off on our own in silence, trying to take it all in.
As sad and emotionally moving Aushwitz was, I am so glad I got to go and see it for myself. It actually put a lot of things in perspective, in terms of things that upset or had been upsetting me. It really made me look at life and how lucky I am in a different way. The ride back to Krakow gave me a lot of reflection time, and I somehow felt different once we arrived back. I don't think I could ever forget my visit to Aushwitz, it is a very special place to visit that I feel I am lucky to have had the chance to experience it.
That evening we had our train to Budapest, this time we were in beds luckily. We left Krakow with fond memories and only wished we'd had more time to explore more of Poland.
The next day we went to Aushwitz. This was probably one of the most intense and mind blowing experiences of my life. It took us about an hour and a half from Krakow by bus, and when we arrived at Aushwitz I we were met by a tour guide. It is extremely hard to describe this place in words, it is something that needs to be experienced to understand, but you could phsyically feel the sadness in the camp, there was just nothing to say. Our tour guide took us around the camp, showing us numerous buildings - such as the the places that they had to live in under appalling circumstances, different rooms each filled with collected belongings of the people who were murdered, such as a room full of thousands of shoes, one filled with pots and pans, one filled with suitcases, one with childrens toys and clothes, and one hallway where all the hair from the thousands of women who's heads were shaved while they were in the camp is kept. It was just so devestating to see, and just too horrific to comprehend. I found it hard to accept whether the true horror of it had sunk in or not.
Aushwitz II is the imfamous campsite where the Jews and other victims were sent to by train and more or less walked straight into the gas chambers, killing over 2000 people at a time if they were women, children, elderly or disabled and otherwise not considered to be fit for work. Millions of people were murdered here. This place, like Aushwitz I also had a very eerie, somber feeling. We saw their living conditions in the various buildings that ran along each side of the railway tracks that cut through the middle of the camp. There was a choir standing in the open field inside the camp singing some really beautiful, sad tunes which made everyone feel really emotional about what they were experiencing and seeing, trying to understand in some small way just how terrifying it would have been for the people who were brought here. We were free to wander around for half an hour or so, so we just set off on our own in silence, trying to take it all in.
As sad and emotionally moving Aushwitz was, I am so glad I got to go and see it for myself. It actually put a lot of things in perspective, in terms of things that upset or had been upsetting me. It really made me look at life and how lucky I am in a different way. The ride back to Krakow gave me a lot of reflection time, and I somehow felt different once we arrived back. I don't think I could ever forget my visit to Aushwitz, it is a very special place to visit that I feel I am lucky to have had the chance to experience it.
That evening we had our train to Budapest, this time we were in beds luckily. We left Krakow with fond memories and only wished we'd had more time to explore more of Poland.
First Taste of Eastern Europe - Prague
Our easyjet flight was delayed (naturally) for about four hours due to technical difficulties so we didn't arrive into Prague until midnight. Waiting in London we met another Aussie guy, Tim, who was travelling to meet his parents so we had a beer at Wetherspoons at the airport then all sat together on the plane. His parents were waiting for him when we got to the airport and we told them where we were going so they said to come with them. They paid for our bus much to our dismay but refused to let us pay them back...what lovely people! Lucky we found them though but it would have been a bit of a challenge trying to find our way there ourselves as it was very confusing. We agreed to meet up with Tim the next night and finally got to bed around 2am.
We were staying at the Prague Belushi's which is the same chain for which Emma works for. It was like a hotel, it would even have been impressive if it WAS a hotel. Breakfast was amazing, hot food like eggs and hash browns and then there was breads, cheeses, ham, cereals, yoghurt and the list goes on. We were stoked! After breakfast we got a map off reception and set off to explore Prague. The city was everything I hoped it would be, it was so beautiful. We wandered across Charles Bridge and up to the Castle then just around the town. We went to part of the National Museum which was a bit disappointing but still enjoyed all the amazing architecture. We had lunch at a secret beer garden the staff at Belushi's told us about then sat in the sun looking over the city. After passing the Prague theatre during the day we saw that Swan Lake was on that night so we decided to buy tickets. We had a quick dinner back at the hostel, got ready and headed for the ballet at around seven. We both really enjoyed it, although were a bit disappointed with the quality. I think we were expected the standards of the American Ballet or something. But we still had fun and were glad that we went.
Around ten we met up with Tim back at our hostel. We had a few drinks and then decided to check out some of the local bars and clubs. The first one we went to reminded me of one of those secret underground nightclubs that you see in movies like XXX, however instead of Vin Diesel it was an array of older nightclubbers...which made sense after we realised it was 'oldies night.' Nevertheless, there were some classic tunes being played from artists such as Vanilla Ice, Queen and La Bouche, and then also some tunes from our generation...are we really getting that old? Some highlights were Men In Black, and the Bloodhound Gang with 'Discovery Channel', what a tune. After this we tried a few more clubs before heading down the river to the infamous five story nightclub 'Karlovy Lazne'. This place was epic! Each level had a different type of music, everything was dark but lit up with glow in the dark paint. We made friends with some French people and danced the night away, trying out all the different levels. Was a fantastic night, unfortunately it got ruined when I was robbed whilst standing talking to someone. A man yanked my bag off me and I chased after the guy but whilst I managed to grab my bag back, my iphone was G-O-N-E. Damn. Was pretty upset about it but what can you do...these things happen, all part of travelling aye?
The next day was pretty average, we waited for three hours at the police station to file a report, it was raining, and we were very tired from the night before. After we'd finished there we went back and just hung out at the hostel before it was time to catch our night train to Krakow in Poland. I really liked Prague and always wanted to go, its a shame my experience was tainted by the stolen phone situation. Ah well. Off to country number two!
We were staying at the Prague Belushi's which is the same chain for which Emma works for. It was like a hotel, it would even have been impressive if it WAS a hotel. Breakfast was amazing, hot food like eggs and hash browns and then there was breads, cheeses, ham, cereals, yoghurt and the list goes on. We were stoked! After breakfast we got a map off reception and set off to explore Prague. The city was everything I hoped it would be, it was so beautiful. We wandered across Charles Bridge and up to the Castle then just around the town. We went to part of the National Museum which was a bit disappointing but still enjoyed all the amazing architecture. We had lunch at a secret beer garden the staff at Belushi's told us about then sat in the sun looking over the city. After passing the Prague theatre during the day we saw that Swan Lake was on that night so we decided to buy tickets. We had a quick dinner back at the hostel, got ready and headed for the ballet at around seven. We both really enjoyed it, although were a bit disappointed with the quality. I think we were expected the standards of the American Ballet or something. But we still had fun and were glad that we went.
Around ten we met up with Tim back at our hostel. We had a few drinks and then decided to check out some of the local bars and clubs. The first one we went to reminded me of one of those secret underground nightclubs that you see in movies like XXX, however instead of Vin Diesel it was an array of older nightclubbers...which made sense after we realised it was 'oldies night.' Nevertheless, there were some classic tunes being played from artists such as Vanilla Ice, Queen and La Bouche, and then also some tunes from our generation...are we really getting that old? Some highlights were Men In Black, and the Bloodhound Gang with 'Discovery Channel', what a tune. After this we tried a few more clubs before heading down the river to the infamous five story nightclub 'Karlovy Lazne'. This place was epic! Each level had a different type of music, everything was dark but lit up with glow in the dark paint. We made friends with some French people and danced the night away, trying out all the different levels. Was a fantastic night, unfortunately it got ruined when I was robbed whilst standing talking to someone. A man yanked my bag off me and I chased after the guy but whilst I managed to grab my bag back, my iphone was G-O-N-E. Damn. Was pretty upset about it but what can you do...these things happen, all part of travelling aye?
The next day was pretty average, we waited for three hours at the police station to file a report, it was raining, and we were very tired from the night before. After we'd finished there we went back and just hung out at the hostel before it was time to catch our night train to Krakow in Poland. I really liked Prague and always wanted to go, its a shame my experience was tainted by the stolen phone situation. Ah well. Off to country number two!
Saturday, 6 August 2011
My 24th Birthday Celebrations - I Love My English Family!
Had the most wonderful birthday, I feel so lucky to have such fantastic family in England! I caught the train to Shortlands on the 28th to stay with my Godmother Jackie, Lucy and Colin. Colin's son Alex came around, and much to Lucy's horror they also invited their next door neighbour's son who was struggling cooking for himself while his parents were away. We sat outside in the garden and had this really tasty chicken and chorizo casserole and of course some wine. They recycled my nanna's birthday balloon for me which said I was eighty....I am feeling old at 24 but seriously! :) Chatted away about this and that and had a very interesting conversation with the strange neighbour who informed us that his whole family have a phobia of buttons....hmmmm. Apparently all his pants are velcro? Of course Alex straight away went and got his button up jacket and slowly did up the buttons in front of him....probably mean...but who has a phobia of buttons?! I mean there are some weird ones out there like peanut butter and ducks...but buttons....and a whole family. Interesting that's for sure! After a few bottles of wine my quiet birthday barbeque turned into a dance party in the study, much to Alex's dismay who was hungover and therefore not drinking. Such a funny night, but so much fun.
I woke up on my actual birthday and spent the morning with Jackie and Lucy who bought me this really cute stripey playsuit which I love. For lunch I caught up with an old friend, Charlie, who I'd met in Bromley last time I was over in England working at the Bromley Walkabout. It was so good to see him, he was all grown up and engaged! He looked the same and it was like we'd seen each other five days ago instead of five years. After lunch I had a train to catch to Wimbledon where I was to spend my birthday evening with Elspeth and some of her friends in London. We had a quick drink and got ready before heading into Soho to meet up with her boyfriend Simon, and her long time friend Nick, his wife Deborah and Nick's son Andrew. Simon is a professional piano player, and seems to find a piano to play if he is ever within 100 metres of one, so naturally when we arrived at the restaurant he was jamming away for all the guests. He is absolutely fantastic! And likes to interact with the crowd while he plays so everyone was getting really into it. Not long after the other three arrived and we had a really nice two course meal and champage.
Nick is an absolute character, and loves his socialising and the London party scene. So naturally he is a private member of a number of different exclusive establishments around London. The first one we went to was called Crazy Bear, and I have literally never seen such an extravagantly decorated place in my life. Leather couches with diamond buttons, red velvet carpets, black marble bars and everything lined with gold. Very posh! We drank Moet and chatted while Simon once again dazzled everyone with his talent on the piano, which ended in him getting a job playing there on Thursday and Friday nights! After this, at about midnight, we went to Home House, another exclusive member's club which was even more incredible. Considering it's nothing but a plain door from the outside, inside it has everything. A day spa, pool, beer garden and bars for during the day and the bars and nightclub open at night. The place was absolutely pumping with life, but it had a really exciting atmosphere due to it being packed full of classy, trendy, (rich....can I say that?) people who just love and live London. Nick informed the bar tender that it was my birthday so more Moet was brought out and we drank anddanced the night away like rockstars with all the other Londoners. I actually felt like a celebrity being in these places. We finally called it quits at two am and got a cab back to Elspeth's. It was such an amazing birthday I couldn't have asked for more. I felt so spoiled by all my family, I am such a lucky girl!
The day after we took it fairly easily and had a nice pub lunch down on the Wimbledon common. We went out for a drink that night but were all very tired so headed home around 12. I had an early start to go and meet everyone back at Shepherd's Bush for another Church session. This was a wild day, fairly standard :) Monday was just an organisational day for leaving for Prague. Got all my money sorted and exchanged at the post office and then Tuesday it was Prague time! I've always wanted to go so was very excited! Eastern Europe here I come!
I woke up on my actual birthday and spent the morning with Jackie and Lucy who bought me this really cute stripey playsuit which I love. For lunch I caught up with an old friend, Charlie, who I'd met in Bromley last time I was over in England working at the Bromley Walkabout. It was so good to see him, he was all grown up and engaged! He looked the same and it was like we'd seen each other five days ago instead of five years. After lunch I had a train to catch to Wimbledon where I was to spend my birthday evening with Elspeth and some of her friends in London. We had a quick drink and got ready before heading into Soho to meet up with her boyfriend Simon, and her long time friend Nick, his wife Deborah and Nick's son Andrew. Simon is a professional piano player, and seems to find a piano to play if he is ever within 100 metres of one, so naturally when we arrived at the restaurant he was jamming away for all the guests. He is absolutely fantastic! And likes to interact with the crowd while he plays so everyone was getting really into it. Not long after the other three arrived and we had a really nice two course meal and champage.
Nick is an absolute character, and loves his socialising and the London party scene. So naturally he is a private member of a number of different exclusive establishments around London. The first one we went to was called Crazy Bear, and I have literally never seen such an extravagantly decorated place in my life. Leather couches with diamond buttons, red velvet carpets, black marble bars and everything lined with gold. Very posh! We drank Moet and chatted while Simon once again dazzled everyone with his talent on the piano, which ended in him getting a job playing there on Thursday and Friday nights! After this, at about midnight, we went to Home House, another exclusive member's club which was even more incredible. Considering it's nothing but a plain door from the outside, inside it has everything. A day spa, pool, beer garden and bars for during the day and the bars and nightclub open at night. The place was absolutely pumping with life, but it had a really exciting atmosphere due to it being packed full of classy, trendy, (rich....can I say that?) people who just love and live London. Nick informed the bar tender that it was my birthday so more Moet was brought out and we drank anddanced the night away like rockstars with all the other Londoners. I actually felt like a celebrity being in these places. We finally called it quits at two am and got a cab back to Elspeth's. It was such an amazing birthday I couldn't have asked for more. I felt so spoiled by all my family, I am such a lucky girl!
The day after we took it fairly easily and had a nice pub lunch down on the Wimbledon common. We went out for a drink that night but were all very tired so headed home around 12. I had an early start to go and meet everyone back at Shepherd's Bush for another Church session. This was a wild day, fairly standard :) Monday was just an organisational day for leaving for Prague. Got all my money sorted and exchanged at the post office and then Tuesday it was Prague time! I've always wanted to go so was very excited! Eastern Europe here I come!
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