3 Weeks in Europe - Krakow, Heidelberg, and Budapest to Bucharest (part 1)

"Those who cannot remember our past are condemned to repeat it." -- George Santayana

"Few men [or women] enjoy prolonged travel; it disrupts all habit and endlessly jolts each prejudice." – Marguerite Yourcenar

Day 1 -

We joyously celebrated our nation's 250th anniversary in the breathtaking city of Kraków, Poland! Country 75!!! On our first day, we eagerly shook off a bit of jet lag and embarked on an four-hour walking tour, immersing ourselves in the unique, profound, and enlightening charm of the city. The castle and its grounds are truly something to experience. The history here is both overwhelming and inspiring. It's crucial to remember the past, with over 80,000 lives lost in World War II—60,000 of them being Jews. But, importantly, the Poles always fought back for what they believed in and for their people, education, and science. Kraków also boasts a remarkable history in the sciences, being the birthplace of many influential scientific leaders, like Nicolaus Copernicus. And let's not forget... the wine, beer, and vodka are absolutely amazing!

Day 2 -

We dedicated the next day to a tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camps. It's crucial to confront the unimaginable horrors inflicted by the Nazis during World War II. Despite the difficulty, remembering our history and visiting such places ensures we do not repeat it. Here are some key facts we learned on our visit:Auschwitz was the largest Nazi German concentration camp and a mass Jewish extermination center. The Nazis deported at least 1.3 million people to Auschwitz, including 1.1 million Jews, alongside Poles, Romanians, Soviet prisoners, and individuals from other ethnic groups. Nearly 1.1 million of these people perished, with the SS murdering the majority in gas chambers. The conditions were appalling—people were packed into small rail cars, treated worse than cattle, endured extremely long workdays with scarce food, and slept four to a bunk.

Day 3 -

We had an amazing time strolling through the town to visit the iconic Oskar Schindler Factory! Many are familiar with its powerful history from the film "Schindler's List." I highly recommend watching it again, especially during these challenging times, as a poignant reminder of the value of every individual. Afterward, we made our way to Plac Bohaterow Getta (Ghetto Heroes Square), famously known as the 'Square with Chairs,' where the brave Jewish youth organized resistance movements against the Nazis. On a brighter note, that afternoon and evening were filled with joy as we wandered through the town, taking in the vibrant wall art and savoring the delicious food, drinks, and the wonderful company of the locals!

Day 4 -

On our last day in Kraków, we embarked on an adventure through the Polish countryside near Krakow. Our first stop was Chocholow, where we admired the historical buildings and wooden college cottages. These structures are the best-preserved wooden wonders from the early 19th century—quaint and picturesque, like a postcard from your grandma’s past.

Next, we made a surprise pit stop in Slovenia. Well, sort of. We stepped in briefly, so technically we've "been" there, but it doesn't really count for our country list. That would be like claiming you’ve been to the gym because you drove past it.

The highlight of the day was visiting the Bacowka (shepherd's hut), where we indulged in uniquely smoked grilled oxcypek cheese and local vodka. These huts are used for a few months each year for grazing and cheese-making. Cheese and vodka? Yes, please!

Then, we headed to Zakopane, the superstar town of the Polish mountains. We couldn't resist the allure of the Tatra National Park and took a ride on the Gubalowka (funicular) to the top of the mountain, followed by a delightful lunch in Krupowki.

To wrap up our day, we enjoyed a relaxing afternoon at the thermal baths. Sorry, no pictures—some things are better left to the imagination! 😉🫣

Days 5-8 -

We trotted back to Jack's old stomping grounds. We soaked in the stunning views, tackled hikes like they were made of chocolate (because who wouldn't?), and indulged in the delicious food and drinks of Heidelberg like we were on a mission from a hungry deity. We even squeezed in a day trip to the town Jack grew up in, Waldorf, where the memories are as rich as the gelato. The rest of our escapade was dedicated to the 8th Annual Heidelberg American High School class reunion, where we partied like it was 1978 (well - sort of, if you squint) topped off with the Heidelberg Castle Illumination (Schlossbeleuchtung) that lit up the night like Jack's dance moves in his prime!

5 Recommendations for Krakow and Heidelberg

1. Krakow, Poland is an absolute must-see! This city is a stunning blend of beauty and history. If you can, embark on a walking tour—it's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the city's charm, and every step is worthwhile!

2. While in Poland, visiting the concentration camps is essential. It's a haunting experience, but one that is crucial to remember and honor.

3. Don't miss out on a tour to the Zakopane region! Indulge in the unique and delicious cheese and vodka—it's an experience like no other.

4. No matter how many times you've been, Heidelberg always captivates with its beauty. If you're into hiking, the Philosophenweg (Philosopher’s Way) is a must! This path, once frequented by professors, poets, and even adventurous teens like Jack and his friends, offers breathtaking views.

5. Spend a Saturday evening along the banks of the Neckar River or hop on a riverboat to witness the Heidelberg Castle Illumination (Schlossbeleuchtung)—it's truly spectacular!