Krakow

Today was another long, obnoxious bus ride throughout Poland.  This time, though, we were going on easier roads and we didn't have to go for as long before we reached where we wanted to be.  We got all checked in at like 2:30 and hung out for a little bit and then had some snackage in the restaurant in our hotel.  Our hotel is again, in a sketchy part of town but the good news is that there is a bowling alley in our hotel so we won't have to venture too far to get some entertainment.  After this we met up with the group for a bus ride tour of Krakow.  Very interesting places to see which include: 1.) The old Jewish Ghetto of Krakow where we stopped in the big courtyard area where they used to assemble the Jews who were about to be transported to camps.  Now there stands empty chairs which symbolize two things a.) the amount of stuff that was always piled in the courtyard like luggage, furniture, clothing, etc. and b.) the emptiness of the area and what it meant for the people who were taken there.  Area 2.) We stopped at an area that used to be a camp, I think for transportation but I can't even pronounce the name but the monument that is there for the Christian and Jewish Poles is amazing.  And 3.) We went to the old town of Krakow that has a bunch of beautiful old buildings that are the originals because the Germans weren't that interested in destroying Krakow because it was the capital.  And it turns out that Poland is a very homogenous country with less than 1% of the population being a minority.  That minority is about 300,000 Germans.  So amazing that they can keep statistics like that!  Anyway, tomorrow we are getting a more intense tour of the old city and the old Jewish quarter.  Should be fun, especially if the cool air sticks around.  Until next time...