Poland/Germany Auschwitz trip

I have been on this particular trip. It was an unforgettable experience; profoundly moving and emotional. If you have any interest in learning more about the Holocaust, this is the one to take. The pace is very well thought out and the presentations / lectures at the various locations are done with extreme thoughtfulness and respect. You will not be disappointed.

Thank you Vicki. "Unforgettable experience; profoundly moving and emotional". Exactly what I hope to encounter on
this trip.

In reply to my own "Thank you Vicki", I did indeed have a profoundly moving and emotional experience. I tried to dutifully take photos. But then, on the first day at Auschwitz, I encountered a mountain of 10's upon 10's of thousands
of shoes of all sizes. I was struck dumb, my stomach tightened and I found that I no longer had any urge to photograph
what was left of millions of people's lives. It somehow seemed a sacrilege to continue. Our group was fortunate to
include 2 or 3 members who, with artistic eye and abundant sensitivity, managed to take wonderful (and soul-searing)
images.

We all take things in differently and in my case I felt the need to document and then share my photos with friends & family who had not experienced Auschwitz in person. Yes, the shoe display speaks volumes as to the ages and genders of its victims, but I personally found the selection platform and the primitive housing structures within Auschwitz-Birkenau II to be more upsetting.

I am sure your pictures were taken with great care and sensitivity. I wish I could have done the same. I just felt
so empty. I was glad to be a solo on this trip. I was able to cry in solitude.

I am sure your pictures were taken with great care and sensitivity. I wish I could have done the same. I just felt
so empty. I was glad to be a solo on this trip. I was able to cry in solitude.