Christy in Poland
Christy worked on a program at Plaszow, the former Nazi workcamp. The program is not currently available. We hope to revive it in the future!
The Guest House
The convenient location and hospitable staff at the Patria hostel allowed me to feel comfortable and safe during my stay. Every morning we would go downstairs to the neighboring restaurant for a breakfast of cheese, bread, jelly, yogurt, and tea. In the evenings, we went to the neighboring convenience store and stocked up on bottled water, chocolate, and other snacks.
Our Rooms
Our group shared a set of rooms with a mutual area to prepare snacks or clean fruit, plenty of storage for our luggage, a sitting area, and several bathrooms. After a long day working and exploring my roommates and I would visit, read, listen to music, and write letters before falling asleep.
Dining
Although we sampled many restaurants, Kuchnia was one of my favorites. Here I had my first borscht and Polish potato cakes.
Walk to Work
Every day on our walk to work, we strolled by this beautiful location. This abandoned rock quarry was where Schindler’s List was filmed. The driveway, rebuilt for the movie, was originally made out of tombstones that were removed from the cemetery where we worked.
Our Meeting Place
Every day after meeting up with our guide and collecting our bottled water and work supplies, we would head to Plaszow and gather around this tree. Here we discussed our plan for the day, took breaks, and had lunch. This historic cemetery is one of the most peaceful places I have ever been.
The Jewish Cemetary
At many Polish cemeteries, it is customary to place a cement platform on top of each tomb. With a lack of maintenance for many, many years the grass had grown over the graves. Our task was to uncover these platforms so that each site could be identified.
The Cemetery - Before
A lot of work ahead.
Cemetery - After
The cemetery after a lot of hard work.
At Work
Wearing gloves and using old tools, we worked at uncovering the platforms. While digging, I found a piece of a headstone and metal emblems. Although the work was hard, these treasures, the peacefulness of the area, and working with wonderful people allowed me to continue on.
Break Time
We took a break from work to have a seed spitting contest with seeds from the cherry tree growing nearby.
Wawel Castle
When visiting Wawel Castle, we saw the courtyard, toured the cathedral, touched the legendary bell, and learned about the legend of the Wawel dragon. During my stay the Jewish Culture Festival was taking place and even included a concert in honor of the dragon!
View of Krakow
This is a view of Krakow from the tower at Wawel Castle. Since this was my first full day in the city, I was intrigued yet intimidated by this view. After a few days of exploring, Krakow became a place I was able to easily navigate, discovering new places and then returning to my favorite spots.
Old Town - Krakow
Every evening we walked 30 minutes to the city square. Here we enjoyed walking through the Cloth Hall to shop for souvenirs, checked our email at the Internet Cafe, and relaxed at one of the outdoor cafes. Filled with diverse cultures and unique entertainment, the square was inspiring, relaxing, worldly, and fun.
