Krakow, day 2 Sunday May 25

 Hi all

Today we had a fairly relaxed day, after watching Melbourne beat Brisbane live in bed (we are 8 hours behind) we made our weekly call to check in on June and Holly. All was well at home, including the dogs.

The Jewish quarter in Krakow is in the next block or two from us, so we had a good exploration of this old area that was first established in the 1500’s. Unfortunately, as most would know the Jewish citizens in Poland, once about 10 percent of the population were uprooted by the Nazi ethnic cleansing during WW2. In Krakow, the 65,000 Jewish population almost completely disappeared, most going to the nearby Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp. 

This memorial in the town square says more than words could describe. The work of Oscar Schindler is recognised here as one of the few gentiles who made an effort to save a few of the 65,000.

We visited the old Synagogue and Jewish museum (below) to learn more about the history of these people in Krakow - very little was portrayed about those dark years.

After our turn around the neighbourhood we also visited a few local churches, including yet another beautiful baroque basilica in the Jewish quarter - at least the Jews were tolerant! Lots of red brick used here in Krakow.

Well, it was a cold day and Sunday, so after a late lunch at an excellent Hungarian Restaurant, goulash and soup of course, we decided to retire for a late afternoon of reading. Off to Auschwitz tomorrow, so we need to contemplate!

All up, a quiet day while the wind and rain continued outside at a chilly 10 degrees. We are hoping for a slightly warmer day tomorrow. All our love from the travellers 🧳❤️⛪️😢