Have had a roller coaster month. Since the first, have only been on campus for a full five days or so. Been to three different places for a long periods, been to the hospital and working like crazy to finish off my school work on a high note. Only a few weeks left for it all to come together.

Went to Poland on the first. Was reminded how Catholic the country was when there was almost no one on the streets, especially for a Friday night. Krakow is a very old city and survived well through all of the last century’s tumults. Also went to Warsaw, which is a very modern and sprawling city. Not much is left of the old city, as it was bombed to ruins several times. Also went to Auschwitz/Birkenau. Ghastly place. So full of emotion, yet so quiet at the latter. Saw a lot of Jewish students for a field trip there too.

Came back pretty exhausted and had to spend six hours in a Burger King to pass the time for a train back. After that, got back and on to the next adventure.

Top picture is translated as work makes you free. This was to those that marched in and out of Auschwitz as they marched to and from slave labor every day.

The government building where the first Polish premier after communism was laying state. Very moving and very fortunate to pay my respects to him.

Wawel’s Dragon. They do exist!