Deb and I arrived several days before the tour to adjust to the time and to see Krakow. Deb was the historian for the trip, as she had read Rick Steve’s book. I relied on. her to guide me to interesting sights and she was up to the task.
There are some photos from around Krakow.
Left: Krakow streetcar
Right: Remah Cemetery also known as Old Jewish Cemetery
New Jewish Cemetery
Right: Deb had a list of pottery shops recommended by Rick Steves. The pottery was unique to Krakow and to Poland, and we both walked out with several treasures. Only wish I had purchased more!
Left: I took many photos of Uber Eats – on motorcycles, bikes and walking…few were successful.
Above: The Cloth Hall built in the Renaissance period in Poland. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Left: Interesting architectural detail
Right: Getting cool Krakow style
Before: Inviting place for lunch
Deb’s research took us to Jagiellonian University founded in 1364. On November 6, 1939, two months after Poland was occupied by the Germans, the professors both active and retired were summoned to the university to meet with the Germans in room 66 (currently 56). The pretense of the meeting was to a lecture on German plans for Polish education. Then 184 academics including 105 professors arrested and were deported to Sachsenhausen and Dachau concentration camps.
The scientific community from around the world worked to get the academics released. In February 1940, 101 professors over 40 were released. By that time approximately 15 had already died and another 5 died shortly after their release.
Behind the university is a lovely garden with plackets telling the story of these professors. Like so many times on this trip, I have no photographs to include. The story of these professors so captivated me, I didn’t think to take a photo. Other times, especially in the buildings of Auschwitz, I simply couldn’t lift my camera…it felt too invasive to the poor souls forced into those horrible conditions.
