During spring break, we traveled to Krakow, Poland. On our first full day, Chris visited Auschwitz-Birkenau. It was a powerful and humbling experience to say the least!
Palm Sunday
We got up extra early to attend Mass at St. Mary's Basilica before our planned tour for the day. We came back the following day and took some pictures.
We had a driver arranged to take us to the birthplace of Saint John Paul II, Wadovice.
He grew up in an apartment above a general store. The building has been restored into a wonderful museum dedicated to his life. As a child, he would look out his apartment window and see the Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Here we are in front of the Basilica and his childhood home (museum).
As we traveled back to Krakow, we stopped at the Sanctuary of Saint John Paul II. We saw some precious relics, including some of his blood that is in an altar in the lower chapel.
Lovely Sunday evening walk on our way to dinner
On Monday we explored more of the Old Town in Krakow. When Saint John Paul II was a young priest, he was assigned to St. Florian's Church.
Our next stop was Wawel Castle and Cathedral
We hoofed it up to the bell tower and it was definitely sketchy in a few parts! I snapped this quick picture of Chris as we climbed through beams and down some rickety wooden steps.
Easter Market
On our final day, we walked around the historic Jewish Quarter.
I had read about the dragon statues located throughout the city, but this was the only little guy I spotted.
Jewish Ghetto Memorial
Our last dinner at a fantastic English Pub
