5.18.13

5.18.13

On this day we took a trip to a place of sadness, death and hope. We visited Dachau, a concentration camp outside of Munich. We stood at the site of which we have learned about for many years going through school. We walked through reconstructed bunkhouses that resembled those that prisoners lived in during the time the camp was opened. This reconstruction showed us how the numbers increased during these years and how the bunkhouses became more and more crammed.

It’s awful to think of all those people living in such a way but it is even more awful to think of the people who died in such circumstances. This trip to Dachau was quite emotional for all of us to experience the stark realness that all of this happened not that long ago.

While at Dachau two things struck me the most. The first was when we walked to the crematorium. Our tour guide explained the process of disinfection showers, the gas chambers and the incinerators as we walked through the rooms designated for these cruelties. We walked the same pattern as those suffering such a horrible tragedy. It was very solemn and eerie as we traced their footsteps.

The second thing that struck me the most, was something that I almost missed. As I was walking out of the museum. I looked around for fellow group members and noticed a large leather bound book on a stand. This book listed all the prisoners of Dachau through out it’s years as a camp.

It is hard to see all of those names recorded for all of time. At least by reading these names the memory of these people will live on forever. They will be remembered for their bravery and for living through the awful treatment done to them by other humans.

As we parted from Dachau the sun was shining and the sky was blue. The perfect weather for a happy mood and a smile on all of our faces. It was difficult to enjoy the day while the memories of all of the prisoners were so recently impressed upon us. The further we got from Dachau our moods lightened and chatter began to stir about the evening ahead. We discussed plans for shopping, dinner and going out to explore the Munich.

After gobbling down a quick bite to eat we headed for shopping at the major tourist region on Munich, Marion Platz. The shopping trip was a huge success for most of us! Though I regret spending so much money it was an opportunity to get products not sold in the United States. I have to remark about the purse I treated myself to. It’s a large black leather purse decorated with zippers. To make the purse even more interesting and practical it has two straps that can be worn at the same time. One on the shoulder of the same side that the purse is on and one that goes across the chest to the opposite shoulder. This allows for the weight to be evenly distributed.

This long day will be the first of three traveling days to excursions throughout Austria and Bavaria. As I get ready for sleep I am preparing my new purse for the travels ahead.

Guten Nacht!