An emotional experience

We had a long day yesterday so we powered on and didn't make any "sight seeing stops". Once Olly was on her way we made the most of it so missed some of the experiences that others had had. One of which was Auschwitz, Team nightmare had said although it was very moving it was an experience we had to have as we were only 40 minutes away.

As Nik had broken the Satnav the day before we had yet another un-planned expenditure. A mission to find a replacement was just that. We spoke absolutely no Polish and a Satnav  is not rally a loaf of bread or bottle of milk. As it turns out Tesco Extra has taken over The world, or everywhere we have been so far! Club card points not accepted though. Satnav installed and off to Auschwitz we headed.

It looked just like the documentaries and films but I hadn't fully prepared myself for the emotion. Continual gulps in my throat at every turn. Scary that one man had so much influence to command such devastation to life and the cause of so much suffering. I have never had a tour with head phones but it really helped to listen but give me space to explore and take time to register what I could see. I opted out of some sections because I just couldn't take much more horror and the feelings of sadness swinging to anger and disbelief. The heat was unrelenting, 35 degrees or maybe more. Nik struggled and was darting between the shade. I would recommend the experience, it's a must for lessons to be learnt and for generations to understand just how real this genocide was.We didn't quite know what to say to each other so we got in the car and made our way to Poprad, Slovakia.

On a lighter note we were also very surprised by Poland. We hadn't expected it to be so "trendy" , "modern" and friendly. It was also a beautiful country. We were able to come off the motorways and actually see the country which made the journey so much more enjoyable. The question on our lips is why would you leave what seems to be a lovely country to come to England?

Our destination of Poprad in Slovakia led us through the mountains and into stunning scenery through ski towns and challenged Olly on the steep winding passes. For me the camera didn't leave my hand and my spirit was lifted. The camp state it's self was located with a stunning view of the mountains ahead but the view was slightly masked due to the low clouds.

Our view when we surfaced from our tent was spectacular

Tomorrow our destination is...................