If it wasn't for what I experienced today this picture could even be beautiful.
Truth be told I find it hard to even start to write about today.
What is there to say?
My blog is usual full of happiness with a selfie on the thumbnail, a beer in hand and steak on the grill.
Liberties I take for granted everyday.
In (modern) Auschwitz selfies are forbidden and there is not a single piece of happiness to be found and I doubt there ever was.
Just misery.
I think many of us are fermiliar or have some idea of the things that took place there but for me the size and the efficiency of the camp layout was one of the things that shocked me the most.
Everything planned to perfection to go from life to death as efficiently and beneficiary as possible.
I had no idea until today.
It's been a very humbling experience that will stay with me for long while.
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I had to do some research now to find out what happened there. It is really sad, but thats unfortunately a part of our life. We have good days and bad days. I keep thinking about similar stories that hurt me even if they are already past :(
This makes me think of the things i do not know of other countries and genocide. Sick. Sad. We need reconciliation. And, life on this planet deserves #truth & A BETTER WAY. ❤🙏✌❤🍃
I am glad that you went to visit the Auschwitz Camp which I think everyone should visit and experience when visiting my beautiful birth country Poland. It is a very sad place to visit, but it is not just a story told but a terrible place where a lot of people had to face terrible death.
It really does humble us when we go places like this.
Enjoy the rest of the stay in my beautiful country and the steemfest. Wish I could be there, but it was impossible for me to be there and meet all of you amazing steemians and at the same time visit my lovely country again and family.
I am glad you guys made the effort and went. It is on my bucket list as it is important to see. I have been to the graves in Normandy and that was another sombering moment. Crosses as far as you can see and each one represents two fallen soldiers.
It was brave of you to go. When we were still considering going to SteemFest the Auchwitz tour was something I was thinking about. Visiting these places is more important than ever considering the tsunami of extreme nationalism sweeping across America and the world. I recently read Madeline Albright’s book, Facism: A Warning and was reminded how close we are, geopolitically to pre-WW2 times. It’s frightening to think it could all happen again.
Visiting this place will stay with me forever. You are certainly right about the rising nationalism. It's certainly has changed from 10 years ago. Recently in Brasil they also elected a new president with some 'interesting' ideas to say it lightly. I don't know enough about it to say were it will all lead and how bad this can get.
But lessons from the past doesn't speak well though.
When it come to my own country. Even though I don't always agree with the EU and have been against it in the past I am now starting to feel more that we are better off as a unified Europe than going at it separate. Now if only we could work better together :)
I bet it will be a part of you forever, @exyle. I liked how you said it gave you a new appreciation for life.
A friend of mine from Europe warned of the rise of extreme nationalism and nazi party gains about a year ago and I couldn't believe it. It seems the entire world is going mad. I saw a recent news story about the new Brazilian President and how he was waging war against Brazil's indigenous people to get access to the rainforest (for profit).
I think the EU is not without its complications but is a good framework for lasting peace and stability. I don't even know where to begin with America, I'm afraid we might have a much longer road before we find our way.
Hope you all had a great time at SteemFest. I sure did miss it but have enjoyed seeing all the posts from the sidelines. It's probably close to time for the closing dinner now. Take care, man and safe travels to you all in your journey back home.
@ghostfish and I went to see Overlord last night, and obviously, much of that film was from a fictional interpretation of WWII, but I’ve slowly had a knot growing in my stomach over some of the nationalism that’s penetrating nations around the world. Understandly poignant image, @exyle. I visit Europe every couple of years and this is a place I feel I need to experience in it’s ability to humble those that see it, as somber as I know that’ll be. Hoping the rest of SF3 was good for you.
Still need to watch it. If you ever get to go here I recommend it even though it's not easy. The rest of SF3 has been a blast man.
Thanks for visiting this place. Vast majority of people are not aware what has happened over there during the WW II.
If you are still in Poland (after Steem Fest 3) - I can recommend taking part in an Anniverary of Poland Regaining Indepenence which takes place on 11 November.
It is even more magical due to the round 100th anniverary.
I was an emotionally tough day there. I'm glad we had the chance to show our respect to those million lost souls.
The babies shoes destroyed my soul
I recent visited a large prison in South Korea that was used during the Japanese colonization period (1910-1945). There are basement torture chambers, activists were killed there, etc. A few years ago it was turned into a history hall, highlighting the good and bad that took place. It was strange seeing so many children just running around playing in the fields between the building. Search the hashtag #seodaemunprison on Instagram and see the first photo that comes up. You'll think it's a playground or something.