"Auschwitz/Birkenau" a Oswiecim Travel Page by sswagner

One of the reasons why so many of us travel is so that we can see what type of world we live in. We hear of profound moments in history--both good and bad. There are times when we have questions that demand answers. Then, it is time to seek out those places and learn all that you can. Some people search the world for the most beautiful places or simply a place to have fun. This obviously does not qualify for either. For here lies the largest mass gravesite known on this earth. It is a direct result for what is the darkest moment in history.

This trip is obviously not for everyone. It is certainly not meant for children. Nor is it meant for the disrespectful. Rather, it is a destination of choice for those who desire to remember what happened here. Once you go here and leave, you will never ever forget it. Images and feelings of certain things and places will stay somewhere in the back of your mind for the rest of your days.

There were many Nazi concentration and death camps throughout central Europe. However, this one is by far the largest. It is the end of the line in what is known as the "Final Solution". This was Hitler's plan to exterminate the European Jew as well as other races and types of people. Be prepared to be shocked by what you see. It will leave some painful emotions, especially to those who lost someone here or perhaps was a prisoner here.

Why was this trip important to me? Simply, I am a student of history. One day, the generation that experienced the events of this place firsthand will be gone. There will have to be people willing to teach others about this cruel place so that something like this will never happen again. Words and pictures alone cannot match the experience of actually visiting Auschwitz. Therefore, I will do my best to share my memories of this place and how it has impacted me personally.