Auschwitz

Many people like to visit Auschwitz when they first come to Poland, or if they are only sightseeing, they say that Auschwitz is one of the many experiences to visit when they come to Poland. It is what most families say, "It is one of those experiences you need to see when we are in Poland." They feel as they need to see it the first day.

I can tell you, it's very sad.

Of course it's sad, you think in your head. And yes, I know that I am pointing out the obvious when I say it is sad. In fact, it's more than sad, it's downright depressing. I shouldn't be talking this way about a concentration camp. But I feel like I do need to tell you the truth, and you can ask anyone who has ever been to Auschwitz, which I can tell you is most people, and they will tell you the exact same thing that I have told you right now.

It is located in Oswiecim, Poland, and many people want the experience, and they want to see how it was like back during the Holocaust. I get it, you can see it more clearly from an actual concentration camp then just going to another Jewish museum.

Well, let me tell you some things that you will see when you go to the Auschwitz concentration camp. It has been left exactly the way it is, I mean, of course, it hasn't been left EXACTLY, but nothing has been removed (except for the obvious). It is divided into two parts; Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II, where you will be given a tour, and it will be at least 3 1/2 hours. You will be able to see the crematorium I, cells in the basement of block 11, the gas chamber of the crematorium I, the electrified fence, the Arbeit Macht Frei gate, and much more (in Auschwitz I). In Auschwitz II you will be able to see The Gate of Death (I and II), the unloading ramp, Crematorium II, the sauna (part I, II, III), Bunkers, burning pits, pond with ashes, and much more.

Before going to Auschwitz you should plan and reserve when you want to go two weeks before, because of the large number of visitors who want to go. The opening hours for the summer are 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM June, July, August.

Note: little children should not go, it depends on what age you think is appropriate for your child to see Auschwitz, or unless there is an adviced age on the site of the museum.

Also, students going into 8th grade at American School of Warsaw, will already be visiting Aushwitz as it is in their curriculm, unless it has changed, but I highly doubt that, they are already going to be studying the Holocaust and the school figures it is good for their education if they see a first hand experience of one of the concentration camps, since we are in Poland, it is a great experience for school.

For more information and reserving to go, you can go to their website: http://en.auschwitz.org.pl/z/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
There is also a map on how to get there below, and it is in English!

Also dealing with Jewish museums, there is a new Jewish museum under construction which is supposed to be ready in 2012, and this museum is almost all interactive and very high tech. I can tell you that this museum will be very interesting and enlightening.
The director of the museum showed the American School of Warsaw a little outlined tour of what it is supposed to be like and what kind of information and other things we will be able to interactive with and find out for ourselves.