The Grey Zone

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I don't have too much to say about visiting Auschwitz.. Though it definately deserves it's own place in my story.

I wasn't moved to tears, put it that way, the inquistive English photo-tourist in my group made sure of that. I took a tour, not "typical me", but it's winter, the days are short, and this place is about the people and their stories, not the architecture or beautiful view. There's plenty to read around the camp if you want to walk by yourself, but my attention span isn't that long these days and I'd much rather have someone narrate to me.

Visiting Auschwitz was one of the things I hadn't spoken to anyone about, but felt I had to do - right from before I left NZ. The opinions and ideas that lead to this mess are still central in so many of our problems today.. Everyone knows we shouldn't forget history - but we should also remember to do our best to understand it.

I have an awful memory for dates and events, but I'll never forget a carpet made out of human hair.. hair that was sent to the factory still tied in plats, clips, however it was stripped from the person.

Even in the freezing cold of (a very warm) winter it felt completely unreal standing there.
Still, I'm glad I went, everyone should.

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Photos

Outside the infamous main gate
The sign above the gate roughly translates to "Work makes you free". Blackly ironic, it makes a dramatic entrance.. a great photo opportunity today...

Railyard, Auschwitz II
.. However most souls didn't even get the ungracious dignity of the previous welcome. This is where they were unloaded and immediately exterminated.

Barbed wire
The cheapest cage available

The main "street" in Auschwitz
This camp was generally reserved for political prisoners and those set for medical experiments. "long timers", a stay might last as long as 3 months.