Sorry – I was really excited about our visit to Poland. But first… an academic recap!
Our week started off with a visit from a trans activist who talked about her personal experience within the current Czech healthcare and legal systems as well as a few grassroots movements she’s been a part of. Her perspective provided much insight on trans care in the Czech Republic when considered comparatively to the earlier clinic visits we’ve had. She was very critical about access to non-judgmental sexologists, eugenic-based history, and goal of a system which is not centered around the lives of trans people but rather reinforcing the norms of general society. Considering trans care in the Czech Republic is very contentious, the opportunity to discuss her outlook was very valuable.
In history, we paid a visit to the National Museum where we toured an exhibit on the 20th century in Prague. Students walked through replicated living spaces of the 30s, 60s, and 90s, looked at physical historical fragments of Lidice, and read about historical heroes such as Jan Palach.
Now, to Poland!
Our day began very, very early with the train. However, most of us were pretty cheerful campers!
It’s hard to make sure I cover all that we did — our days were jammed pack full of tours, good food, and beautiful sights. Talking to fellow Carls, I think the group consensus is that Kraków is our favorite city besides Prague. Our trip started with an early morning train ride, then we walked around the city center, and ended the night with dumplings! Yummmm!
Traditional Polish dumplings, called Pierogis, are usually filled with potato, cheese, or bacon. I think Pierogis made up at least four of my meals while in Kraków!
While in Kraków, we also visited the Jewish Quarter where Schindler’s List was filmed, as well as his factory which is now a museum. In the Jewish quarter, we also tried traditional Polish street food of Zapiekanki — essentially an open faced sandwich of cheese, mushrooms, ketchup, and whatever your heart desires!
A group of us took a bike ride through Krákow into the countryside, which gave us a lovely view of the fall colors!
Next, we visited the concentration camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau which was a difficult but meaningful visit for our students. While there, we sent time learning the names, living conditions, and history of the people who were imprisoned there. It was an important visit for all of us, I think.
On our final day in Poland, we walked around the ideal communist town of Nowa Huta and traveled into the salt mines of Wieliczka.
As we exited the gift shop, students emerged with chocolate, bath salts, statues and more so if you’re lucky, a Carl may be bringing you home a souvenir from the salt mines!