Day 5- La Fortuna and the Hot Springs

Day five was packed full. We started the morning with this view:

And seriously, this photo does not do it any justice. My camera sizes things down. This volcano was towering over us....absolutely majestic.

After breakfast (of the standard- rice/beans, fruit, pancakes) we got on the bus and drove to the entrance to the hike to the La Fortuna waterfall.

View from the top of the stairs. 

The bottom of the stairs.

We were in for a treat....but first, about 10 stories worth of steps down to the bottom. By the time my legs started to feel like jello, we made it to the waterfall. We allowed the kids to swim around and get their fill of the nice cold water for about an hour and a half. They loved it. But then, we had to go back up the steps. Some kids raced to the top....I took about five breather breaks (maybe I should exercise more hah!).

After our fantastic waterfall experience, we went to the town of La Fortuna for some lunch and free time.

Such a cool town! I miss it already. After lunch, we went to Baldi Hot Springs. We had no idea what to expect and whatever expectations we did have, were far exceeded with this experience. I don't think I have any photos of this place, but look it up....it was amazing. We spent a few hours here and then went to the same place for dinner as the night before. Great day!!!

Day 4- Tortuguero to Arenal

Sorry, the rest of the posts are going to be coming in late. The wifi was not strong enough at the rest of our hotels to update the blog so these may take me a week to update everyone on the rest of the days.

Tortuguero to Arenal

This was a pretty long travel day for us, but it still involved some pretty fun activities. We started off our tour by saying farewell to our beautiful hotel in Tortuguero. Then, we took the same boat ride back to the bus pick up (about 1.5 hours). Again, the sites were absolutely stunning. Some kids caught up on sleep, others read their books, others continued to be mesmerized by the beautiful canopy looming above. We even got to see another monkey.

When we got back to the bus, we were greeted by a happy Chiri (our driver) and went on our way.  The previous day, Eddy told us that when we were to arrive in the San Carlos/Arenal are, that nothing was on the itinerary. He asked how we wanted to spend our time and I asked him about the possibility of a cooking class or something along those lines. No surprises, Eddy knew exactly who to call to get it done. So, after being picked up in Tortuguero, we drove straight through to Don Juan's Organic Farm.

Don Juan's Organic Farm

This place is awesome! The activity started by taking a tour around the farm where the travelers got to try freshly squeezed juice (from a fruit I can't remember the name of, but is basically more nutritious than any other fruit).

Then, we were got to paint each other's faces with an orange fruit or some sort. It was pretty hilarious. Later, we learned about how they juice sugar cane. It was pretty difficult to squeeze of the juice out, but it was delicious. After touring the farm, we went to the restaurant area where students got to make homemade tortillas, yucca chips, and papaya root vegetarian meat (SO GOOD).

After our farm visit, we stopped at a restaurant for our dinner of beans, rice, fish or chicken, and fried spaghetti. Lastly, we headed to our hotel for the next two nights, Hotel Campo Verde. Campo Verde had cabins on a large property overlooking the Arenal Volcano. Students had no clue what they were going to see until the next morning. 

Day-3 Tortuguero

(Written by Kaelin)
Today was awesome! After a delicious breakfast, and a rather early morning, we began our journey on an awesome bus tour through the San Barillo national park, where we got to see an amazing cloud forest! Out guide, Eddy taught us all about the ecosystem in the cloud forest, as well as some interesting history of the area. Once we had left San Barillo we took a stop and had a second breakfast. Eddy spotted a three-toed sloth (Yay! Ms.Monroe, and everyone else, got to see one). After filling our stomachs, and finding a sloth we headed back on the road. As we drove we got to learn all about the plantations, what it takes to grow some of the produce, and the pros and cons of the job. After passing through many little farming towns, we arrived at the shores of Tortuga, where we drove up the river till we met up at our hotel! After a short stop to set our bags down, we headed back onto the river where we took a boat tour. We saw Monkeys, Black Hawks, Turtles, Iguanas, and more! To finish off our boat ride we stopped at a little village on the side of the river where we got to walk along the beach and shop at some of the local stores. Once we were done we headed back to our hotel where we swam in the turtle shaped pool to cool off from our amazing but also hot day. After a short swim, we ate dinner at the lodge, and then we returned to the pool again. Our day was so much fun and had plenty of exciting and educational adventures we will never forget!

Hilarious Highlights
-Kaelin Bellyflopped into the pool and knocked the air out of herself
-Lynn lost his shirt near the ceiling
-Mason Lost his underwear
-Haven, Kaden, Sean, Miabella, Kaelin, and several other travelers told horror stories to Ms.Monroe and together they are starting a podcast
-Cadan almost fell off the boat when putting his feet in the water

(Pictures from today will be posted soon)

Day 2- Actually made it San Jose

Whew!!! Thankfully, American Airlines got us to San Jose today.

 Here are our lovelies enjoying our extra legroom upgraded seats...."father" Erik across the aisle.



We met our super awesome Tour Manager Eddy at the airport. We already love him! He told us all about the "pura vida" life. Our kids have been 100!!! We love them! Sorry to keep this one short, but because we are packing in two days worth of activities into tomorrow's Tortuguero experience, I gotta keep it short. Thanks all! Till tomorrow!

Day 1- Almost made it to San Jose

Wow! What a start to our trip! As most of you know, our flight on Saturday was canceled and rescheduled for the next day (Sunday 4/14). We the (chaperones) were completely blown away with how flexible and understanding all the travelers were. Every experience so far continues to prove that we could not have dreamed up a better group of kids!! ACIS did an amazing job booking a hotel quickly and with a pool!! Although the day was pretty uneventful, we were able to swim two different times and "have a layover in Italy"! We went to an Italian restaurant named DiCinno's and ate delicious food and bonded with everyone! At the end of the night, we had an EPIC non-diving competition at the pool.





Hilarious Highlights:
*Our flight was canceled
*Cadan B learned how to eat pasta after some struggles

*TSA asked Erik the chaperone if he was the father of all the travelers
*Quinn won best "yoga pose" pool entry with child's pose
*Downtime was filled with some creative uses of makeup (HINT- clowns)

*Sarah, Miabella, Kaden, Haven, and Sean were compelled to help beautify the neighborhood
  

Overall, the day was not what we expected, but all the travelers made the best of the worst situation and we could not be more proud! We are so thankful to be surrounded by individuals whose positivity just rubs off on everyone! Not only are we better for it, but they have also recieved multiple complements from strangers on how amazing they are!

Departure Day!

Hey there! Just wanted to post a quick explanation of departure day (in case you spaced out at the meeting). We are so close! In just two days we will be leaving this frozen place and heading off to the complete opposite climate. I hope you're ready!

Flight Information
Outbound from the USA. Saturday, April 13:
- American Airlines Flight 1797; Departing DEN 10:55 AM > DFW 1:53 PM
- American Airlines Flight 986; Departing DFW 4:36 PM > SJO 7:37 PM

Where to Meet
Please plan to meet at the American Airlines check-in counter at 8:00 AM on Saturday. Yes, that is about three hours before our flight. However, the process of checking in 20 people can be time-consuming.

Checking In
You can check in using one of the AA kiosks. Please make sure you have your itinerary card and your passport readily available. You will need to enter either the flight number or confirmation number (both are on the itinerary card) and then scan your passport. Make sure you answer all of the questions asked. Most of you won't be checking a bag, but if you decide you need to, you will need a credit card to purchase the bag fee. Once you print your boarding pass(es), please find us and wait with the rest of the group until everyone has checked in. You will probably get both of your boarding passes. Put the second one away somewhere safe for the next flight. DO NOT go to security without the group. We travel together through security. Once we get everyone checked in, we will take a group photo, say bye to the 'rents and be on our way.

Going Through Security
Make sure you are keeping your boarding pass and passport in your hand until TSA has waved you through. You should already know this, but, all liquids in your carry-on need to be under 3.4 oz. They will stop you if you have any liquids over this size and make you either check your bag or throw them out. Some of you will have TSA pre-check (because mine transfers to people on the same itinerary). If that is the case, you will go through the pre-check line with me. You can keep your electronics in your bag and can to keep your shoes on. Once you have grabbed your bags on the other side of the X-ray machine, go down the escalator to the tram. DO NOT get on the tram until we have the whole group together. At the bottom of the escalator, go to the right (out of the way of everyone) and wait for the rest of the group. We will all get on the tram together. If the Security checkpoint for Terminal A is open Saturday, we will probably go through there. In that case, wait on the bridge off to the right for everyone.

And Then?
Once we have all found the gate, we will set up a mini-base and take turns watching bags. This would be a good time to get breakfast if you haven't already or a quick snack. Our flight to Dallas is only two hours and you will have time in Dallas to get a full meal.

The Flight
I cannot say this enough.... flight attendants are there for your safety, they are not your servant. Please do not make their job difficult. Your carry-on bag goes in the overhead bin. If you can't reach, ask someone to help you. Your personal item goes under the seat in front of you. If you are in a bulkhead seat (meaning there is no seat in front of you) then both bags go in the overhead compartment. Both of our flights are not very long, so please stay in your seats unless you need to use the bathroom. This is NOT a time for musical chairs. You can live without your friends for a couple of hours. You will have 9 days with them, you do not need to be with them at all times. Whoever you are seated next to, please be polite. If you are in the aisle or a window, remember that the middle seat person gets the armrests (this is common etiquette). Please do not speak louder than a conversational volume. Please do not play any music or videos out loud. You should always wear headphones..... the plane doesn't want to hear what only you can see. When we land, remember that planes unload row by row, this is not the time to run from the back of the plane to the front to be first off the plane (there is never a time for that....it's rude). Make sure you have everything....everything....EVERYTHING! Do NOT leave anything on the plane (cough cough...your passport...it's been done....it's not fun). If you are the first of the group to de-plane, find a place out of the way to start gathering up the group.

The Layover
We will go into all the details when we land in Dallas. Based on behavior, everything we said before is subject to change. Be at the gate 15 minutes before we board the next flight. You will need to have your passport and boarding pass in hand to get on the plane.

Landing in Costa Rica
On the plane, you will be given a customs form to fill out before landing in Costa Rica. Make sure your itinerary card and your passport are readily available. Also, please make sure you have a pen. The flight attendants rarely have extra pens. Read the directions and follow them exactly. Please do not skim over it and think you filled it all out. Make sure you filled it out correctly and completely. Everything you need to fill out will be information from your passport and the itinerary card. And as long as you aren't traveling with plants from the U.S. or over $10,000, you should clear customs just fine.

When getting off the plane, please make sure you have the itinerary card, your passport, and the customs entry form in your hand and ready to expedite the customs process. Same protocol as getting off the plane in Dallas, we need to group up before heading to the customs line. We will go through customs together. If they make you keep moving until you are out of the customs area, we will meet and group up on the other side. Once your passport has been stamped, put it away in a safe place. I will give you a copy of your passport once we get to the hotel and have our welcome meeting.

Outside of baggage claim, we will meet up with our Tour Manager, Eddy. He will give us a quick introduction and then take us to our bus. Please make sure you are quiet and respectful when he is speaking. The bus ride to the hotel is usually the TM's time to go over some rules of the road and give an introduction to the places you will be visiting.



Alrighty.....any questions?


I'm getting pretty excited! See you all Saturday!

My Packing List for Costa Rica

I know I have already sent several lists that tell you the different things you should be packing for Costa Rica. But since I have already packed, I'll tell you what I have packed and what you should (just in case). Here are my bags--and yes, everything mentioned below fit inside the two bags (with room to spare in my backpack):

Clothing:
- Undergarments for the total amount of days
Tops:
- Three athletic tanks
- Two everyday tees
- One rainjacket
- One zip-up hoodie (in my backpack-- I'm always cold on planes)
Bottoms:
- One pair of athletic shorts (for hiking/post swimming in waterfalls)
- One pair of athletic pants (literally anything to save me from getting bug bites while hiking)
- One pair of capri pants (for around towns)
- One pair of jean shorts
Dress:
- One T-shirt style dress for our folklore dinner
Swimsuits:
- Two swimsuits
- One beach cover-up
Shoes:
- One pair of dressy-ish Volcom sandals-- very packable!

- My favorite Birkenstocks

- Salomon crossamphibian water shoes (could bring Chacos instead, but my feet are prone to bug bites, so I went with shoes that cover my whole foot)

Toiletries (all TSA compliant):
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Facial cleanser wipes
- SPF 30 Reef safe sunscreen
- SPF 30 Chapstick
- SPF 50 Face sunscreen
- 100% Deet mosquito repellent
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Deodorant

The "Emergency" Kit (I probably wouldn't have this much for a solo trip-- but just in case one of my travelers is having an emergency):
- Activated Charcol
- Immodium, Pepto, and holistic anti-diarrhea chewables
- Bandaids
- Cortisone cream
- Essential oils: peppermint, tea tree, lavender
- Holistic motion sickness chewables
- Headlamp (you never know when the power will go out-- super common in Costa Rica)

Everything Else:
- Cell phone charger
- One beach towel
- One reusable Hydro Flask water bottle
- One reusable stainless steel straw
- One pair of polarized sunglasses
- One wide-brimmed sun hat
- One baseball cap
- One waterproof camera and charger
- One packable duffle (in case we buy a bunch of souvenirs-- also great for a beach bag)

My "Airplane Kit" (I put these in a small pouch that fits in the backseat pocket in front of me):
- My Passport with wallet
- One silk eye mask
- One pair of earbuds
- One pen and small notebook
- One pack of "no jet lag"

- One neck pillow
- One book

Mia's Essay on Conservation in Costa Rica

For our trip this year, we were very fortunate to be given the opportunity to award a $1,000 scholarship to one of our travelers. Amanda and I knew we wanted to have the students write an essay that asked them to do research on where we were headed. So, we came up with the prompt: "Why does conservation matter? Pick a specific conservation issue in Costa Rica to support your argument." We had seven outstanding essays submitted to us. After some deliberation, we decided to award Mia Wupperman, grade 8 our scholarship. She gave me permission to post her essay response.




Here it is:

"In sorrow, let us revere our stillborn Earth, upon whose body we thrive."

The Importance of Conservation
Mia Wuppermann
Grade 8

Why does conservation matter? From the lush forests to the pristine beaches that cover our Earth, conservation in these places is essential to the life of humanity. In the community of Montero, on Chira Island, 23 women planted nearly 8,000 mangroves in degraded areas over the course of a year. These women exemplified the type of ethic, fire, and dedication that we need to find to protect our animals, our nature, and our Earth.

First and foremost, without putting efforts towards conserving and protecting the Earth, we as humans are endangering ourselves and humanity as a whole. From the time you were a child, you have been taking from the Earth. Your baby food contained juicy fruits and sweet sugar. The air you breathed, the milk you drank, the soft cotton that hugged your body, all came from the Earth. After all that Earth does for us, we must care for it to allow it to care for us. We need clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, clean foods to eat. By destroying these things, we are putting ourselves in danger as well as our home planet. We are killing the things that support us, and therefore killing ourselves. Every time you throw your trash on the ground, your weakening your Earth and your supply of resources, and consequently weakening yourself. The article “7 Reasons Why Costa Rica is the Healthiest Country in Latin America” states that “In the entire world, there are only 5 cities considered “blue zones,” or areas where locals commonly live to 100 years of age. The only blue zone in Latin America is on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica.” The article also states that “More and more studies are showing that people who move to Costa Rica later in life experience a huge boost in health status.” This article claims that one of the reasons for Costa Rica being claimed a “blue zone” is because of the healthy foods they have access to. The article states that “Not only have Costa Ricans developed healthier eating habits, they actually have access to better foods than most of the rest of the world.” More than 25% of Costa Rica’s territory is protected areas, and clearly, this has had a large effect on not only the environment but on the health of the people who live there. Pura Vida means pure life, and this is the motto that is lived by in Costa Rica. Through these strong efforts and accomplishments, Costa Ricans have been able to provide for the Earth and therefore provide for themselves.

Equally as important, our Earth is our responsibility. Just like all human lives, life on Earth has needs and requires attention and nourishment. Chief Seattle once said, “The Earth does not belong to us. We belong to the Earth.” This quote explains the cause and effect cycle that we have on the Earth, and the Earth has on us. When we take care of the Earth, the Earth takes care of us, and the contrary also applies. Conservation is a way for us to give the Earth and it’s creatures the nourishment it needs. In April of 2014, a group of mostly female volunteers took action to restore a forest where it had been cut to the ground four decades previously. The group formed a human chain and passed the trees from one person to another, deeper into the degraded sections of the forest. Once the trees were in the forest, the crew worked together to plant them. Deforestation is a prime example of mistreating the Earth and using it irresponsibly. Not only is it an issue in Costa Rica and other tropical environments, but everywhere. Through this movement, these locals are protecting their home. They are protecting the trees, the animals who live in and below the trees, they are protecting their lives, and protecting the lives of generations to come. Briefly, nourishing Earth and the lives on it will give us access to resources we need. Taking responsibility for conserving our Earth will allow us to continue belonging to the Earth.

Last but not least, conservation gives us a clearer path to the future. Unfortunately, we can’t go back in time, and we can’t fix the mistakes that have already been made. Thankfully, we CAN stop the destruction in its path. Through conservation, we are giving ourselves a cleaner and more pure future. Conservation and environmental preservation are ways to moderate what we use. Planning for the future and considering the resources we need and will be needing could be a game changer. This type of planning and preserving will save us from ourselves, and save the Earth from overuse. In completion, conservation is a secure way to the future we all want to see, and a way to avoid destroying the beautiful Earth we occupy.

Ultimately, the world is headed in a negative direction without conservation. Conservation is essential for us to keep on progressing in a successful manner. Conservation is our responsibility, and we need to make the effort to shoulder that responsibility. It is a way to safely create a future for ourselves, and for humanity. We need conservation, to save the Earth we love, and to save ourselves.

Works Cited

“7 Reasons Why Costa Rica Is the Healthiest Country in Latin America.” AXNMLS, 12 Oct. 2017, www.axnmls.com/7-reasons-costa-rica-health-healthiest-country-latin-america/.

“About.” IUCN, 8 Aug. 2018, www.iucn.org/theme/protected-areas/about.

Aventuras Tierra Verde S.A. Costa Rica Festivals and Cultural Events - Aventuras Tierra Verde, adventure-costarica.com/travel/sustainable_tourism_costa_rica/conservation_efforts_history_projects_organizations.htm.

“Costa Rica.” Conservation International, www.conservation.org/where/Pages/Costa-Rica.aspx.

One week away from Costa Rica!

In the interest of daily updates while on tour, I decided I should probably get the blog going again. As convenient as Google Classroom is for posting everything lately, it is not the most convenient for keeping parents in touch and allowing non-guardians to see what is going on abroad. So here we go.... April 13-21 we will be traveling to Costa Rica. Amanda Wilson (previous chaperone and 5-star science teacher) and I will be taking 17 students all over Costa Rica.

So, who is joining us?
From our 7th grade team:
   Miabella Guadagnoli, Haven Leinweber, and Sarah Doocy
From our 8th grade team:
   Cadan Bell, Mason Davis, Charlie Foster, Amanda Duchow, Zoe Gallup, Quinn Mamula, Katie Mckernan, Lynn Moulton, Noah Preaus, Mia Wupperman, and Marley Yates
And from the high school:
   Sean O'Brien, Kaden Holdaas, and Kaelin Love

I would like to send out a special thank you and shout out to our returning travelers for trip number two: Amanda Duchow, Lynn Moulton, Mia Wupperman, and Marley Yates!!! Know that you were such a beneficial addition to our Europe trip and we are so excited to have you coming with us again.

We will be going on what is known as the "Coast to Coast" trip designed by ACIS educational tour company. Below, you will see our itinerary. Look at how amazing it is!

Day 1

Saturday, April 13, 2019, San Jose
Depart from the USA. Arrive in the Costa Rican capital of San José, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and get out to explore this vibrant and bustling city full of Spanish colonial architecture and the friendliest people you may ever meet.


Day 2

Sunday, April 14, 2019, Tortuguero
Begin today with an early drive through the spectacular cloud forest in Braulio Carrillo National Park, one of the few places in Costa Rica where a road winds through the rain forest. Keep your eyes peeled for sloths and quetzals as you go. Continue on a riverboat journey, which will take you to your lodge in Tortuguero. Enjoy spotting the wildlife as you travel, looking out for the West Indian manatee, caimans or spider monkeys hanging down over the river! All meals are included while in Tortuguero. (B,L,D)

Day 3

Monday, April 15, 2019, Tortuguero
Wake up in Tortuguero National Park, home to the most important green sea turtle nesting ground in the Western Caribbean. Today's sightseeing adventure within the park includes boat tours and hiking. The park is comprised of a series of canals, mangroves, swamps and lagoons that create perfect opportunities to study not only the vegetation but also the multitude of wildlife. (B,L,D)

Day 4

Tuesday, April 16, 2019, San Carlos
Leave Tortuguero and drive inland to the northern plains region of San Carlos. Arrive in the small town of La Fortuna, a sunny and charming little town a mere 4 miles from the Arenal Volcano. The volcano is a perfect cone more than 5,000 feet high. (B,D)

Day 5

Wednesday, April 17, 2019, San Carlos
Today discover the beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall and hike to the swimming hole below. The water here is clear and cold, so in the evening, visit the nearby hot springs where you can take a dip in the hot pools. As you relax in the therapeutic, geothermal waters, look up at their source, the Arenal volcano, above! (B,D)

Day 6

Thursday, April 18, 2019, Guanacaste Coast
Journey to Guanacaste on the northwest side of Costa Rica, an area containing one of the last tropical dry forests on the planet. You’ll travel by Arenal Lake. The lake is important for both producing 12% of the country’s energy and as a popular destination for windsurfing, kayaking and fishing. In the late afternoon, arrive at your seaside hotel and its pristine white beaches. (B,D)

Day 7

Friday, April 19, 2019, Guanacaste Coast
Enjoy a free day at the beach. Development projects are limited along the coastline to preserve the ecosystem, making this a wonderful place to enjoy Costa Rica's sun and surf. (B,D)

Day 8

Saturday, April 20, 2019, San Jose
Journey back to San José today, stopping en route in Sarchí, the hub of Costa Rica's arts and crafts trade. Be sure to see the famous Sarchí ox-carts and leather rocking chairs. Arrive in San José in time for a Costa Rican folklore show and dinner to celebrate your last night in this wonderful country. (B,D)

Day 9

Sunday, April 21, 2019, Departure
Depart for the USA. Optional Extensions and Extra Nights: Further immerse yourself in the culture and wonders of Costa Rica with an extra night in San José, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager. (B)


That's all for now! Look for some posts leading up to the trip!

Thanks,

Ally and Amanda

Visit to Auschwitz Concentration Camps

I am realizing all too late that we never posted our Auschwitz visit on the blog.

The quote hanging at the entrance of the first block.

As Kayla Hanson wrote, "One of the most intense and first-hand experiences during our visit has been visiting the two Auschwitz Concentration Camps. Although it took some almost no time to process the visit, others are still processing how it felt to be at such a place. It started out with the walk through the gates saying "Work Will Set You Free"." (She wrote this the same day of the visit.)

The entrance of Auschwitz I. 

We continued our tour of Auschwitz one by touring the many different blocks that have since been turned into museums.

Here, you can see some of the many disturbing reminders of the people who were killed here. Before we entered the blocks, the tour guide told us "I want you to remember that every piece you see in here belonged to a different person. Recognize that. Pay them your respect. Each and every piece was another person killed here." There was also a hall of hair. Braids and ponytails of hundreds of thousands of people. I felt sick leaving that room. 

We continued our tour by going into the "prisoners" within a prison block. Outside we were shown the killing wall:

Where people were shot at point-blank immediately after sentencing. Unfortunately, most people who were convicted of a crime within the camp never again returned to the main camps. They were taken here and handed their sentence of a swift death. I did read a memoir recently where The Tattooist of Auschwitz became one of the lucky small percentages of people who were not dealt a death sentence after being convicted of a crime. 

After the death wall, we continued our tour through Auschwitz I. 

Where the camp Commandant was hung after the camp was liberated and he was sentenced to death.

The last place we visited at Auschwitz I was the gas chamber and crematorium. Though more people were killed at Birkenau, this chamber is the only one still standing. 

Crematoria I- the first gas chamber. 

I've been teaching the Holocaust unit for years now, but nothing really puts you in place like being in the same room where thousands of people were killed and then disposed of like they never existed. 

After Auschwitz I, we got back on our bus and went over to Auschwitz II- Birkenau-- the extermination camp. Birkenau was intended to be both a labor and extermination camp, but there was not enough room for prisoners who weren't of working age, so, the main purpose was to exterminate those who weren't considered ideal for hard work- which, unfortunately, was the majority of people who arrived at Birkenau.  

The tracks leading straight into the camp to the gas chambers.

When the camp was liberated, the chambers were destroyed. Over one million people were killed here. 

We were also able to go into one of the blocks where mothers with children stayed. 

The Kapo's room.

Around 6 people would sleep on each level. 

Paintings left by prisoners. 

This was a somber day. One that I will never forget. 

Also, sorry this was so late!