Day 8: Off to Auschwitz

Today was the day. I took a trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau, spending most of the day walking through and hearing about the horrific tragedy that took place here. We spent close to 4 hours touring both the concentration and extermination camps and I would be lying if I said it didn’t have an impact.

I’ll spare you with the details, many of which I had no idea about before today.

What struck me most was how the site functions not just as a preserved piece of history, but as a place of remembrance. Every building, artifact, and pathway felt heavy with memory—bearing silent witness to the lives lost and the cruelty endured. The experience wasn’t just about learning facts; it was about confronting the reality of what happened and honoring those who suffered. Auschwitz is a reminder of what unchecked hatred can lead to, and why memory matters. Visiting this place isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. It calls on all of us not just to remember, but to carry that memory forward with purpose…