This was a a long-held idea of mine I could finally realise: to organise a group trip for young adults to Poland with Catholic Youth. With a group of 12 people, we traveled to Kraków, Częstochowa, Auschwitz, Gdańsk and Warszawa, exploring the history of Poland and particularly religions in Poland in the 20th century.
Krakow
In Kraków, the focus was on Jewish history and traditions that still shape Poland today, on the life of Pope John Paul II. – and we stayed in host families for a few days.
My recommendations for Kraków: have dinner in the Kazimierz district and don’t miss the Wieliczka saltmine!
Auschwitz
As hard as it was to go there – one can not understand the history of all of Europe without a visit to Auschwitz.
Gdańsk
Gdańsk is probably my favourite place in Poland. Our focus there was on the Solidarność movement and the role of the Catholic church in bringing about the end of Communism.
My recommendations for Gdańsk: watch a Shakespeare play in the newly rebuilt Shakespeare Theatre and go for a drink at Cocktail Bar “Max” in Sopot!
Warszawa
No trip to Poland could be complete without a visit to Warsaw. We learned more about the history of the former Jewish Ghetto from locals and had some time to explore the city on our own.
My recommendations for Warszawa: explore the Praga district that is just becoming the new stylish place to be and grab a drink in the skybar of the Marriott Hotel with a view over the city!
Bengt Beier - travels and photography 