Form 5 and Sixth Form students travelled to Krakow, Poland during February Half Term for a cultural trip hosted by former Shebbear staff member, Mark Charman and Polish company Impakt and led by Mrs Aliberti. There were many memorable moments, including visiting Auschwitz, the historic Old Town of Krakow and the Wieliczka Salt Mines; meeting a Holocaust survivor, performing in the Chopin Concert Hall where the composer himself actually performed, not to mention several shopping trips, dancing and delicious food! A detailed journal of the trip is below.
Day 1 - Wednesday
After a very early start our group were met at Kraków Airport by Mark along with Piotr Pisiewicz of Impakt Association. Once settled in to their hotel, and after a brief welcome meeting, they enjoyed a guided tour of the historic Old Town, including the magnificent 13th century Main Square, bustling with cafes and restaurants, music and street performers. The impressive Cloth Hall stands proudly in the centre of the square and is full of individual gift stalls, many offering amber from the Baltic Sea. St. Mary's Basilica dominates the square, and the stunning interior of this gothic church is difficult to describe with words. A key scene in the movie 'Schindler's List' was filmed inside this iconic church. The group also visited the historic Wawel Royal Palace.
Exploring the huge Galeria Krakowska shopping mall, along with dinner, brought us to the end of a very long and tiring day.
Day 2 - Thursday
Everyone enjoyed a big buffet breakfast with a surprise. Today is 'Fat Thursday' in Poland, a special day ahead of Lent when Polish people eat millions of freshly baked donuts. So, everyone received a fresh donuts from the local bakery with their breakfast, ahead of a very serious day.
Our visit to Auschwitz was very moving, and the things we experienced are impossible to put into words. We walked silently through prisoner barracks, gas chambers and past crematorium ovens. Perhaps most moving were the personal belongings of murdered prisoners, from spectacles, cosmetics and shoes to children's clothing. Most challenging and heartbreaking was walking past the hair of 40,000 women and young girls. Most of the group shed a tear or two and had personal moments of reflection. At the memorial in the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp, Mr. Fey said a few words, then we observed a one minute silence before Alice, Rowan, Sebastian and Albert placed two red roses and two candles on the memorial. We did this on behalf of Shebbear College and in memory and respect for the more than one million who were murdered.
All of our students conducted themselves with the utmost dignity and respect. Their parents, and Shebbear College, should be very proud of them.
Day 3 - Friday
Today started with a visit to a school where our students had the opportunity to integrate with Polish students. They joined various classes and even learned how to dance the Polonaise. We are sure some new friendships were made today.
Next came a visit to one of Europe's oldest seats of education, The Jagiellonian University, dating back to the 13th century. Our students walked through study rooms once used by Pope John Paul II and Nicolaus Copernicus, to name just two alumni.
Later came a guided tour of the Kazimierz Jewish district of the city, learning about Jewish history and culture, along with a visit to a synagogue.
To finish the day, a three course Polish meal in Morskie Oko Restaurant, accompanied by traditional folk music and lots of dancing!
Day 4 - Saturday
In the Galicja Jewish Museum in Krakow we met Holocaust survivor Monika Goldwasser. We listened silently as she told her heartbreaking life story, but she left us all with some positive, thought-provoking words, and wished all of our students a long, happy and peaceful life. We gave her some chocolates and flowers as a token of our respect and appreciation.
Then we visited the The Princes Czartoryski Museum where, among many impressive exhibits, we saw Fryderyk Chopin's death mask, Rembrandt's 'Landscape with the Good Samaritan' and best of all, Leonardo Da Vinci's 'Lady with an Ermine'.
Next was a live traditional Jewish Klezmer concert, followed by free time and dinner at Galeria Krakowska. As an optional bonus, Piotr arranged a live Chopin recital for any students who wished to attend. The concert was performed in the Chopin Concert Hall where the composer himself actually performed. After the concert, and to the audience's delight, Seb was invited to give a short performance.
Day 5 - Sunday:
After another big breakfast we headed off to the UNESCO World Heritage Wieliczka Salt Mines. Deep underground, we walked through the labyrinth of tunnels and chambers carved out of salt, once one of Poland's main commodities. We learned about old mining tools and the methods of salt extraction and transport in the past.
Most surprising are the stunning statues and chapels carved out of the salt by miners in the past, based on Polish history and legends. The tour culminates at the stunning St. Kinga's Chapel. This huge underground cathedral is adorned with frescoes and statues depicting Biblical scenes. Even the enormous chandeliers are carved from salt.
After some free time to explore the historic Wieliczka town centre we all enjoyed pizzas together in a restaurant. Then, at Krakow Airport we said goodbye to our hosts and headed off to catch our flight home.
