Day 4 Krakow, Auschwitz, Krakow, home

Day 4 Krakow, Auschwitz, Krakow, home...

Students realised that the mythical time, oft spoken of by adults, really did exist, when we left the hotel at 6.30 am and headed off, packed breakfast in hand, to visit Auschwitz. The weather was really foggy and quite eerie, which added to the atmosphere of the destination.

 

All ESJ Ambassadors were, yet again, amazing. Many visibly moved by the things they saw and heard.  ...tough not to be! ...But so mature.

The imagery of many of the photos and the comentary from our guide, will provoc thought long after this trip is over, but also ensured that the aim to never let it be forgotten will certainly be achieved for  all who attended there today.

After driving back to Krakow, we had some free time in Krakow old town,

...before meeting for dinner at the Hard  Rock Cafe, awesome!
Such cool artifacts to see, like, Jimmie Hendrix poncho, John Lenon's scarf, Elton John's glasses, Noel Galagher's guitar, Brian Mays bat outfit, Led Zeppelin's  gold microphone, to name drop but a few! ...food was not bad either.

   

  

 

Then back to the hotel to gather our belongings, breath and coach.

 And in their own words... 

This has been one of The most educational,fun and altogether enjoyable trips I have ever been on, thank you to everyone who took part - Danny

I've really enjoyed mixing with people I'd never normally hang out with as well as seeing so many amazing things. It's been incredible. Plus, we met Johnny Depp -Leonora

A mind-blowing trip that has brought history to life -Amy

A fairly long and at times difficult trip but enjoyable the trip was both educational as well as fun. I would definitely recommend going on this trip to the younger students. -Luke

This has been a classic trip and one that I certainly won't forget some of the attractions I've seen have been unforgettable. 👀👅💅🏻💘💝- Harry z

I enjoyed this trip, however if it's Das war gut or do widzenia they won't respond.👀👅💅🏻💘💝    BRANON ALFORD 2016

"When I was a young boy, my school took me to Berlin and Krakow, to see park Wodny, and that was where I lost it, all of my money, but my colleagues helped a brother out, now I can make it rain in Zlote"    Words of wisdom. @harryruby3 insta.

"I liked the chicken" Kane Crowley

Rip egg plant🍆🙏🏽- insta kieran99singh
That trip made happy like Kane when he sees chicken on a plate  - Josh

This trip has been probably the best school trip I've ever gone on. It was really educational and a bit sad but also very funny like Kieran's aubergine (egg plant) and dinner at the Route 66 diner was really fun too. hopefully we can all come again at one stage. Nik Heinen 2016

This has been one of the most interesting experiences of my life and I can't wait to return one day - Will

This trip was on of the best and I hope to return in the future
-Leo Dolan

Exhausting but brilliant trip all in one!  The sights and activities were great and the whole experience was the best :D - Alex

'Twas a good trip, I've always wanted to go to Auschwitz and now I have done 👍🏻 - Rory Kerr

One of the most enjoyable trips I have been on while at ESJ. Have learnt lots but become very exhausting, can't wait to go home and sleep💤💤💤 - Lukas Smylie

The Jewish museum was intriguing and interactive - Ryan 💘💕💅🏻💝🍥🎀💟🌸

The Auschwitz tour was haunting as well as interesting I would go again if I could -Luke Guerrier

The Jewish museum had intriguing and symbolic architecture - Ciara

Berlin Bellas ft M.T (Mr Thomas) entertaining Wyspianski Hotel lobby since 2K16. Coming to a hotel lobby near you. Pre-Oder on ITunes for some acca-awesome and outstanding vocal chords featuring Lauren, Leonora, Amy and myself -Charlotte

We got attacked by pigeons -Lauren

Day 3 Kraków,
bus and walking tour, Schindlers Factory,

Nom nom nom! Breakfast was so good, so much to choose from. we were spoilt for choice! Although we were all surprised to see the Aubergine still around at breakfast! (...Ask Keiran!)

The coach arrived and we headed off for a tour to f Kraków, such a pretty city. First stop the castle, and Cathedral, ...I wasn't expecting that!
 

  

Our tour of the old town took us to the main square and the Jewish Quarter which was also really pretty and interesting.

We also went to Schindlers Factory and a really strange but 'typically Polish' (according to Miss Brewin), place to eat,  ...an experience, but tasty! 

 

 

  

  

 

   

Day 2 of our Magical History Tour

Yesterday for dinner we went to a restaurant and had steak, turkey and potato wedges which was VERY tasty!

This was then followed by an incredibly competitive game of bowling...
So competitive, whilst bowling Nick felt the urge to fly across the floor in an effort to sore away from the competition. The girls were just as  competitive. Lauren and Leonora came out on top as the female winners.
However, the award for best victory dance has to go to Charlotte after getting her strike.

 

The music quality was quite debatable as it was made of classic 2010 dance numbers which weren't 

as popular as they used to be... 

Today was an experience none of us will forget. After a lovely continental breakfast, we set off on a coach tour around the city. At points we felt like proper Berliners (before realising that Berliners actually means donuts in German. No wonder we got funny looks for shouting it.) During the tour we stopped to take in the sights when an unexpected familiar face appeared, and not just anyone.

The students of ESJ met the one, the only. Johnny Depp.

Saying we were all a bit star-struck is an understatement. The whole coach was buzzing as we departed to our next stop. 

The whole tour was amazing; we learnt and saw so much. The guide was very helpful and friendly so we really felt relaxed. 

It really was incredible to hear the story of such an amazing city that's been through so much. In addition we met an overly friendly red squirrel named Sirrel. He was extremely majestic.

Some sights we saw include the Reichstag building, various government headquarters and even the longest remaining piece of the Berlin Wall and the impressive Jewish Memorial.

Also today we visited the Berlin Jewish Museum. The actual museums architecture was well dezsigned out and thought provoking, as it was made of a series of crossing corridors which represented the different aspect of German Jewish culture. 

In addition there were a series of rooms that were designed to allow you to experience some of the feelings whilst being a Jewish person during the war. For example one room was extremely cold and had vast, grey, concrete walls, in which there was a small light in the top corner of the room - which represented unreachable hope.

 

AMAZING!

In conclusion the museums was beautiful and the tour guides were very passionate about their work there.

We ended the day in Route 66, devouring a variety of burgers and AMAZING desserts... Which led to some quite ecstatic teens running round as we made our way back. The food was great, a perfect way to end the day.

We're currently all waiting for our coach to take us to Kraków. Needless to say, everyone is very tired. Well, except the ones running on pure sugar. This trip has been great so far. Can't wait for the next two days. 

Leonora, Charlotte and Lauren  

So, Friday 12th February came round with alarming speed and we, Miss Brewin, MissWheelhouse, Mr Thomas and 20 wonderful ESJ students, set off from Stansted to Berlin. This was the first leg of our magical history tour. Landing just after lunch and picking up our coach transfer to our hotel  was straightforward and left us plenty of time to venture out and see more sights.
First stop Topography of Terror..