Krakow 20 June 2013

As scheduled, we went to Auschwitz Concentration Camp in the morning. Out of respect to the those who were sent to this concentration camp, Airin and I didn't take any photos nor would I write anything about this place here due to the fact many articles about this place can be found on the internet. However, I would really hope whoever will be going to this place to show some respect and do not take any photos showing how happy you're being there. It only shows your ignorance to the history of this place.

We spent around three hours at the concentration camp and then returned to Krakow for lunch. After lunch, we continued our tour of the city with the visit to Jewish Quarter where the movie Schindler's List was filmed. There are many bistros along the street in this Quarter, sitting side by side with plenty of historical monuments to the Jewish population in Poland. 

After Jewish Quarter, we moved to our next destination, the Royal Castle of Wawel Hill. This place is also rich with its own history, however, I only remembered this place for the Pope John Paul II statues and photos of various sizes. Next, we walked pass Bishop's Palace (best known as the residence Pope John Paul II during his stays in the city), visited Jagiellonian University (established in 1364, UJ is the oldest university in Poland, second oldest in Central Europe and one of the oldest universities in the world) and surrounding area. 

By 5pm, our walking tour ended at the Main Market Square in Krakow. We were given two hours on our own in this area to leisure around. Betty also told us there are many Michelin star/ recommended restaurants in this square with reasonable price, unlike in other cities such as Paris. So, instead of walking around doing window shopping, we take the opportunity to dine at one of the Michelin recommended restaurant. It even has the sticker 100 (or 500) places to dine before you die at the entrance (too bad I forgot to write down the name of the restaurant). All of the waiters/ waitresses are dressed in traditional costumes which is very seldom seen in any restaurants in Malaysia. We were told the restaurant was fully booked for the evening, however, they will try to accommodate to us if we agreed to finish our meal within one and a half hour. Of course we agreed! (Malaysians are well known for their speed eating, ok!). And well, true enough, we totally enjoyed our dinner experience in the restaurant and the price was within our expectation (roughly RM320 for two of us). 

Altogether, I love my visit to Krakow and Auschwitz and even two years since we visited this place, I still Google and read about these places from time to time. I believe we will only be able to move on in life if we fully understood what history will be able to tell us.   

Jewish Quarter

Royal Castle

Pope John Paul II 

Bishop's Palace

Views during our walk around the Old City

Main Market Square

Church of Virgin Mary- there will be a trumpeter play at every hour

 from the top of the taller of the two St' Mary's towers

Our dinner of the day

7 Things To Ask Yourself To Truly Wake Up In Life

7 Things To Ask Yourself To Truly Wake Up In Life

5 Simple Steps To Immediate Happiness

5 Simple Steps To Immediate Happiness

I'm so touched!

Paper writing

I always know I'm not the type who can sit on the desk and write all day long. And now, I'm writing for my final paper as part of my Master Degree program, I found out I'm more operation oriented person than a thinker or writer. Yes, I love to read and then think of what I have read, but, I dislike writing. And I really salute the people who can writes a lot. Perhaps, when I report back to duty after submitting my final paper, I would have two requests for my next posting, first, it must be in Putrajaya and secondly, preferable a more operational work than a policy making one. Well, I do like the idea of giving people suggestions and ask them to write about it for me. 

Being human

Last week I had encountered an event that humbles me deeply. I make many new friends lately from my internship place and last week I hang out with them at the mall. One of my new friends, Milk, brought her mom and a 'niece' along with her. All of us were having lunch together at Ikea's food court when Milk's mom and 'niece' join us. Her mom and 'niece' sat at the table next to us, afraid us disturbing us. Milk went and get food and drinks for both of them. Well, pretty normal, right? Next, Milk's mom share her food together with her 'niece', patiencely feed her, and sharing a glass of soda with her too. Pretty normal too, right? After all, the little girl is her granddaughter or grandniece, and it's natural to take care of your family members. Well, here comes the surprise part. After a long chat, we found out the 'niece' is not related at all to Milk or Milk's mom. She's the daughter of their family driver. Wow! I never encounter such situation in my whole life until then. I have seen people bringing their employees' children for outing before, but not to the extend of sharing food and drinks together. This is clearly impressed me a lot. And, from my observation, Milk's family is very well to do type,this and add to their actions really humbles me. For Milk and her mom, both of you earn my deepest respect.