Last day in Krakow. Night train to Prague tonight! We wish we had more time here. It's a beautiful city with a lot of history, and the Poles are an honest, hard working people. Plus, the food and drink are tasty and cheap. Met up with Natasha, our kiwi friend who we've run into all across central and eastern Europe. Went to the Oskar Schindler Museum in the former offices of his factory. They have a solid museum dedicated to the occupation of Poland, with a fo...

Tough day today. Auschwitz. In normal museums, displays and information overwhelms you. In Auschwitz I, and Auschwitz II (Birkenau), death overwhelms you. It hangs heavy in the air. You can breathe it. You can feel it on your shoulders. You can feel it sink into your bones. They say that there aren't any birds in Auschwitz. While that's not quite true, there aren't many of them for the size of the place, and they behave much differently than is ordinary, as i...

Very full day today. Got into Krakow at 7 or so, almost immediately bought our tickets for Prague. A bit nor expensive than usual, due to it being another sleeper train and the fact that Poland isn't covered by the Eurail pass. Poland is fairly busy and excited at the moment, owing to its co hosting of the Eurocup. Viewed the Old Town, with highlights including St Mary's Basilica (containing Poland's famed Veit Stoss altar), the Town Hall Tower, and the Cloth Ha...

Very chill day in Budapest today. Watched the Czech - Russia Eurocup game last night over an excellent supper. Went home early, slept in today and have just been relaxing all day, using the a/c to beat the high twenties heat, playing poker and enjoying fruit beers. Enjoying a margherita on a patio now. Nice to relax before our night train to Krakow.

Good day today. Caught a bus in the morning out to Memento Park, where most of the Soviet era statues from the city were moved after the fall of communism. We got the guided tour, which was 100% worth it... Our knowledge of Hungary under Soviet rule was greatly increased. Came back into the city and, after we had a quick bite to eat and a nice cold beer, we headed to the House of Terror. The building served as the headquarters of first the Hungarian Arrow Cross...