Oskar Schindler

Schindler's factory in Krakow recently reopened as a museum of life in Krakow's Jewish ghetto. Since we had just stood in those streets and seen the houses and tram lines the night before, learning about the nightmarish Nazi occupation was all the more...you know. It is one of the most wonderful museums I've experienced; walking through the interactive themed rooms reminded me of the line for the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland ("what happens if I pull this?"). We also got to watch a series of interviews with people Schindler worked with and helped. Earlier this year, I read Wladyslaw Szpilman's autobiography, The Pianist. His fascinating account of the good and the bad of human nature after his experience in the Warsaw ghetto kept jumping to mind as we toured this exhibit. Our familiarity in Germany lent us new eyes with which to see photographs of "Krakow Hbf" signs in the main train station instead of the former Polish signs. Daisy napped for this whole museum, so we were able to read and think and talk.

Products of the factory

Schindler's employees

The museum's "film cafe" displayed mementos
from filming

Learning about someone who disobeys political authority based on principle is always inspiring, and it makes me really question if I have the strength the risk harm to not only myself but my family in order to maintain integrity. I hope so; I hope that by learning more and more about the eventual demise of wrong-doers and the true impact people of honor can have will only aid me in choosing the right path whenever it offers itself to me.