Poland, December 2024

I just got back from Poland. Don’t be surprised if you didn’t know I went. Almost no one knew I left. It was a couple of days; I took a few pictures; I learned some lessons.

The good, the bad, the ugly.

1. Seeing Auschwitz-Birkenau is critical to keeping the memory alive of those who were murdered at the hands of Nazi Germany.

2. The old city centers of Europe are filled with treasures.

3. The train system of Europe is rivaled by none.

4. As much as I enjoy my own company, sometimes I wish I had someone to share these experiences with.

5. Not every trip will meet my expectations.

6. For any reason, it’s okay to come home early.

7. While traveling alone gives you freedom because you only need to make yourself happy, traveling alone also gives you stress because you are solely responsible for your choices.

8. Even when I travel, I can experience a depressive episode.

9. Back home, I am dealing with the aftermath of coming home early.