Today was very real and eye opening experience to the atrocities of human history. We visited the Dachau concentration camp, used by the Nazi’s during WW2. Upon entering, you could immediately feel a dark and emotional presence.

We had an amazing tour guide, who was able to clearly describe the events in a clear manner. He did a great job providing quotes and pictures that he used throughout our walkthrough. With these pictures, the history really came together.

I was shocked to learn more about Dachau, as I had not known much of the history prior. I learned that it was used primarily as a work camp, not an extermination camp. Also, majority of the prisoners were actually German, often those that were going against the goals of Hitler and the Nazi party. There was also a large number of priests kept here, and other religious prisoners. These prisoners were told to convert or stay in this camp, and many chose the later. Today, they are honored by their religions with monuments built within the camp.

Walking through the bunks and gas chamber was a surreal experience. There is a moment of emotion thinking about the conditions and fear that the prisoners were forced to live within. The beds are completely inhumane and walking through the gas chamber was terrifying, with the thought that they did not always know what was about to happen to them.

After the tour, we were able to individually walk through the museum and the detention cells. The detention cells were used as holding for “special prisoners” or those that often held higher positions or status. They were also used as torture chambers and solitary cells for prisoners to be punished.

After Dachau, we headed back to Augsburg and were given the rest of the day for free time. I went back to the hotel to decompress for a bit and then headed out for dinner with Delaney.

On a happier note, we went to Sangam for some Indian cuisine. No kidding, it was the best meal I have had in Germany so far, and possibly the best Indian food I have ever had. After dinner, we met with the group at Schmeckfestival. It was a food festival, and they even had ping pong tables and a bounce house. I had so much fun, and I feel like it was a great way for everybody to relax after an emotional morning.