I am so very happy to be a part of the CSA 2016. These past few days have been incredible. I have learned some much more about Central European History, I've added to my collection of teacher resrouces, and have experience the fantastic cultures of Vienna and Prague.
One of the stand out moments on this trip has been our visit to the Terezin Ghetto. While in Terezin, we were able to tour the small town and see the buildings that once served as barracks for many European Jews who were relocated by the Nazis. Terezin was not an extremination camp, though there was a cermatorium on the grounds. I found it very suprising that we were able to walk through the former cermatorium and get very close to the extremely obslete machinery left in the building.
Touring Terezin was a very sombering experience, but was not without its moments of optimism. One great example of this was the amazing opportunity we were all given to speak with two women who lived in the Terezin ghetto during the Holocaust. Both Dr. Lieblova and Doris are incredbile women, and being able to ask them questions about their experiences was a moment I will never forget. They both exuded grace and such insipriational optimism. To hear the horrors they experienced, and thens ee what they were able to make of their lives is awe-inspiring.
I have loved every moment of this trip so far, and can't wait to find out what the other days will bring.