Dachau

One of the first concentration camps built in Germany, initially built for holding political prisoners, but over time, more and more prisoners were sent to Dachau, beggars, Jews, repeated criminals, Homosexuals, and immigrants were all thrown into this camp. Located about 16 kilometers north west from munich, its one of the last few concentration camps left standing in the world. A little more than an hour, i cycled to Dachau on this Holiday (yes once more. There is almost 1 per week..). One of the last few places that i have yet to visit in Munich. The weather turned out much better than what was forecast, not a single drop of rain. Stupid radio and internet forecast strong winds and storm for the entire day. In fact it was so bad that there was a weather warning, thus cancelled all plans with my friends to cycle to Freising. Thus imagine my surprise when it was bright and sunny outside when i woke up. Taking no chances, i prepared my rain gear before embarking on the 1 hour plus journey. The only thing they predicted correctly was the strong wind. By strong i mean really strong. Blowing from northwest, the trip to Dachau was agonising. It was so strong that i was blown off course occasionally. Much of the Camp was already thorn down, leaving just 2 of the 30 bunks standing in the vast open space. The place was not as depressing as i had imagined, nevertheless, it was a solemn place. I had actually hoped that the storm clouds would pass, so that the mood would be right for the photos. Didn't happen. Walking around the compound didn't much stir up any feelings, as it was too bright and sunny, until i arrived at the incinerator standing at the edge of the compound. Its a house consisting of the notorious gas chamber and death rooms. In sequence, the prisoners are brought to the house and told that they will be taking a shower. Having not bathed for a year, the idea of a good wash was too good to resist. Plus i don't think they have a choice. First they would be sent to the waiting room, where they were told of the showers, then to the disrobing room, where they would leave their clothings before heading for the "Showers". then come the Gas chamber room. I have a picture attached, its a dark room with many spouts, on all walls, celling and floor. Thats where up to 150 people were gased by prussic acid for 20 mins. Once all the prisoners fell , their bodies were then thrown into the next room. Adjacent to the body storeroom is the incinerator, where up to 3 bodies were incinerated at the same time. Their ashes were then thrown into 3 different pits located at the back of the house. I left the house with a heavy heart, the very same kind of feeling that you have when you witnessed someone jumping off a building. My tour ended with a tour in the Museum, where i spent 2 hours walking through artifacts and learning how the camp was established and what the prisoners went through. Didn't manage to finish reading as the museum was closing. It was already 5 pm. Probably will make another trip back there someday in the future. Cycling back was slightly easier, for certain stretches, the wind was blowing me at a speed of 12km/h. Just had to hop on my bike and it started moving! Feeling lazy, decided to stop by KFC for a good meal. Didn't taste as good as back home, no Chilli Sauce!!! Nevertheless awesome food.