Our Grey Day at Dachau

I was in junior high when I saw my first film on the concentration camps in Germany. I remember watching this black and white, grainy movie with disturbing pictures of frail men and women. Some were alive but many had passed away. So when we visited Dachau outside of Munich on Friday, I wasn't quite sure what to expect and how I'd react. Two days later, I'm still trying to absorb every bit of information I read, heard and saw on that rainy afternoon just 48 hours ago.

Dachau was powerful and after only a few hours, my brain hurt. It might have been because I was forcing a full day's tour of the memorial into a short amount of time. Making the day even more challenging was the fact that I didn't know my handheld audio guide worked inside the story-filled museum. As a result, once half through, I circled back around to the beginning listening and reading at the same time. There were so many pictures and stories about those who died and survived. And because each fact raised another question I hoped someone or something would answer later on, my noggin was working overtime.

But I'm glad we had the opportunity to see Dachau (even though it's not one of those destinations where you leave with a smile on your face). Instead, it's a thought provoking experience about a disturbing time in history - one they don't want you to forget. And just like the film over twenty years ago, I know I won't.