The weekend at VSS brought a shift in pace - from lectures and panels to powerful experiences rooted in place, history, and shared reflection.
On Saturday, participants traveled to Auschwitz Memorial, a visit that was, for many, their first encounter with the site. It was a day marked by silence, questions, and personal reflection. Walking through the former concentration camp challenged everyone to engage deeply with memory, history, and the weight of what happened there. That evening, we gathered as a group to share thoughts, process emotions, and discuss how perception of such places varies across cultures, histories, and generations.
Sunday offered a change of rhythm with a guided tour of Kraków. Participants explored the city’s historic center, ticking off its most iconic landmarks and discovering stories behind its architecture and heritage. After an intense first week, the walk brought a moment of pause and lightness — as well as the joy of getting to know the city we’re calling home during the program.
Big thanks to Małopolska and krakow.pl for helping us and our participants experience the region in a way that goes far beyond the classroom.
And now: on to our final week - with renewed perspective, shared purpose, and the curiosity to keep walking forward.
