Travelling Back In Time (Part 7): Horrific Dachau

"Arbett Macht Frei" (work sets you free), a poignant symbol of the suffering endured by millions in the concentration camp

A year ago, we were at the chilling Dachau concentration camp in Germany. It was the first of the Nazi concentration camps in Germany and was used as an exemplary model camp for the rest of the Nazi concentration camps.

It was horrifying to witness what the prisoners had experienced. We did not shield our 2 girls from any of the terrifying display photos that were prevalent all around the camp, and they learned about the terrors of war through stories, infrastructure and pictures of untold horrors and devastating evilness. 

The cramped beds of the prisoners

The bleakest part of our visit was at the infamous gas "shower" chambers and the crematorium where the Nazi soldiers cremated the dead Jewish prisoners in eerie ovens that were still in good condition. 

It is essential to engage a good guide who is knowledgeable about the murky history that swirled around this chapter in Germany's past. We were lucky to meet up with a guide who was highly engaging and passionate, who told us plenty of stories and historical facts sprinkled with his own interesting perspectives. 

There were very few children visiting the concentration camp, but for me, I think this was one of the most eye-opening day of our Germany trip. The Bees learned about the meaning of humanity as well as the senselessness of war, despotism and discrimination. It was a sombre day for all of us as we tried to come to terms with a destruction of fellow humankind in such cataclysmic proportions.