There are some days when you are traveling that you really don’t want to tour another church or visit another museum. There are some days when you travel that you just want to be in the moment. For us, Krakow was just such a place. Our goal for deep cultural immersion was abandoned in favor of a slower pace. What started out as sightseeing became a Krakow vodka tasting stroll – complete with several important life lessons.

READ: Learning Life Lessons in Krakow

“Auschwitz.” That single word is loaded with such evocative images and horrific associations that it’s hard to not arrive with a mental picture of the place. The events collectively called the Holocaust were not an evil committed on any one group. The Holocaust was an evil committed on all of humanity. The Auschwitz concentration camp tour wasn't what we were expecting and it surprised us.

READ: Reflecting on Humanity at Auschwitz

Stalin's Penis. That's what locals call The Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw - a "gift" from Joseph Stalin to Poland. Not surprisingly, locals aren't particularly fond of the building, which is the tallest in Poland.

READ: Check Out the Views at the Palace of Culture

Visiting Warsaw may not be at the top of everyone’s travel list in Eastern Europe. The city has a reputation for being a drab, modern city that lacks charm and character. The Old Town is a post-war facsimile of Warsaw’s once grand past. Despite the negativity, there are actually a number of fun things to do in Warsaw.

READ: 6 Things To Do In Warsaw