Germany - Dachau concentration camp.

I wasn't sure if I wanted to visit this concentration camp turned WWII memorial. It is never uplifting to walk amongst these preserved old war regions. They aren't designed for comfort and enjoyment but for reflection and awareness.

However, the other plans for this region became unrealistic because of train work and we found ourselves with the extra time and the want to visit and pay respect.

Being a sensitive person I cannot understand how anyone can hate and fear entire groups of people, especially to the point of torture and eradication. How can anyone think a person nothing more than a bug to be crushed and exterminated.

Dachau was the first concentration camp. It became the design and model for the other camps. They also trained the SS officers here in what Is now the riot police training ground. The prisoner section, which was built by prisoners, was demolished after the war. This area has been occupied by different groups over the years including the USA military. However it was restored to its original state and made into tho memorial with the assist of former Dachau prisoners.

Dachau was not a death camp. There was a gas chamber but it was never used for mass killings. It was opened in 1933 as a political prison and work camp. In 1934 when Hitler gained power it became a place to put anyone who opposed him or who he didn't like - such as Jewish, Jehovah witness, homosexual, beggars, homeless, and foreign opposition.

There is a lot of art work, sculptures, and churches around the complex. Many were designed by survivors.

In the 30 minute Dachau film they show footage and photos from the camp between and at one point refer to concentration camps as 'Human liquidation centers' it was a powerful film.

The camp was built to hold 6000 people when liberated there were 40,000. It is a horrible thought and the photos taken are beyond disturbing but it was reality and what happened and should never have happened. I hope it will never happen again.