Each Tuesday, a single photo capturing a beautiful or interesting image from somewhere I’ve traveled…
Margot Frank’s Suitcase, Auschwitz
Normally I don’t add commentary to my Travel Tuesday photos, but this one is different. I read the Diary of Anne Frank in seventh grade and being about the same age as Anne when she went into hiding I became fascinated by her story.
In 1990, I was fortunate enough to visit her Secret Annex in Amsterdam, when it was still just a little townhouse next to a canal, not the major tourist attraction it is today. Her story has stayed with me all of these years, and has to some extent shaped my world view. I was campaigning for gay rights before it was cool, and I think Anne had a lot to do with that.
In November, 2012, I visited Krakow and took a bus to Auschwitz. I saw so many unbelievable and unforgettable things that day… these suitcases were one of them. Seeing the one marked “M. Frank” made me think of Anne.
You can read more about my visit to Krakow and Auschwitz here.
Darisa says
Wonderful picture. Love the commentary that you added.
Fi Ní Neachtáin says
Such a poignant photo to share with us. I don’t think I could ever visit Auschwitz, I think it must be a place of overwhelming sadness, is it?
Sage says
It is. Everyone knows what went on there, but to actually be there is an experience I’ve never been able to articulate. The scale of it is mindblowing and the exhibits are very personal.
There are a lot of personal belongings, handwritten records, and photos of the prisoners. You can tell from the photos which of them fought back, and you can tell by the things they packed that they really had no idea what they were in for. It was so easy to see myself in the little satin slippers of the women who were murdered there.
Liz Mays says
Wow, It must have been powerful being in the secret annex after reading her diary. I don’t even know how I’d react to seeing all those suitcases in Auschwitz.
Elizabeth Leiro (@CAPretty) says
This is a beautiful, tragic photo. Thank you for sharing!
Qoftwignberry (@Qoftwignberry) says
I love having the chance to teach “The Diary of Anne Frank” since it is such a powerful story. Beautiful picture of beautiful spirits that will live on forever.
Amanda
Esther of Local Adventurer says
I remember reading her book when I was in grade school too. I wish i had seen the secret annex before i thad become a huge tourist attraction.
NutriFitMama says
Oh wow. That must have been an experience being there!! I enjoyed the commentary as well.
Ourfamilyworld (@OurFamilyWorld) says
Wow what an emotional item to see. I would have shed some tears when seeing this suitcase
Michele D says
I agree with you. So surreal. That will be something that you will always remember too.
Joanne T Ferguson says
Wonderful photo and I always enjoy learning something new! The photo did bring a tear in my eye today too!
Lauren says
This is such a powerful image and a powerful story! It’s one of my favorite stories to hear and read about!
Rebecca Swenor says
This is an amazing picture. I have always gotten choked up reading stories like Anne Frank’s. It would be such a powerful emotion to visit her Secret Annex in Amsterdam. Thanks so much for sharing.
Sage says
Thanks all for your kind comments. I was a bit apprehensive about posting this one because I like Travel Tuesday to be fun, but when I was going through my Krakow archive, I came across this photo and felt it the right one for this week.
xo
Aprill says
Thanks for sharing this photo. I remember reading about Anne Frank back in elementary school. Such a captivating story
risten says
You are very brave for visiting. I don’t think I would be able to
Sage says
Thank you. I lost my nerve partway there, but I was on a bus somewhere in the Polish countryside, so it was pretty much a point of no return. It was a difficult place to visit, but I’m glad I went.
Mercedes says
This photo was powerful before I even began reading, Emotional. Glad you posted.
Penny Struebig says
Love the picture! I haven’t read Anne Frank since I was a child. It’s probably time to give it another read.
Camesha says
Wow! What an experience. Just to think of the stories all of those suitcases represent.