Thu, Jul 2, 2015

The town of Przemysl was a welcome surprise, much more inviting than what my father experienced from Dec 1939 - Apr 1940.

My cousin Michal stands in front of the church next to a monastery where my fathers family lived as refugees for four months.

The inside of the church is rich with ornate design and a safe presence. To the left of the altar is a hallway that leads to the monastery.

After ten minutes of ringing and waiting, a monk allowed us to enter the monastery entrance and interior grounds. He did not allow us to go upstairs where the monks lived and my family slept on the crowded floors. There was only one large bathroom for hundreds of refugees.

A view from the back garden. My family stayed on the 2nd floor.

The San river separated Russian and German occupation. The only way to cross was the railroad bridge since the main bridge was destroyed during Poland's defense of the city.

During spring, Russian officials arrested scores of families, business owners, landlords, and suspected saboteurs; all crimes against communist principles. For days their moans could be heard from inside boxcars. The train was so long it's end could not be seen around this bend.

Loudspeakers spewed Russian propaganda all along the city center. Today the area is alive with outdoor cafes.