Happy Christmas

Top of the "kiss me" booth

I don't know what your traditions are, but in Poland, today was the Christmas time. We broke Holly bread and wished each other best, we shared a meal and opened presents (that Santa brought:).

Christmas mill

I'd start with wishing everybody most greatest and happiest Christmas. But also I wanted to say some, maybe harsh words. I believe that Christmas is not only a time of celebrating Christ being born. It is a tradition that makes families, that spend so much time apart come together. It's time that people make effort for the other ones they love.

Christmas fun

One that argues a lot is being nice to others. Nobody complains about food that's been burnt. Just extra niceness. I have prepared meal for my family today, but by the time they came nothing was ready. So I engaged one in gift wrapping, other one with christmas tree decorating and another with table accessible. But no one minded it. Because it's Christmas (but maybe because we love each other and despite the faults we want to be around each other).

My cookie decoration

I read today that many people don't know what to get for loved ones. I say: listen to them, there is always a clue... Someone says their back is aching, someone would say they can't find remote. These are the clues. I did listen this year and guess what... not only happy faces... faces that had real joy and sparkle in their eyes.

#magiajarmarku

Also the fact, that the gifts are given doesn't mean that the celebration is over. Go to your extended family. Take them for a walk spend time together. Enjoy the company. As corny as they might be, they are your experience and happiness in live. Celebrate your time together. No matter how much it is. Once you realize that it was for you to treasure and keep.

Christmas smell - Christmas tree

The Great Mill

This particular part of Gdansk architecture hold special place in my heart. Back in '90 I earned my first money, a lot of money (according to me back then :) this is where I spend it. Back then it was the fist shopping mall in Gdansk, if you even can call it that. It was a building filled with shops so I guess it meets the criteria. But even then it was so much more than that.

It is a beautiful building, it really is. I might be my fondness of it, but I really, really like that building :) The funny thing is, that I didn't even realise what history this building holds until now. And let me tell you, there is a history.

The mill was built in 1349 by Teutonic Order. The mill is placed on man-made island. The mill was used for milling rye, wheat and also barley and oats. At its best it help 18 mill wheels. The mill was a big deal, it generated income that apparently was worth fighting for. At first opportunity Gdansk city jumped to be the owner of the mill.

There is a nice part on the side of the mill and at the back of the mill there is a restaurant, which looks nice from outside, but I never been there so cannot comment on menu :)

Also there is a internet bench there, which stream live images, so when you sit there make sure your friends are watching :)

Overall, I love this building ( I think it's kind of obvious :). In the inside you can see reminiscence of the old mill.

Which you have to go inside to see. Oh, yeah :)

Green Lantern

Today I took advantage of my family member, who wanted to spend some time with me. Of course, he had different idea of what we would do. However as the weather was favourable today, a walk by seaside was in store. Unfortunately, by the time we were able to get out, the sun hid behind clouds. However I shouldn't complain as in December we have temperature of 10 degrees Celsius and mild cold wind.

Do you see it? Green lighthouse...

Few months ago I heard about breakwater being open to public. Till then this area was restricted to port free zone. Not only the breakwater offers different viewpoint of the bay, there is also a green lighthouse at the end of it.

I see Gdynia ...

Since it was open around six months ago, the path is a little rough, but I read that there are plans of renovating it and also of opening a cafe on breakwater. It certainly is nice place to have coffee :)

But, to be honest, I didn't mind the path. For some, I'm sure, it will be a bit uncomfortable and not too pleasant with high fence on one side. Some also could complaint about "rubbish" at the bottom of the cliff. As I was explained by my companion, the reason for the concrete blocks is to protect the cliff from falling apart, as the waves would wear it down.

I liked little bays made of stone - sort of little viewpoints. I also liked writings on the stones, but not all of them - some were unfortunately profanities :( but some were love confessions, or just memory marks.

When it comes to the history of the breakwater and its green lighthouse I didn't find much information. What I found was one old picture of the lighthouse, which doesn't look like lighthouse at all.

I also read that the green lighthouse and breakwater is part of port entrance. The lighthouse has a twin - red lighthouse, which is located on eastern breakwater. I hope there is access to that lighthouse as I would like to visit it very much.

Can you see the red lighthouse?

Small Armoury

This place is on tourist attraction maps, but I don't believe that most tourist would be bothered to check this place out. To those tourists I say: Shame on you! :)

Small arsenal is placed outside of immediate Old Town. I think that this would be the reason people can't be bothered going there. I, myself adore this place. I like it the most at night. Also small arsenal gives me the creeps at night, but I guess I like to torture myself. Why does it give me the creeps? I'll tell you later. First a little bit of history :)

The arsenal was build in 1645 during the times of uncertainty and wars :) It was built by one architect of many names: George Strakwitz, who liked to spell his surname differently. Sometimes he signed on his designs Strakowski or Strakoffsky (maybe he was trying to disguise himself as he simply wasn't that happy with his work - who knows:)

The small armoury is of a simple, but yet beautiful design, with very few decorative accents, but with six huge gates, that allowed to move in big objects. It is part of heavy fortification of Gdansk, but was used not only to store armoury, but also other objects like decorations used to embellish route for kings and queens.

As time went by and all wars finished, armoury wasn't used for military purposes. At one point it served as headquarters of taxi company (taxis went to sleep there :). Now small armoury is where art comes to life. The building is home to Faculty of Sculpture and Intermedia of Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk.

Remember, when I told you that small armoury gives me the creeps at night? Well, here is why: a lot of the sculptures made by fine artists are stored outside and a lot of them look like people. So when I walk alone in dark around that place, which isn't very busy I feel there are people up there are observing me.

Nonetheless small armoury is beautiful place, with small part upfront. And the cool think is that the outside display changes from time to time, so in a way it is like changing exposition at a museum :) What is also nice is that not far from small armoury are bastions, which I think are a must see for absolutely everybody.

House of Abraham

Don't worry, it is not a story from the Bible :) It is a story from City of Gdynia :)

Last weekend I happen to be in Gdynia. My sis and I were going to an event on the pier. I happened to pass by this strange building. I wouldn't have noticed it among the jungle of big kamienica and commercial building if it wasn't so small. I stopped because of it size. As always it made me wander, why such building exists in such environment. It clearly looked out of place. I think you would agree with me on that. So of course, I had to stop. There was a sign next to the fence so I took a picture of it for future reference:) Since recently my companions get annoyed with me stopping at random places for picture taking and exploring, I found this technique saves precious time. Now instead of standing by for hour or so I am ready to move along within 15-30 minutes :) As I later discovered this tiny building happens to be the oldest building in Gdynia. I'd say: good find!

When I mentioned this building to my party later on, everyone was surprised "I forgot Gdynia is such a young city". It is, that is true (the youngnessness becomes even more prominent when one compare Gdynia with nearby Gdansk). Therefore I think it is so important to remember places like this one. As I came around on Sunday afternoon I was ok with the fact that museum was closed (as I found out there was museum inside tiny building). I was to prompt you to go there during visiting hours and let me know what's there to see. Unfortunately I found out that now the museum closed :( Indefinitely :( So the building is just a gem to admire from outside only. Such a shame.

Let me tell you few things about the building and its previous owner. Tiny building was a home to one known as Antoni Abraham. This person is not much know in polish history. Certainly I didn't know who he was until now really. The building itself is from 1904 and as I said before is the oldest building in Gdynia (building was made before Gdynia got city rights).

But, let's go back to Abraham. How strange, that there is so many people that shape this world but we know just few of them. Antoni Abraham is one of those people. Born in 1869, he was a great patriot, he fought for Poland and also Kashubians, He is known around as king of kashubian. Not only was he an activist who took part in many rallies (many of which he organised himself), he also tried to educate people of importance of patriotism and freedom. He was great supporter development of Gdynia port. All his life he tried to activate local people to unite and fight against invaders. One of most memorable actions of his was going to Paris to take part in piece negotiations demanding to keep Kashubian area in Poland. It's hard to say if thanks to him Poland got to keep Kashubian area after I WW, but I'd like to think so :)

Sopot - Kamienny Potok

I haven't written way too long. Weather wasn't right, I was busy, I didn't feel inspired. Excuses as always :). But I am here now, writing about one of the TriCity's beaches, and that is what matters :)

Last week I went to beach at Sopot Kamienny Potok at what could have been first and last of summer here since this week is raining almost all the time and at peek we have 15 degrees Celcius. Back last week was 30 (I know, how come??). Maybe I should perform some kind of dance for heat as they do for rain? I am getting desperate now as chill in my bones is settling :)

Since I knew the weather is going to be nice last weekend I made momentous plans to get my tan on. Unfortunately my companions firstly decided to go to the beach at 6pm and secondly sat in shade :) Also getting there proved to be a challenge. I was surprised to see that much traffic on Sunday at 6pm, finding available parking spot also was a task :)

The beach I choose to go to is located between main Sopot (that is where the Pier is) and Gdynia Orlowo. To get to the beach once must go through park. Nicely maintained park I must say. There is a bike path and foot path there, so you can actually go for a walk or cycle around if you'd like.

Kamienny Potok is a district of Sopot named after a creek that runs through it - Steinfliess.. Also the placed is filled up with hotels, guest houses and camp sides.

The beach itself is not very big, long ( I don't know how one measures beaches). Most of it is taken by nearby Bar/Restaurant/Club, which is very convenient for people who come to the beach unprepared :) Also as a guest of said establishment once has access to sunbeds, tables and Hawaiian-styled umbrellas.

Also there is a miniature version of the pier on the beach, where you can enjoy the view of the actual pier :) It is really more of a deck, but I think naming it "pier" adds a little bit of oomph :)

I think that Kamienny Potok is a nice alternative for people who like to sunbath in Sopot but don't quite appreciate the crowds and loudness that comes with it, but still like the conveniences of nearby food and drink facility.

The Gdansk Lighthouse

Panorama

I've been told many times to go see the Lighthouse, but not surprisingly I didn't. However when I saw that the Lighthouse is being described as one of the most beautiful lighthouses of Northern Europe, I just had to see it. Who could resist seeing beautiful things? Not me. :) Although I never been to a lighthouse before, so I can't comment on the-most-beautiful-lighthouse thing.

They didn't let me in there :(

For anyone, who is planning to see the Lighthouse while in Gdansk I say: don't use navigation. I have tried to see how to get there on three different devices. Let's just say that if I went with the way my navigation showed me, I still would be on my way. Apparently to get to Lighthouse from Gdansk I must go to Germany, take ferry to Denmark, travel through Sweden to get ferry from Stockholm to Gdansk. Estimated time travel 41h, distance 1 413 km.

Lighthouse probably around 1900

Luckily I found shorter way, and was on spot in 20 minutes :) Unfortunately I was late for Time Ball drop. Maybe you can see it and tell me how was it? But let start from the beginning.

That all famous Time Ball

The Lighthouse was build in 1893, it is 27 meters tall. It was build as a replacement of lighthouse that was there in the first place. The design is based on a lighthouse located by Erie lake in Ohio, USA (non-existent) that was considered the most beautiful lighthouse in America. The Lighthouse served purpose of costal lighthouse, harbour pilots tower and time ball station.

The light part of the lighthouse :)

The Time Ball is a funny little thing. The idea of it goes back to 19th century. It was supposed to help ship's captains to set their chronometers, which were crucial in establishing ship's position in the sea. The time balls were placed in all important ports around the world. The one in Gdansk is quite pretty I must say. The only regret I have is that it is out of reach, because, like a small child, I like to touch everything :)

Round and round I went :)

Also from this lighthouse on 1st of September 1939 at 4.45am a signal was given to Schleswig-Holstein to start firing at Westerplatte (to this day a mark on Lighthouse's wall is visible where polish army shoot as a response to the attack). In other words: This is where IIWW started!

The window.

When it comes to the Lighthouse, don't expect miracles. There is no room for any museum-type displays, however you can find around lighthouse and on the stairs pictures and stories of other lighthouses (worth having a look). The selling point of the Lighthouse is the view. On a clear day you can easily see Gdynia and probably Hel. It also gives unique viewpoint of Westerplatte.

Nice fence, right?

If you have spare hour in your day, I'd say you should check it out :)

See you soon, Lighthouse :)