Love, love ... Gdynia :)

These days, it is incredibly difficult for me to peel my face off the computer screen. Barely have time to get out of the house. Fortunately, a few weeks ago I did. And since it was the first time in weeks I decided I have to visit a place that is not around the corner from my house.

I heard that recently an embankment in Gdynia was opened, so I decided I had to check it out. I must say that it was worth it. 

I took us around an hour to get to our destination. I must say that three smartphones with navigation didn’t help much, and we still ended up wondering around. 

When I got to the point where I could see the sea, I was amazed. I felt I am in Greece or other South European country. Breathtaking views. As it turned out, the way down to the beach was also breathtaking. All because of a steep hill and thousands of stairs we had to conquer. 

The recently made embankment is beautiful. This area started out as a fisherman village. There are still remains of that, with rails that fisherman used to bring up the catch and colorful boats that I hope are still being used for fishing.

The embankment is pretty long - about 1,5 km. And since I had to find out where it leads to, I dragged my not-so-happy family till the end, and back (because we came by car, that we had to go back to :).

To sum up, this place became one of my favorite beaches in TriCity (although, not much beach there). I also managed to set a plan, that basically consists of me winning few millions zloty, and buying a house there. Maybe not the closest to the cliff, but in a nearby area.

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?

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.

Grzëpa Pachôłka

Panorama

What goes below the surface of earth must come above the ground as well, or something like that :) Since I went below, it was time to go above. No better way that go to amazing view point.

Climbing, or not?

Grzëpa Pachôłka is a Kashubian for Bollard Hill. Peculiar name, if you ask me. I never analysed it before. I always thought of it as a name that doesn't translate, like Jennifer or Tom.

Me like :)

First time I came across this lovely hill was when few years back my parents thought I needed exercise. One weekend they decided they will take me hiking, the goal was the top of the mountain. Boy that was a hike! Few times I thought I am having heart attack, numerous time I hopes I twist my ankle so I don't have to complete the hike. My parents didn't seem to have such problems. Does that mean I am not fit??? Naaah.....

Still climbing....

You shouldn't then be surprised that I was preparing mentally to climb the hill over a week. Finally I gathered enough courage. I remembered too well from previous time the branch grabbing, the panic when faced almost flat surface that I was supposed to climbed over. Imagine my surprise when I saw stairs ! with handrail (?) and occasional benches! This is not how I remembered this hill. I say, well done!

And climbing, getting hazy...

The hill first was known as Pacholkenberg, that was in 1734. Between 1797 and 1945 the hill was called Carlsberg or Karlsberg, that essentially means Carl's Hill (lucky Carl, right? :) At one point the hill was managed by Cistercians, who converted the hill into some kind of a garden, they also build a view tower. Nice!

Old picture of the Hill

However I think it adds to the experience. Also it makes almost impossible to take still picture of the view up there, so the memories will be pretty much stored in one's mind than on photographic film.

And shaky finish :)

But whatever you do. Don't look down...

I looked down for you :)

Gdynia Downtown Beach

Panorama of Gdynia Downtown Beach

Today was a beautiful day. And that is even an understatement. A true spring day, the sun was shining bright, warm wind was blowing gently and there wasn't a single cloud on the sky. Naturally I decided I must go to the beach, the only question in mind was which one :) Since I haven't been to Gdynia in a while, I decided to go there.

Gorgeous beach, Gdynia

Gdynia Downtown Beach is one of the busiest beaches in Gdynia. Not only it is close to the  city centre and seaside boulevard, it is also close to Kosciuszki square (where are all the bars, cafes, restaurants and ships :).

Ship masts in the sun, Gdynia

This beach is one of the few that has all the amenities that a beach should have: showers, toilets, changing rooms, medical station and sunbeds rental. The beach is also life guarded in the season. There are also volleyball station to use freely.

Volleyball field at Gdynia Downtown Beach

There is also a playground for children, so if you are bored of running after your kid, who is trying to build a sand castle, or find a perfect seashell, you can just stick him in a swing and both of you will be happy :)

Lovely day at Gdynia Downtown Beach

Gdynia Downtown Beach also seen its share of great events too. Every year it hosts a concert that attracts thousand of people, called Cudawianki (Wonders Wreaths) that celebrates the end of school year, and more importantly, the beginning of summer. This beach also hosted RedBull Air Race in 2014.

Shiny waves at Gdynia Downtown Beach

But the thing I get most jealous about is the students of Maritime Academy of Gdynia, who get to live by that beach. How, you ask? Pretty easy, as there are student dorms located, I'd say literally on the beach, but it might be about 2 minutes walk. Not only the dorms are are close to the beach, most of the rooms comes with stunning sea views, that would cause your jaw to drop to the floor. And who says that being a student is tough?

Student dorms, Gdynia Downtown Beach

To sum up. If you are looking for a place to tan in peace, maybe read a book in quite, do not go to Gdynia Downtown Beach. However if you like vibrant places with plenty and more to do, this is definitely place for you. So, have fun!

Panorama of Gdynia Downtown Beach, take 2 :)

Beach on the Western Hills

Entrance to the Beach

After a long break I decided it is time to get a grip and do something productive. So despite harsh weather I set of the visit another beach. Not only this beach is one of the further once from city centre, it is also one that is very secluded.

Walk to the beach through forest

The beach is located in area that is called Górki Zachodnie, which translated to Western Hills, however I didn't notice any significant hills around. There is only one road that leads to that place. However if you can get there by water tram if you like. I've only been here couple of time, therefore I know only one entrance to the beach, and it is entrance number 21 :) .

Path leading to the beach

  Let me start by saying that Western Hills started as a fishermans village, there was also another settlement at the island called Neufährer Sandkathen. However since 1914 this area was included in city limits. As in many TriCity beaches there is forrest on the edge. But this forrest is much bigger than the other ones. Here it takes around 10 minutes drive from residential area, and by residential area I mean handful of houses, not more, to makeshift parking area. 

Walk to the beach

I guess that is the reason why this beach is one of the cleanest I have ever come across at Gdansk Bay. Small grained sand of beautiful sandie color and not that many people. Although when I visited this beach in the summer I had an impression that everybody knows everybody. But maybe that is just me :)

And finally the beach :)

One of the reasons why I decided to head out to beach today was this strong wind that we have been having for past few days. I was hoping for a proper sea storm. I saw storm once and it was breathtaking so I very much wanted to experience it again. Unfortunately I was very much disappointed, because the wind did close to nothing :(

Waves on Western Hills beach

Only when I arrived I realized that Western Hill beach is sheltered from one side by port...

The Port

... and breakwater from the other side.

The windbreaker

In my opinion this is perfect beach for people who prefer peace, quiet and nature.

Entrance to the Western Hills beach

The waves :)

I hope to return to Western Hills beach when weather improves. This time I was almost running back to car in rain and with numb fingers.