Bird Paradise

This place was on my radar for a long time - "Bird Paradise" reserve on Sobieszewo Island. In fact, I asked to go there as my birthday gift last year. Unfortunately, the trip didn’t end well. I start by saying that half of people that came didn’t want to leave the car. All because of huge amounts of mosquitos. Only me and my stepdad were brave enough to take a hike. Although it was a very short one.

This place was on my radar for a long time. In fact, I asked to go there as my birthday gift last year. Unfortunately, the trip didn’t end well. I start by saying that half of people that came didn’t want to leave the car. All because of huge amounts of mosquitos. Only me and my stepdad were brave enough to take a hike. Although it was a very short one.

We didn’t see many people, but surely we must have looked like crazy people. To protect ourselves from the incredible amount of mosquitoes we were waving our arms around us. Also, we were almost running. As a result, we didn’t get to see anything and end up with a record amount of mosquito bites.

Almost a year later and I managed to come back. This time, I wasn't attacked by an army of starving mosquitoes. I must say, though, that for a bird reserve, there is surprisingly very little birds there. I see more birds looking outside my bedroom window. Regardless of that, it is a beautiful place. Very peaceful and relaxing.

If you decide to go there for a walk, to which I encourage you, please take provisions and binoculars. Maybe then you will be able to finish the walk and spot some birds :) The route is quite long and there is no shops or stalls anywhere. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to finish the whole walk.I hope that next year will be the year I'll do that.

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?

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.

Night at the Museum

ESC and the Monument of Three Crosses 

This weekend I went for Night at the Museum. However there was no Ben Stiller, or exhibits coming alive at midnight. You might ask, how is that possible? The answer, as always, is simple. I went for the real Night at the Museum.

Emigration Museum and a ship as big as the building itself

Every year museums around Poland open their doors to visitors at night (from around 5pm to 2am). Not only the entrance is free (in majority:), there also are extra surprises that are one-off kinda thing.

You might see suitcases there

I had very ambitious plan. I wanted to start in Gdynia, at Emigration Museum as it was its opening day. Then I wanted to stop by European Solidarity Centre, as I never been since it opened. I also wanted to see Tower Clock Museum (who wouldn't! right?) and finish of at Westerplatte.

Or, a picture of modern supermarket

We got to the Emigration Museum around 6pm to discover a bubble-shaped queue in front of entrance to the main exhibit area . No worries, we got in in a blink of an eye (about 40 minute blink:). Main exhibit area reminded me of a maze, (the "road" was twisty:) each room was so different from the previous one. I did try to read about the exhibits and gain the knowledge of polish emigration, however I had others museums at the back of my head, so I read about 50% information, but I saw 100% of pictures :)

You definitely gonna see that and you will love it even more :)

By the time we got out the queue quadruple in size and transformed into a line, and I couldn't be more pleased with myself:) So I grabbed a bagel from food truck upfront and hit the road. The only problem was the time. It was 10pm already (how????). So, of we rushed off to European Solidarity Centre.

You might be able to leave a message here...

As we entered from side door and headed upstairs to the exhibition rooms I was amazed and very happy that there is no queues. Until we were stopped at top of the stairs and directed to cash desk to purchase tickets. Then I saw it. The queue writhed like a snake. Estimated waiting time: 1,5 hrs. As the bets on waiting time started rolling in a miracle happen: a lady came over and offered her tickets. I almost lost the tickets as I was so surprised I didn't respond to her and there were plenty of people that were more than happy to take advantage of the offer. Thankfully the lady had her heart set on me, for which I am more than grateful :)

and enjoy show here.

The next thing we did was speed touring. Even with our almost running pace it took us around 2 hours to walk though all the exhibition rooms. However I am not sure if I got them all, as I got a little bit lost in the meantime. I guess it doesn't matter as much, as I would have to come back because I got around 5% information and 40% pictures.

Resistors

Purposefully I am not describing any exhibition pieces and I don't want to spoil the fun for those of you who will go see it. For anyone interested in history, especially polish history both of the places will be interesting. Otherwise go to the beach instead:)

And you can admire rooftop view :)

Although I didn't "make the plan" I consider this year's Night at the Museum as successful. Did you ever got to experience the real Night at the Museum yourself?

Forest. Run.

So what did you do this weekend? I got lost in a jungle. Well, almost :)

Swampish river

I decided to try one of them orientation walks. Silly as I am, I imagined something in terms of a childhood game, I loved and played when I was young - Paper Chase. I found an orientation walk that offered different difficulty levels, to not be cocky I signed up fo the easiest one. The boot message said to bring compass, so I downloaded one on my phone (although I am not convinced it really works, but I don't know how to work a compass, so it was fine by me:).

Other "gamers"

Luckily for me, I managed to find "volunteer" to tag along. As we arrived I was full of enthusiasm, that unfortunately decreased by the minute (we got lost on our way to the starting point :(

Berry bushes

I determined to do the walk and come back alive. Even when at starting line I asked if I can be explained the rules of the game and was told that the remaining 5 minutes to my start wasn't enough time, or when I saw advanced team map in a shape of a thong (and as wide).

Our map

Time... Start! So off we went (in the wrong direction) about 10 meters away. I had no idea how to read the map we were given, there was no mark indicating where we (except start/finishing line circle). I'd just say: thank heavens for my partner and GPS! Half the time I didn't know where we were.

Polypore

According to the rules, we had 3 hours and 12 points to find. It took us 1 hour to find first point. Beginner's pace I guess:) I didn't mind though. I love forest, I grew up around it, played in it, so I was happy.

Intersection

During our 5 hour walk we saw rabbit hole, wild deer, duck and a terrifying wild snail. My partner lost his shoe twice, we ended up at swamp couple of times and most of the time we were pretty lost.

Can you see the duck? It is there.

Overall, if you like spending time outdoor and always say yes to an adventure, I'd say: Go on orientation walk! I explored Tricity Landscape Park, but there is plenty to choose from: bike orientation, night orientation or kayak orientation.

Feeding station

If you feel it's not your cup of tea, but still enjoy outdoors, I'd say: Go to Tricity Landscape Park. There is plenty of paths for both biking and walking. I was actually surprised how many people go to the park and take advantage of the peacefulness in the city.

Highway

But remember! Whatever you take with yourself take it back with you. Do not leave any rubbish in the forest! Ever!